If you just got your male kitty neutered, as much as you may want to play around with him as always, it's important to allow the poor thing a little bit of recovery time. This entails keeping physical activity to a minimum for a few days after the fact.
What is Neutering, Anyway?
Neutering is a surgical procedure that, simply put, involves the permanent removal of a male cat's reproductive organs. Once a male cat is neutered, he is no longer be able to breed -- or contribute to feline overpopulation, for that matter. If you're looking to fix your little kitty, the ASPCA indicates the surgery is frequently conducted on animals as young as 6 to 8 weeks old. If your cat hasn't had the procedure yet, consult your veterinarian on the safest and most appropriate time frame for getting him neutered.
Food and Water Consumption
Although male neutering is not as invasive a process as female spaying, surgery is still surgery and proper recovery is of the essence. The clinic or hospital may provide you with detailed feeding restrictions with regards to your kitten. Be sure to follow them closely. After you pick your fluffball up from his surgery, you may have to wait several hours before allowing him to drink water or eat food. Also, once your kitty is allowed to eat again, you may be instructed to only give him small fractions of his usual portions.
Physical Activity
Kittens are typically energetic and little bundles of joy -- and that's often what's so endearing about them. However, the clinic or hospital may advise you to restrict your cat's exercise for the next two weeks or so. This applies to everything from chasing after the laser pointer to jumping up to his favorite window perch, sadly enough. Vigorous motion may slow down your pet's healing -- the last thing you need!
Consider keeping your little one isolated from any other pets who may be in your household for a while, too. Another pet may encourage your kitten to play and be rambunctious when he really should be resting and relaxing.
Bathing
Cats are often notoriously afraid of the water, and kittens are certainly no exception. However, if you are even thinking about giving your kitten a bath soon after surgery -- don't. When H20 makes contact with an incision, it increases the risk of infection -- not good. Play it safe and keep your kitty away from water for a couple of weeks.
Cat Litter
The clinic or hospital may speak to you regarding cat litter restrictions. The ASPCA recommends that male cats use either shredded paper or litter that does not contain any dust -- just during the recovery period. If dust makes its way onto your kitten's incision area, it may increase his chance of getting infected. Don't take the chance.
Questions
If you're uncertain or have questions about any dietary, exercise, bathing or other post-operative restrictions, do not hesitate to consult your veterinarian. Your kitten's health, happiness and comfort are a goal, after all.
Also, be happy! After your kitty successfully recovers, he will likely be restriction-free and also free of the often undesirable male cat reproductive patterns -- from roaming to urine spraying.
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.
