Numerous health conditions may necessitate surgery for your cat. For instance, if your cat is diagnosed with kidney stones, internal bleeding, or a tumor, surgery is the best treatment for these issues. In the same way, a fracture or wound may require surgical help.
Whatever the reason for surgery is, an operation is an invasive procedure that requires adequate preparation to ease your cat and ensure a smooth recovery. Discover some helpful tips to prepare your cat for surgery.
Ensure the Cat Is Vaccinated
Surgery preparations start a week before the operation when you take your pet for a medical checkup. Make sure that all vaccinations are up-to-date before the surgery date. And in case of any missing records, ask your veterinarian to help and ensure to update them. This tip gives the medicine enough time to protect the pet against diseases and infections before the operation.
Prepare the Cat's Space
As the surgery day approaches, prepare the space where your cat will be sleeping and recovering. Create a safe, comfortable, warm, and peaceful area by decluttering and pet-proofing the room. Remove any potential hazards like pet toys and litter that may cause distraction or harm your pet during surgery recovery.
If you have other pets, keep them away to create a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. For example, you can fence off the pet's area to keep other animals away.
Don't Feed the Cat Before Surgery
Veterinarians suggest that you don't feed your cat the night before surgery. This tip is critical, especially if the procedure requires anesthesia, as the medicine may sometimes cause vomiting. Follow the vet's instructions on when to stop food and water intake before surgery. In some cases, the vet may advise you to offer special diets or food to your pet and stop some days before the procedure.
Help the Cat Get Enough Rest
Surgery is a draining process, so your cat will need energy to recover. Help your pet get enough rest and sleep. Avoid playing with your cat too much in the days leading to surgery, as that may tire and stress your pet out. You may offer as many cuddles and petting as possible to help your cat sleep. And try helpful techniques such as massage and petting to keep your cat calm and relaxed.
Observe the Normal Morning Routine on Surgery Day
On the day of surgery, follow the pet's usual morning routine. Make sure that your pet stays active and monitored throughout the process.
For example, if your vet has advised you to keep feeding your pet, ensure you offer pet food before taking it to the hospital. And if your pet care routine includes sunbathing before you start your day, ensure you provide your pet enough time to bask in the sun before taking it for surgery.
Get to the Veterinarian a Few Hours Before Surgery
When you arrive early, you avoid any last-minute rush or stress between your pet and the hospital staff. Plus, you allow your pet enough time to rest and relax before its operation. Furthermore, when you arrive at the pet medical care facility early, you can ask questions if you have any, and you can calmly fill out the pet medical forms.
By following the tips above, you can prepare your pet for a smooth surgery experience and recovery. Remain calm and organized, and get as much information as possible from your vet. Also, check in with your cat's veterinarian after the surgery for post-operation instructions. Most importantly, choose a reputable and experienced pet care provider to ensure your pet gets the best medical care.
Pet Medical Center of Vero Beach is your trusted pet medical care provider for all pet care needs. We offer pet vaccinations, surgeries, and medicines for your pet's full-cycle health needs.
Contact us for a consultation.
