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Cat are known to be curious by nature. They love to explore their surroundings and anything new around them will pique their interest! Sometimes this curiosity can have harmful repercussions. Whether your cat ingested something he/she should not have, or if they had a spaying/ neutering procedure, post-operative recovery period is crucial for pet safety.

One of the most painful experiences for a pet parent is to watch their loved pet in pain. Here are a few tips on how to take care of your cat after surgery:

Create a safe spot:

If you live in a house, you can reserve some space in one of the rooms that can serve as a haven for your sick kitty. Before you bring your cat home from the doctor, make sure you have cat-proofed the room. If you think your active cat will try to jump on the furniture, place a cushion near the bed or chair so they can use it as a step to climb gently. Most pet stores have pet stairs or pet ramp that you can purchase for the safety of your pet. Are you living in an apartment? You can DIY and create a safe hub for your cat. Take an empty carton and place it sideways leaving an opening for them. Place a small soft blanket on top of it and let your cat have some private time there till they recover.

Use a barrier or folding gate:

If you live in a house and fear that your cat will try to go downstairs or upstairs to one of the bedrooms, invest in a pet barrier or a folding gate. Place it where you think it is most needed. If your cat has just come home with sutures or stitches, you need to keep an eye on them. Damaged sutures can lead to infections and other health problems. Upon discharge, your vet will give you an instruction paper that will clearly outline the post-op recovery period suggestions. One of the most important things a pet parent needs to do is to help their pet avoid any kind of exertion, especially during the first few days after the surgery.

Inspect the incision:

Pet owners also need to check and inspect their cat’s incision area frequently. It may be red and swollen for the first day or two, but it should get better as time goes by. If you notice any discharge, redness, swelling, or seepage, call the vet right away. Sometimes doctors can ask questions over the phone and determine the severity of the situation. Never ignore an incision or wound that looks questionable. Ensure the fastest and most complete recovery for your cat by discussing your pet’s specific post-op recovery, recheck instructions with the veterinary team, and follow those instructions.

Gift of comfort:

What is the best thing you can do for your cat who is recovering from surgery? Give them the gift of your attention, care, and love. Your loved cat can go through a lot of exhaustion, weakness, and fear after surgery. They may also suffer bouts of pain during their recovery. Following the post-op recovery plan and administering medications on time will help them heal faster but what will help them feel secure and happy is your love and time.

Are you planning to book your cat’s wellness exam anytime soon? Maybe you want to take your kitty for a checkup? Paws en route can help. Paws en route, a GTA based pet taxi service, provides safe and timely pet transportation. Let us know if you have any questions. Book a ride with us today!

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