My cat is going to desex.

[PikaPika88]

My six months old female cat is going to desex (spay) on Thursday.  I have several questions.  Hope someone can share their experiences with me.  Thanks.

1. -- Do you need to bath her before admitted?  
2. -- What should I prepare before the operation?
3. -- What could I expect after the operation?
4. -- Can she walk when I pick her up on the next day?
5. -- Do I need to dress her wound after the operation?
6. -- Would she in pain after the operation?
7. -- Do I need to feed her medication like anti-biotic and/or pain killer?
8. -- What should and shouldn't do for her best after the operation?
9. -- What is the best food to feed her after the operation?
10. -- Do I need to take her back to remove the stitches?

I'm very worrying.  May be getting panicking.  She will come home on Friday morning.

[PikaPika88]

Thank you.  The vet did give her an antibiotic injection.  I saw it on my bill.

[nancyjac]

As long as the wound looks good, I wouldn't dress it or use anything on it.  That might cause her to lick at it excessively and could pose a greater risk of infection than doing nothing.  Sounds like she is doing just fine.

[PikaPika88]

Thanks Jade.

My kitty has gain back her 100% activity.  She's not even jumps up and down.  She climbs up to the window.  Eat normally, vee a little more 3 times a day than before .  She use to be vee once a day.  

Do I need to dress her wound?  Like apply some Povidone-iodine or swab?  I can see it has 2 stitches.  The wound looks dry and clean.  The stitches will be removed on 18/06/2010.  

[Jade59]

Hi,

Glad to see your kitty came through the surgery and is doing so well.  She may be a little constipated due to the pain meds.    

One thing, though...I would keep her as quiet as possible and not let her play with the dog just yet and no jumping up and down from tables, counters, etc...if possible.  

[PikaPika88]

She is on my lap right now.  Half side (L) of her tummy shaved.  Left ear also painted "green" - tattoo!   2 weeks later will need to go back and remove the stitch.  I'm not sure how many stitches there?  So far I saw one.  She eats pretty well.  Haven't poo poo yet but vee once already.

She was walking around the house then hide underneath the bed.  everyone called her but she is not response.  End up we let the dog down from his box home.  She then immediately came out and play with the dog.  

I think she is alright now but her 2 big eyes keep starring at us.  Sound likes "confused".

[Jade59]

I know it was hard to deny food, then drop your kitty off at the vet, but you're a good mom to take such good care of her and get her spayed.  She will be a happier and healthier cat because you cared so much.  She'll be ok, honey.  It's definitely harder on us so try to look at this way...she's probably a little doped up from the surgery and on some pain meds so just sleeping her time away.  By the time she's completely alert, it'll be time for you to pick her up and bring her home.  

Let us know how your girl is.

[PrettyKitty1]

Poor kitty. Just be patient and keep reassuring her. She will come around!

[nancyjac]

Most cats don't like having their routine upset, particularly when it involves a car ride and being left in a new and strange place.  The good thing is that cats have pretty short memories and get over it quite quickly.  It's usually harder on us than it is on them.  Let us know how she is doing when you get her home.

[PikaPika88]

I brought her in this morning.  She is very upset.  When I hold her, cuddle and pet her, she doesn't want to look at me......  She kept putting her head under my armpit.  She asked many times for food.  I just unable to give her any.  She might think I am going to put her back on the street..... May be the last, her owner before me also cuddle and pet her before left her on the street.  She is thinking I'll do the same thing.  I really miss her.  Will going to pick her up tomorrow morning.

Thank you for the posts.  I'll update her situation her.

[PrettyKitty1]

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet but try to keep her from jumping and running until her incision heals completely. You may find that jumping causes some stitches to accidentally come out and it could cause infection and pain. Try to keep her comfortable. If you have other cats I would keep her separated from them to avoid any incidents. Some hissing is normal. Reassuring her will be key to making her feel safe: Pet her, keep her comfy in a blanket, keep the area where she is laying clean and dry, and offer food although she may not want to eat much but it really depends on the cat.

Good Luck

[opus88]

be very sure kitty doesn't eat or drink 12 hrs before surgery!!!

best of luck to kitty.

[nancyjac]

1, No, unless she is extremely dirty to the point where dirt could enter and infect the incision.
2. Nothing different from usual.
3.  She may not be as active for the first 24 hours or so.  Keep an eye on her to keep her from excessively licking the incision or other activities that could be iritating to the incision.  The vet will probably give you a sheet with these kinds of instructions.
4.  Yes
5.  No, unless there are complications (rare), there is no dressing.
6.  Maybe some mild discomfort or irritation for the first day or so, but not actual pain.
7.  Not usually, but if the vet is concerned about infection for any reason, he will give you the meds and instructions when you pick her up.
8.  See number 3.
9.  Same food you were feeding her before the operation.
10.  Probably not.  Most vets use self-desolving stitching.

Spaying is a very simple and relatively low risk surgery.  Your kitten will be fine.