How Do You Prepare Your Cat for Surgery?

Numerous conditions may require your cat to have surgery. For instance, surgery may be the only way to save the cat's life if your cat has internal bleeding, skin lacerations, or bladder stones.

You may feel anxious about your cat undergoing surgery as a pet owner. However, you can do things to help them — and yourself — feel more prepared. Discover tips to prepare your cat for surgery.

Ensure the Cat Is Up-to-Date With Immunizations

This step is ideal some days before the surgery to ensure the cat's body is in top condition. Some vaccines stimulate the cat's immune system but require at least a few days to be most effective. Therefore, don't wait until the last minute to immunize your pet.

Keep Up With the Cat's Medication

Your pet is likely already on some form of medication to manage the condition for which they need surgery. Observe the dosage and routine the veterinarian prescribed to ensure that your cat's body is as strong as possible before the surgery.

Update the Cat's Diet

Your veterinarian will advise you on whether or not to change your cat's diet before surgery. Stock up on the appropriate food a few days in advance so that you don't have to worry about it on the day of the surgery.

Your vet may also advise you not to feed your cat anything 12 hours before the surgery to ensure that their stomach is empty. And as hard as watching them go without food may be, follow this advice to avoid complications.

For example, the anesthesia may relax the cat's swallowing reflex. Consequently, food or vomit could end up in the cat's lungs and cause pneumonia.

Prepare the Cat's Room

Your cat will need a quiet, comfortable place to recover after the surgery. Prepare the pet's room and ensure it's clean and safe post-surgery. For instance, put away any toys or objects that could hurt them during recovery. Change the bedding, and get rid of litter that could irritate their skin.

Place food and water within easy reach so the cat does not move around too much when they're hungry or thirsty. Finally, consider getting a cat condo or some other soft bedding for them to lay on.

Ensure the Cat Gets Adequate Rest

Your pet will require a lot of energy to heal after surgery. Therefore, let them rest as much as possible in the days and weeks leading up to the surgery. Give them plenty of cuddles and keep them calm to help lower their stress levels.

Maintain the Usual Morning Routine

On surgery day, try to keep your cat's morning routine as normal as possible. This tip means feeding them at the usual time if possible and letting them outside if they typically go outdoors.

Get to the Veterinarian's Office Early

Plan to arrive at the vet's office minutes before the surgery. This tip will allow you time to complete any necessary paperwork and ask final questions. The idea will also help your cat feel less anxious if they're not rushed on the day of the surgery.

Your vet will prepare your pet for surgery, and you may need to wait in the reception area during the procedure.

The tips above can make the surgery process much smoother for you and your cat. Most importantly, choose a reliable and experienced veterinarian to perform the surgery. With the right team, your cat will return to their old self in no time.

You can trust us to provide the best possible care for your cat. We have a team of skilled and compassionate veterinarians dedicated to providing the highest quality of care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.