Hi Kelly,
After surgery, it is important to use the E collar (plastic cone) 24/7 to prevent licking.
As a surgeon, I can only agree that it is an annoying but critical point. Call it a necessary evil.
In fact, it you leave it on 24/7, your kitty will get used to it quickly. She can eat, drink, pee, poop and sleep with it.
Taking it off and putting it back on when you leave the house or go to bed may be taken as a punishment, and most pets will try to get rid of it.
As for your other questions, keep working with your vet to pin point why your kitty won't eat and has vomited. On the poop front, if nothing goes in... not much will come out...
Good luck and please keep us posted.
Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS
Pet surgeon and author of a free, weekly newsletter for true pet lovers, available at DrPhilZeltzman.com
Hi Kelly...I am so sorry to hear that there were complications with your kitty's spay surgery and recovery. Most of the time these surgeries have no issues whatsoever.
I would like one of our surgeons to comment on this so I will just say a couple of words here and let the experts answer your question.
I have seen many cases where pets (dogs more than cats) have caused some serious damage by licking at their surgical sites. At our hospitals, all of our surgical releases get written post op instructions in addition to verbal instructions. Often, owners are so anxious and excited to get their pets home, a lot of the after care instructions aren't clearly heard so we opted to give owners a written instruction list as well.
Two surgeries in this time frame plus an infection is very hard on the body and your kitty is likely having a hard time coping with everything. Talk to your veterinarian about trying some different foods to encourage her appetite (if she stops vomiting).
Good luck with her and I will message the surgeons to take a look at this question.