Being a responsible pet owner means that you get your kitty fixed so he can't impregnate the neighborhood felines. When you get your little furry companion home, he'll need a little special attention during recovery. He'll be able to use the litter box, but you'll need to use a special litter.
Type of Litter
Your purring pal can use his litter box as soon as he gets home. Instead of traditional cat litter, fill his litter box with shredded newspaper. If your fuzzy pal is particularly finicky and refuses to use the shredded newspaper, pick up newspaper-based litter from the pet store. This type of litter, made from recycled newspaper, is in the form of pellets. It has a more similar feel to cat litter, giving him the opportunity to dig in his box, without increasing the risk of infecting his wound.
Litter Dangers
Clay litter or clumping litter can stick to his hindquarters and possibly enter his healing surgical site. Another concern of traditional clay or clumping litter is dust entering the surgical incision, further upping his risk of problems occurring in the area. Shredded newspaper or pellet-type litter won't stick to the wound on his rear end or create a dust cloud, lessening his risk of irritation and infection, explains VetInfo.
Litter Considerations
Cats tend to be picky, and if he doesn't like his litter he might be discouraged from using his potty area. If he refuses to eliminate in shredded newspaper after surgery, you can give him traditional clay litter. However, you'll need to avoid clumping litters that can stick to wet fur around his incision. Avoid scented litters that can irritate his sensitive healing skin and use plain, unscented clay litter instead. You should also make sure there are an adequate amount of litter boxes in your home. Have at least one litter box per kitty and make sure you keep one on each floor. This way if one kitty is using the box upstairs, your recovering furry friend can use another litter box without having to wait.
Missing the Box
Ideally you should have your fuzzy little man fixed around 6 months of age, suggests the University of California School of Veterinary Medicine. If you wait too long, he may start spraying to mark his territory. While neutering often eliminates this behavior, he could still be inclined to lift his leg in the litter box out of habit. If he's missing his mark in the box, get him a box with high sides or one with a lid.
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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Writer Bio
Melodie Anne Coffman specializes in overall wellness, with particular interests in women's health and personal defense. She holds a master's degree in food science and human nutrition and is a certified instructor through the NRA. Coffman is pursuing her personal trainer certification in 2015.