Pain and discomfort are two main reasons that cats hide in their litter box after surgery. Call your veterinarian to discuss the pain medications and any changes needed to the pain-management plan to ensure that your cat is not in pain. Make sure you are following all instructions to restrict your cat's activity.
Fear or Anxiety: Introducing new animals to the house, moving to a new home, loud noises, pain or illness can all give cats anxiety. Often, an anxious or stressed-out cat will take refuge in a familiar and safe place and a litter box–especially one that's covered–can be a comforting place to be.
Some pets may urinate less after surgery or may seem to be unable to control urination. This is usually temporary and may be a side effect of medication, anesthesia drugs, or difficulty assuming “the position” to urinate.
Many cats disappear to their favorite hiding spot when they are in pain, and others simply conceal their discomfort. Stay vigilant and look for excessive agitation, crying, hissing, or limping. Your feline may avoid playing, jumping, or being held if these activities cause pain.
Your cat's behavior is usually caused by feeling disorientated after the anesthetic and being extra sensitive and vulnerable. It may also be a sign they're in pain. Your cat may also be more stressed and anxious than usual.
These behaviors typically diminish as more time passes and the anesthetic agents wear off. Cats and kittens are typically back to their previous dispositions 24 hours post-operative, although it can take longer.
Getting Over the Effects of General Anesthetic
Effects of general anesthetic may include temporary sleepiness or shakiness on their feet. These after-effects are quite normal and should fade with rest. Temporary lack of appetite is also quite common in cats who are recovering from the effects of general anesthesia.
A cat in pain may express themselves in the following ways:
The cat may sit hunched over with their head lowered and back curved higher than normal. The cat may appear as if they are trying to curl up in a tight ball.
Depending on the type of procedure, medications used during the procedure, post-operative medications, and/or fluid therapy, it may be normal for your cat to urinate frequently the first 24-48 hours after leaving the hospital. Many factors can influence the volume of urine and fluid that is produced in a cat's body.
Is this normal? Your cat was given a general anesthetic or a sedative. These drugs can take several hours to wear off and may cause some patients to appear drowsy for a day or so. Over the next 24-48 hours, your cat's behavior should gradually return to normal.
Other rare complications of anesthesia include organ system failure such as kidney, liver or heart failure, visual impairment, clotting disorders and seizures. Every precaution will be taken to minimize these risks when anesthesia is a necessary part of treatment.
Small Bathroom or Laundry Room: If a large kennel isn't possible or practical, you can place your cat in a small bathroom or laundry room. However, there will likely be surfaces — anything from a windowsill or countertop, to a toilet or washing machine — that your cat may try to jump on.
How often should my pet urinate after surgery? In most cases, your pet should urinate at least 1-2 times a day. If your pet is not urinating at least once a day, please seek veterinary attention.
Your cat may have litter box trouble for any number of reasons, including medical problems, an aversion to the litter box, or a preference for urinating or defecating in places outside the box. Any medical condition that interferes with a cat's normal urination or defecation behavior can cause litter box problems.
Think food puzzles to engage minds and bodies, vertical space for climbing and surveying their domain, scratching posts, safe outdoor access (like a catio), window perches and interactive play. “Play is an important part of relieving stress,” Delgado says. “It helps cats release those feel-good hormones.”
Use your other hand to find the bladder from underneath the cat's body. Once you find the bladder, make a cup with your hand and wrap it around the bladder. Now gently squeeze and push towards the bottom. Do this until the cat starts to pee.
Your kitty might also not be able to defecate or urinate normally for the first 24 to 48 hours after their procedure, if your cat isn't able to relieve themselves normally after 72 hours have passed it's time to call your vet. You also have to monitor your cat's incision site carefully for bleeding.
Behaviour signs of a cat in pain
Lethargy. Decreased interest in positive things like playing, social interaction and exploring outside. Being withdrawn and hiding away. Appearing lame and experiencing increased sensitivity to touch in specific areas of their body.
Although purring typically indicates happiness in our cats, they also purr to communicate when they are stressed, anxious or trying to communicate other needs, such as if they are in pain or uncomfortable.
Signs Of Obvious Distress
Cats are typically very stoic animals, so if your cat suddenly seems to be in distress, it is a cause for concern. Howling, crying, hiding, and otherwise acting in a way that is out of character for your pet should alert you that something may be seriously wrong.
Very few surgeries require 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.
o Many cats will not have a bowel movement for the first 3-4 days after surgery. o Reasons that a cat will not have a regular bowel movement after surgery include: - Your cat has been fasted prior to surgery. - Your cat may not have eaten well during their hospital stay or the first few days home.
Yes, spaying makes no difference to using the litter box. If you have one with a high lip or lid which might cause them difficulty getting into out out of, it might be worth getting a shallower one, but usually spaying doesn't seem to cause them any real difficulty with mobility.