How Long to Keep a Cat From Jumping After Neutering

Neutering is a surgical procedure that prevents tomcats from being able to impregnate queens -- excellent for minimizing overpopulation. The process involves a minor scrotal cut and removal of the testicles, and while not nearly as invasive as a female spaying, still requires some recovery time. When you visit the clinic or animal hospital to pick up your kitty, the veterinarian will probably provide you with detailed instructions on how to make recovery as fast, painless and comfortable for your pet as possible.

Any physical activity may throw a curve ball into your cat's recovery time. If your cat jumps up and down, the motion may trigger the incision to open up -- not fun at all. Because of this possible frustration, the ASPCA recommends you try to keep your little one from jumping around for a minimum of seven days after surgery.

If you're worried you won't be able to control whether or not your cat engages in a lot of physical activity and jumping -- brief confinement may be a smart solution. During any times you're unable to closely monitor your cat, place him into a comfortable but relatively small space -- think a bathroom or carrier. The less space your cat has to roam freely, the less likely he will be to run and jump around -- phew. Pets are typically pretty dazed and exhausted for a few days after neutering, so your cat might not even attempt any jumping or vigorous exercise.

Isolation may be a helpful idea when it comes to stopping unwanted jumping activity. The presence of other cats in your household -- whether feline or canine -- may encourage your cutie to jump, chase, pounce and do all of the other fun things that animals often like to do, especially when in the company of others. Try to keep your just-neutered sweetheart in a room far away from the other ones for at least a week or so, just to be safe.