Tips For Helping Your Cat Recover From Surgery
When your pet has surgery, it's a difficult time for both of you. Your cat may have discomfort as they heal and you may worry about your pet's health. No matter what type of surgery your cat has, it's important to follow the veterinarian's orders for the recovery period. Here are some tips for helping your cat recover from a surgical procedure.
Use A Cone To Protect The Wound
One of the most important parts of the recovery process is to leave the incision alone so the skin can stitch itself back together. Your cat doesn't understand this, and if your pet can reach the incision, they will lick or chew at the stitches until the wound opens back up. Your vet can provide a cone for your cat to wear if it's necessary so they can't reach their incision. Although you may hate to see your cat wear a cone, it's important for proper wound healing.
Restrict Your Cat's Activities
Rest is also important during recovery from surgery. Being too active too soon can open the incision or cause rubbing against the incision that leads to an infection. Keep your cat in a small area of the house or in a crate so they don't have room to run and jump, but where they will still have room to stand and move around to get comfortable. Even though your cat is confined, they'll need to be checked often since the confinement may be stressful, especially when they start feeling better. Your vet will let you know how long your cat has to be on restricted activity. Keep children and other animals away from your pet during this time so your cat stays calm and isn't hurt accidentally. Also, keep your cat indoors until your vet says it's okay to go back outside so the wound stays clean.
Give Medications As Instructed
You may need to give your cat medications after the surgery. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics and pain medication and it's important to give these drugs on schedule. If you can't get your cat to take them, call the vet for advice. You'll also want to watch for signs the medications aren't working. If your cat seems to be in a lot of pain or if the incision looks like it's getting infected, call your vet and let them know.
Spend Lots Of Time With Your Pet
Your cat may sleep a lot the first day after surgery until all the medications wear off. Once your cat is awake, try to spend as much time with them as you can as long as it doesn't get them excited or agitated. Plan the surgery for when you'll have time off from work to help your cat through the recovery phase. Pet surgery is hard on your pet because of the physical pain involved, but also because of the emotional stress, so you want to provide as much loving support as possible until your cat is back to their usual routine.
Be sure to talk to a qualified vet or animal hospital like Buck Road Animal Hospital for any other questions you may have about pet surgery.
