My little girl, who's about 6 months old, has just been spayed. She's a very active kitten and exactly what I feared is happening. She's just got home and is trying to run all over the place while wobbling! She's also trying to jump onto the big wardrobe or the beds, but I don't want to let her – she'll hurt herself! The problem is, she's bashing into walls and toppling over (she can't walk properly); obviously I'm trying to stop her and catch her, but she just won't sit still. The vet assured me she'd be sleepy and calm. He told me to leave her be, but I just can't: she's falling, running around, and yowling while rolling on the floor, and I'm terrified she's in pain.
How can I make sure she doesn't hurt herself?
Also, the vet recommended giving her just a tiny bit of food, which I've done, but she's begging for more (she hasn't eaten since 8pm last night). Should I give her more? What are the risks?
Thanks in advance for your replies! :-)
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Koraneeee: I was shocked as well when I first picked my girl up, but a female cat’s reproductive system really does take up quite a lot of room! ^^ For mine, the incision was on her belly and she definitely looked a bit ‘empty’ afterwards.
Hi everyone! Just checking in with an update!
To be honest, the first night was the toughest because the little madam wouldn't stop jumping around everywhere (she gave me a right scare when she climbed right up a wardrobe while still half-anaesthetised!), but after that, it was all fine. She was already back to her usual self and eating like a horse. ^^ She seemed to understand that she wasn't supposed to mess with her dressing.
Two weeks after the op, I went back to the vet to have her stitches taken out. Everything was spot on, except for one stitch that had 'nicked' her skin a bit, but it healed up quickly.
So all in all, she’s doing great, she’s recovered really well and, of course, she’s still waaaaay too active! :-D
Thanks everyone for your advice, and sorry @Angeline for not getting back to you a few weeks ago. Your tips were really helpful, but I just forgot to reply (what with the little one never sitting still and everything) ^^
Sorry Koranee, I missed your question. It depends on whether the vet operated by making a cut down the middle of her tummy or by making two incisions, one on the right flank and one on the left.
Hi, I’d recommend making sure you keep her quiet for at least 3 days (by putting her in a small room without furniture where she CANNOT climb). The vet probably told you after the op; she needs to stay calm afterwards, otherwise she might pull out her stitches! I know a girl who didn't listen to the vet and let her cat wander around the garden after she'd been spayed, and she found her with her stomach burst open after she'd overexerted herself... This is a true story; I’m advising all owners to be really careful after your cat is spayed!
Hi everyone, I’ve got a quick question. I had my cat spayed yesterday morning and, since she was already quite thin to begin with, I’ve noticed she has these hollows under her ribs. Is this normal?
Hi there,
To stop cats from licking and reopening their wounds, they are usually fitted with a cone. However, since your cat is very skittish and active, if she isn’t managing to get her dressing off despite the licking, it’s best to do without the cone to avoid her getting even more worked up. If she does manage to pull it off, then you will have to use a cone. The best thing to do is just let her be, as long as you can see she isn’t putting herself at risk.
Have a lovely Sunday,
Marion
Thanks so much for the advice! I’m leaving her to it for now and she seems to have got the message that she shouldn’t be taking it off :-)
Hi, keep a close eye on her tonight. By the day after tomorrow she’ll be fine, no worries – she’ll be able to play etc. etc... You just need to make sure she doesn’t pull at her dressing if she isn’t wearing a cone. Definitely keep an eye on her though.
If you give her too much to eat, she might be sick (due to the anaesthesia), so there’s no point. She can have her full meal tomorrow, but for tonight it’s better to only give her a tiny bit of dry food and leave out some fresh water!
@Chatons_Libres: I don’t see the connection at all... 6, 7, 8, or 9 months is all the same. Personally, my cats are just over a year old and they're still hyperactive!
Hi there,
To stop cats from licking and reopening their wounds, we usually use a cone. However, as your cat is very nervous and active, if she isn't managing to get her dressing off despite the licking, it might be better to skip the cone to avoid getting her even more worked up. If she does manage to get it off, then you'll have to put a cone on her.
The best thing to do is just let her do her own thing as long as you can see she isn't putting herself at risk.
Have a lovely Sunday,
Marion
