Myth: Spay or neuter surgery is painful and can harm my dog or cat. Truth: During a spay or neuter surgery, dogs and cats are fully anesthetized, so they feel no pain. Afterward, some animals may experience some discomfort.
Since your cat can experience pain or discomfort from her procedure for 5-7 days after the surgery, it's important to make sure she's as comfortable as possible.
Spaying makes for a calmer cat. Without the drive to mate, your cat may be quieter and won't be prone to cat calls and the incessant need to seek out a mate. The spayed pet no longer attracts males and their annoying advances and serenades. Spayed cats are also easier to get along with.
Spaying your cat is a major surgical procedure that involves her going under anesthesia. During the surgery, your veterinarian will make an incision in your cat's abdomen, then remove the ovaries and/or uterus. The incision is then closed with several layers of stitches, which are often removed after seven to ten days.
Don't try to pet or play with your cat immediately after surgery. While this may feel reassuring to you, it may just keep your cat from feeling safe and rested. Avoid lifting your cat unless it's absolutely necessary. You can easily tear your cat's surgical incision if you lift or move your cat too much.
If the cat is being admitted the following morning, all food must be removed at bedtime (10-11 pm) the night before. It is fine to let her have access to drinking water overnight, but you should also take this away at breakfast time (7 am) the day of surgery.
Sudden jumping or stretching can disrupt the healing process and may even cause the incision to reopen. Thankfully, few procedures require a significant crate or cage rest to help your cat recover, and most outdoor cats will be able to cope well with staying indoors for a few days as they recover.
The best approach to keeping cats quiet after surgery is to keep recently spayed or neutered cats in one cat-proofed room for a few days. This effectively isolates them from others who might play or harass them during their recovery.
After Surgery. Keep your pet inside and restrict activity for 10 days. This allows tissue time to heal and avoids the incision from opening up.
Spaying a cat will usually stop the constant yowling because it stops their heat cycles. However, they can still yowl on occasion.
Monitoring the Cat Spay Incision
Because of that incision, you shouldn't bathe your cat for 10 days after the surgery, Bierbrier says. And your cat licking the incision can cause infections, so you may need an Elizabethan collar—otherwise known as the dreaded "cone of shame"—to keep her away from it.
Most pets will stay at the hospital the night after they are spayed or neutered for observation. However, some pets may be allowed to go home that evening. Remember, your pet had a major surgery with anesthetic and they may be drowsy or may try to hide.
Do not allow your cat to lick or scratch at the incision, as there is a danger that the cat may pull out the stitches or may introduce an infection into the incision. As long as the incision is not bandaged, inspect it at least twice daily.
Restricting Movement. Our vets will probably recommend that you limit the movements of your cat as much as possible for around a week following their surgery.
The cone should stay on until the site is fully healed, and/or the sutures are removed. Most sutures and staples are left in for 10-14 days. Other lesions may take less or more time than that to heal completely.
Effects of general anesthetic may include temporary sleepiness or shakiness on their feet. These after-effects are quite normal and should fade with rest.
Once spayed or neutered, keep in mind that it may take up to one month after the surgery for the cat to exhibit appropriate behavior. Also note that cats spayed or neutered after 1-2 years of age may continue aggressive behavior.
Best Places to Put a Cat After Surgery
“airplane-style” dog crate for their cat's post-op recovery space. These crates often have more than enough room for a bed where a cat can lounge and relax, but not get into too much trouble. A large enough crate should provide space for their litter box and food/water.
When should you have your cat fixed? Each pet is unique and your vet will be able to offer advice on when you should have your cat spayed or neutered. However, we typically recommend spaying or neutering kittens at around five to six months old. Adult cats can also be spayed or neutered.
Alternatives to the “cone of shame” are inflatable collars, soft E-collars and neck brace collars. Try covering the wound with soft fabric secured by medical tape to prevent licking. Keep pets busy with other fun things to distract them from licking wounds.
Unless they are receiving CRI medications, most cats receive an injection of a narcotic pain reliever immediately after surgery. They also generally receive a dose of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to decrease both pain and inflammation.
Your pet may feel nauseous, and it can take up to 48 hours for their appetite to return to normal. You may notice your pet received a small green tattoo, indicating they've been sterilized. This tattoo is not an extra incision and does not require cleaning.
The procedure typically can last from 20 to 90 minutes to perform, depending on your pet's size and any special medical considerations. In older pets or large-breed dogs, the procedure can take longer and may require two surgeons to perform.
After Spay Surgery
Your pet may be nauseous following the procedure and not want to eat for a day or two. This is normal, and it's important to not force any meals during this time. Some animals may cough after surgery due to irritation caused by the anesthesia tube.