Feline Spay (Ovariohysterectomy) Aftercare

The surgery to spay your cat is a routine but, nonetheless, major abdominal surgery. It involves removing the entire uterus as well as both ovaries and requires a general anesthetic. The night after the surgery, your cat may be sleepy and may not want to eat or drink. You can offer small amounts of food and water after 6 PM this evening - large amounts of either, on an empty stomach, may induce vomiting. If your cat vomits, take away all food and water and try again in the morning. She should be able to return to her normal feeding schedule in 1-2 days. You may notice some redness, a small amount of swelling, even some moisture along the incision line in the first few days. This is normal and should resolve without treatment, though you can gently cleanse the area with water or hydrogen peroxide to keep it clean and dry. Keep your cat from licking the incision line. If necessary, you can purchase an Elizabethan Collar to insure that she won't bother her incision when you are not at home to monitor her. Your cat may have external sutures. External skin sutures need to be removed in 10-14 days. Please call for a technician appointment. If your cat coughs a little during the first 24 hours, this is probably due to irritation from the tube that was placed in her throat to maintain the gas anesthesia. If coughing persists, or you have any questions or worries, don't hesitate to call the hospital. We recommend that you restrict your cat's activity for at least 5 days. The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin any course of treatment without consulting your regular veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every 12 months.