If your female cat is booked in for a desexing procedure, then they will spend a little time in your vet's clinic or hospital after their surgery. However, you should be able to bring them home quite soon after their operation.
This can be a concerning time for people whose pets have never had surgery before. However, if you know what to expect, then you can help your pet get better faster and reduce your own anxiety. What do you need to know?
Your Cat Will Be Tired
Female cats have a general anaesthetic when they are desexed. While they come around in your vet's clinic or hospital, it will take a while for them to get over their anaesthesia.
So, your cat might be sleepy when you bring it home. It might not do the things it normally does. It might simply curl up and catch up on its sleep. Typically, your cat should be more alert and awake the day after its procedure.
Your Cat Might Hide Away From You
An anaesthetic can make your cat feel woozy. Its surgical site might feel sore and inflamed. Plus, if your pet doesn't like going to the vet, then the whole experience of going in for a procedure might have stressed it out.
It might shut down a little when it gets home before it starts to relax. It might ignore you or not want to relax in its usual spots. It might simply hide away for a while until it feels more comfortable. Once it settles down, it should start to behave more normally.
Your Cat Might Not Be Hungry or Thirsty
Some cats are very hungry after a desexing procedure. They won't have eaten for a few hours before they had an anaesthetic and might have waited for a few more hours before they come home. They might have a big appetite and want to drink a lot of water.
However, some cats lose their appetites for a little while after surgery. They might have post-anaesthetic nausea or might have lost their appetites because of stress.
If your cat doesn't have an immediate appetite, then don't worry. Make sure that it has fresh food and water if it wants it. Your pet should generally start eating and drinking again after a few hours or on the day after its surgery.
For more information on the pet desexing process and how it might affect your cat, talk to your vet.
