Q&A for How to Care for Your Cat After Neutering or Spaying

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How long after spaying does a cat get back to normal?

Natalie Punt, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Natalie Punt is a Veterinarian and the Founder and CEO of mPet- a smart phone app for pet owners to store, manage and transfer their pets medical records and health information. She specializes in small animal emergency and general medicine and veterinary practice economics. Dr. Punt holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of California, Davis, an MS in Biochemistry from The University at Buffalo, and a DVM from Western University of Health Sciences.

Natalie Punt, DVM

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

It takes cats about 3-4 days to recover after being spayed, since the procedure is a little more invasive than neutering.

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Question

Is it okay to remove the collar one week after surgery?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

The recommended time to keep the collar on is 7-10 days. If the incision site looks neat, clean, and free of discharge, then taking the collar off should be fine. If the wound is swollen, looks irritated, or is weeping, keep the collar on and contact the vet.

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Question

Should my male cat stay overnight at vet's after being neutered?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Not usually. Neutering the male is a quick and relatively minor procedure which is considered day surgery. However, in the rare event that the vet felt he needed extra pain relief or monitoring after the anesthetic, then they may suggest the cat boards overnight.

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Question

My cat freaked out wearing the cone, and I was afraid she would hurt herself. Is it okay to leave the cone off?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Watch her carefully to make sure she does not lick, chew, or pull at her stitches. If she is showing interest in the incision, then try and improvise a covering with a baby onesie to cover her body. The main risk is that she pulls the sutures out and the wound opens up. The incision should be healed in 7-10 days.

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Question

What should I do when my female cat (who was spayed 3 days ago) refuses to eat or drink?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

This is not normal, and she should be checked by a vet. It could be an indication she is in pain, has internal bleeding, or has an infection. The vet needs to work out what the problem is and start appropriate treatment. In the meantime, try putting food and water near to her and moistening her mouth with water.

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Question

I work sometimes for up to 10 hours per day. Will it be okay for my cat to be home alone during this recovery time?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

The vast majority of cats just want to be in familiar surroundings and sleep immediately after surgery. It might be wise to be around the first day she comes home. But, after that, as long as she has food, water, a litter tray, and comfy place to snooze, she will be fine home alone.

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Question

Should my cat stay indoors after being neutered?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

For the first 24 hours after surgery, your cat will still be groggy from the anesthetic. This makes him more vulnerable, so it's best to keep him indoors. In addition, your cat is not as good at controlling his body temperature, and if the weather is chilly, he may become too cold.

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