Precautions for Cat Spaying: Before and After Surgery

Dear Veterinarian,

Good day! I have a female cat named Xiao Haozi. She was vaccinated last Sunday, and surprisingly, she started to come into heat on Monday. I plan to have her spayed this Saturday. Since her vaccination was quite recent, I'm concerned about the impact of the spaying on her health. Is there any risk involved?

I've consulted with a pet hospital, and they suggested that it's best for Xiao Haozi to stay in the hospital for 7 days postsurgery. However, the spaying clinic is in another district, about an hour's drive away. I'm wondering if it's necessary to keep her there for a full week. With my work schedule, I won't be able to visit her during her stay, which makes me quite uneasy. Additionally, the cost is quite high.

Would it be alright if I brought her to the hospital on Saturday for the surgery, stay for observation on Sunday, and then take her home? I'm worried about the car ride affecting her. Your opinion would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Dr. Oxygen Pet responds:

▼ On Vaccination and Surgery Timing

In clinical practice, we always recommend that owners get their pets vaccinated before spaying. Vaccinations reduce the risk of infectious diseases. Spaying involves anesthesia and surgery, which can weaken the cat's immune system, increasing the risk of infection and disease transmission. It's generally advised to wait at least one week after completing the vaccination series before undergoing surgery.

▼ On the Timing of the Surgery

Based on the information you provided, Xiao Haozi began to come into heat on Monday. Typically, a female cat's estrus lasts for 4 to 10 days, and she will enter the next estrus cycle about 15 to 21 days after the last one.

However, we do not recommend spaying during estrus. During this time, the female cat's reproductive organs are more engorged than usual, making it easier to experience excessive bleeding during surgery. This can increase the difficulty of the surgery, prolong the procedure, and raise the risks of anesthesia and infection. Therefore, it's best to wait until Xiao Haozi is not in heat before proceeding with the spaying.

▼ On the Need for 7 Days of Hospitalization

Clinically, spaying is a relatively minor surgery. Cats are usually able to go home a few hours after the anesthesia wears off and they regain consciousness, so there's no need for a oneweek hospital stay. However, it's crucial to ensure that Xiao Haozi is receiving systemic antibiotic treatment.

Before the surgery, the vet will usually provide Xiao Haozi with painkillers and antiinflammatory drugs, as well as antibiotics and topical disinfectants after the surgery. These are to prevent infections both internally and externally and to manage her pain.

If the vet prescribes oral medications and topical treatments, or administers longacting antibiotics, intravenous fluids are generally not necessary. Therefore, there's no need for mandatory hospitalization. However, this depends on the specific practices of the local vet.

However, due to the long distance, some cats may experience motion sickness. An hour's drive is manageable, but if Xiao Haozi is prone to motion sickness, it's advisable not to rush her into surgery immediately upon arrival. The effects of the anesthesia can last for a while, so staying overnight for observation and then taking her home the next day is a reasonable option.

If Xiao Haozi is not prone to motion sickness and the vet has provided oral medications and topical treatments, she can be considered for discharge a few hours after regaining consciousness.

What to Expect PostSpaying

1. Avoid forcing Xiao Haozi into a cat bed

After returning home, if Xiao Haozi insists on hiding in a corner, do not force her. Keep her from doing vigorous activities like jumping to prevent the wound from splitting. You might also consider keeping her in a cage for her safety.

2. Properly handle vomiting

Many cats experience vomiting for the first few days after surgery due to the anesthesia's effect on the digestive system. This is a normal reaction and does not require a visit to the hospital. If Xiao Haozi won't drink water, you can purchase oral rehydration salts from a pharmacy and administer at least 30ml daily using a plastic syringe.

3. Administer pain medication

On the first night after surgery, Xiao Haozi may experience severe pain. If she is constantly meowing, it indicates she is in pain. Overthecounter pain relievers are generally ineffective for postsurgery pain. You can buy specialized postsurgery pain medication from a pharmacy and give her half a tablet every 6 hours for two days.

4. Do not force her to eat

Under normal circumstances, cats can go without eating for a few days without any issues. Forcing feedings when her digestive system is weak can cause vomiting. Cats are highly adaptable, and she will start eating again when she feels better.

Cats are sensitive creatures and may be upset after spaying. As their owner, it's important to provide extra comfort and attention. If any issues arise, don't hesitate to visit a pet hospital or consult with an online pet doctor.