Post-Cesarean Care: Essential Tips for a Mother Cat's R

1. When undergoing a cesarean section, it's crucial to first anesthetize the cat. These anesthetics are designed to be quickly eliminated from the body postsurgery, meaning that by the time the cat returns home, the anesthesia should have worn off. However, it may take the cat anywhere from 2 to 6 hours to fully recover from the anesthetic effects. During this recovery period, pet owners must closely monitor their feline to prevent injuries from falls or the cat accidentally rolling over and crushing the kittens.

2. The mother cat can usually start eating within a few hours after the surgery. However, for the first 24 hours, it's important to provide only small amounts of food and water, offering them every 15 to 30 minutes. It's essential to avoid letting the cat drink or eat too quickly, as this can easily lead to vomiting. In the first 1 to 3 days postsurgery, the cat's body temperature might be elevated by 0.5 to 1°C above normal, and it should gradually return to normal. If the cat's temperature exceeds 40°C, it's a sign to seek immediate veterinary care.

3. It's normal for the mother cat to have bloody discharge from the vagina within the first week after giving birth. Initially, the discharge may be more abundant during the first 1 to 3 days and then gradually decrease over the following days. If the bloody discharge from the vagina persists for longer than a week and changes in color or odor are noticed, it's advisable to take the cat to a vet for a checkup to rule out infections or other complications.

4. The sutures from the cesarean section may or may not need to be removed, depending on the type of suture material used during the surgery. Some veterinarians use absorbable sutures, which do not require removal. Typically, if the sutures are visible, they must be removed, usually around 10 to 14 days after the surgery.

5. In addition, pet owners must also take great care of the newborn kittens. If the mother cat has not yet fully recovered from the surgery, the owner may need to assist her in lying down flat to facilitate the kittens' access to milk. If the kittens are initially reluctant to nurse, the owner can gently express a little milk to entice them to start suckling.

Newborn kittens prefer to stay close to their mother, so there's no need to separate them. However, it's vital to ensure that the kittens' living environment remains warm and hygienic, safeguarding both the mother and her kittens' health. Should you have any further questions, don't hesitate to consult with an online veterinary expert.