How to Take Care of a Cat That Just Got Spayed

Spaying prevents unwanted litters of kittens.
i Kittens image by Ewa Chojak from Fotolia.com

The feline spay, also known as ovariohysterectomy, is the complete removal of both ovaries and the uterus. Although the surgery is common practice and most cats do well after the procedure, you can help ensure a safe, quick recovery by following a few tips.

Step 1

Give your cat a safe, dark room to escape from the hustle and bustle of other animals and your daily chores. This will allow her a quiet place to heal.

Step 2

Withhold food and water for the first day after discharge, or longer if advised by the surgeon.

Step 3

Keep your cat from bouncing off the furniture, playing roughly or running rampant. While this may be difficult, it will help keep the sutures or stitches intact and help prevent any rips or pain.

Step 4

Distract your cat with treats or even an Elizabethan collar to prevent her from licking her stitches or incision. Again, this may be difficult.

Step 5

Use a dust-free litter in the litter box as dust may aggravate the wound.

Step 6

Monitor the incision daily to make sure it's healing properly. Contact your vet immediately if you notice anything strange about the wound. It is not uncommon for the area around the incision to swell.

Step 7

Avoid baths for 10 days to 2 weeks following the surgery to prevent aggravating the incision.

Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.

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