pet care & health
The first 24 hours: what to monitor
The most important things to monitor in the first 24 hours are:
• Appetite
• Comfort levels
• The surgical site
Appetite and feeding
Most cats should show some interest in food within a few hours of returning home. Offer a small portion of their normal food. If they are not interested initially, don’ t panic – just try again later in the evening.
Some cats will refuse food if medication is hidden in it, so try to avoid this if possible. However, if they refuse food completely for more than 24 hours, it warrants a call to your vet.
Rest and confinement
Confinement is often necessary, even if your cat strongly disagrees. Limiting activity helps prevent swelling, bleeding, and wound breakdown.
• After orthopaedic surgery, strict rest is crucial.
• After soft tissue surgery, excessive jumping and running can still cause complications.
A quiet room with an easily accessible litter tray, water, food, and bedding is usually ideal.
Monitoring the incision site
Check the incision site daily. A small amount of swelling or bruising can be normal, but increasing redness, discharge, an unpleasant smell, or sudden swelling should be reported immediately.
If your cat is licking or chewing at the stitches, an Elizabethan collar or recovery suit may be necessary. It might look dramatic, but it prevents serious complications.
Bear in mind that cats often dislike Elizabethan collars and bandages. This may make them subdued and less likely to move around. If you are able to remove the collar for short periods while supervising your cat, it can help them cope during recovery.
Litter tray adjustments
Litter trays may need temporary adjustments. After certain surgeries – especially abdominal procedures – using a low-sided tray can make access easier and more comfortable.
In some cases( such as after urinary tract surgery or if there are large wounds), it may be better to replace cat litter with paper shavings to avoid contamination of the wound.
Pain management
Pain control is essential. Even if your cat appears quiet, it doesn’ t mean they are comfortable. Always administer pain medication exactly as prescribed. Never give human pain medication, as many common human drugs are extremely toxic to cats.
If medicating your cat feels impossible, don’ t struggle alone. Call your vet – there are plenty of safe, effective options, and they’ ll be able to help you find the one that works best for both you and your cat.
Follow-up appointments
Follow-up appointments are not just a formality. They allow your veterinary team to assess healing, remove sutures if necessary, and ensure your cat is recovering as expected. These appointments are particularly important if your cat has a bandage. Delaying a bandage change can lead to serious complications.
Patience during recovery
Most importantly, give your cat time. Within a few days, you should start to see their personality return. With good pain management, careful monitoring, and patience, most cats recover beautifully and are back to their usual selves before you know it. www. petpals. co. za 23