You are behaving as a very normal cat owner who loves his/her cat very much, my friend. I was also like that, and still am after sending XX no. of cats for the operation. I would be more worried if U are NOT a nervous wreck who is concerned that you do all the right things to ensure your beloved cat's safety, well-being and comfort.

Make sure U feed yr cat well before 8 pm the night before, if possible with wet food to ensure good hydration. You can also give her the water from your boiled/steam chicken breast meat.

Even though some ppl say the cut-off time can be as late as 10pm or so and that some clinics give vomit-inhibiting medication to the cat, personally, I prefer an earlier cut-off time to make sure the stomach is really empty during operation. After observing my neighbour's two cats vomiting out wet food (the cats were fed up to 9pm the previous night) after the operation while still drowsy and wobbly when they reached home, I decided not to take any chances.

After the operation, the anesthetic effect is still present and takes time to wear off, so vomiting while the cat is still drowsy is a great concern for me.

I only give them a little water and steamed chicken only at 10pm after the operation and let them really sleep off and rest till the next morning when I will give them a generous portion of steamed/boiled chicken breast meat and a bowl of water. I give them steamed/boiled chicken as many of my cats (my neighbours' also) have such poor appetite that they reject outright the canned Eukanuba AD but will gobble the steamed/boiled chicken bought fresh from the wet market. I prefer not to give dry kibbles yet as they have not been having water for one day and needs fluid. They love the plain chicken soup (minus salt, etc).

Remember to always keep the cage floor dry. Line the cage floor with many sheets of newspaper and remove if wet. I prefer to use shredded newspaper for the litter box because I do not want to take any chances of the litter sand getting on to the wound and the plaster. This will increase the chances of the cat licking the wound, causing more possible complications.

Also, use a very low litter tray like the cheap Fido litter tray because some cats suffer so much pain they cannot lift the hind legs yet and drag themselves on the floor. This is to prevent possible scrapping of the wound area.

Below is the post-operation instructions given out at Klinik Kembiri:

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Mr Krishnan gave a note on how to post spay/neuter care.

1. Take care while carrying your pet home, trying not to move or touch the operated area.

2. Your pet may take anywhere from 1 - 3 hours before it starts to wake up from anaesthetic. During this time, it is important to place your pet in a safe, sheltered and quiet area for recovery, where it could not fall down and hurt itself( as your pet may not be able to balance itself yet )

3. Place your pet on some bedding such as cloth or newspapers to keep them warm. Your pet may urinate/defecate while still anaesthetized, so be sure to keep them clean and dry.

4. Offer your pet food and water only when your pet is up and able to walk properly ( your pet may drown in the water bowl if it is still sleepy ). Sometimes, your pet will only gain its appetite the day after the operation ( it takes overnight for your pet to fully recover from the anaesthetic ). During this recovery, some pets may vomit. Do not be alarmed, it is common for this occur.

5. Confine your pet for 10-14 days after the day of surgery ( if possible in a cage ), to limit their activity and movement. This ensures proper healing of the wound.

6. Check on the operated area at least once a day for the next 2 weeks. Make sure the area is always clean and dry, and the wound is not opened. If you notice any problems such as bloody discharge, pus, sudden swelling, foul smell, or opening of the wound, please contact a vet right away!

7. Some pets may have a bandage over the operated area, You may leave it on for 3-4 days, it is OK. Your pet may lick the area a little, but do check that they do not lick and bite excessively.

8. Do not bathe your pet for at least 7 days. If your pet is dirty, wipe it with a damp towel. Please keep the incision site dry, as water may go in and infection will occur.

9. You may come back to Klinik Kembiri for a free post-operative check up about 2 weeks after the operation ( please call us first to make sure we are open ). Some pets that need theiri stitches removed can be done at this time

10. If any problems arises, please contact a vet as soon as possible!!

Thank you for being a responsible pet owner!!!

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