What Happens When You Leave Your Cat for an Operation

For any cat owner, leaving their cherished feline at the veterinary surgery for an operation can feel heart-wrenching, even when it's clear the procedure is necessary. The worries often begin the night before, with instructions to withhold food and sometimes water to ensure safety under anaesthesia.

The following morning can amplify those feelings — seeing your cat hungry, thirsty, and unsure about why their routine is disrupted, adding to their stress and yours as you place them gently in a carrier. Cats, creatures of habit, find sudden changes unsettling.

The Stressful Journey to the Vet

The car journey to the vet can be tense, especially if your cat vocalises their anxiety. Once at the clinic, after signing in and completing necessary paperwork, you entrust your cat to the veterinary team. For first-time visits involving surgery, this can be a heavy moment of faith in the skilled staff.

Step 1: Initial Assessment and Preparation

Once your cat is with the vets, the team begins by weighing them to calculate the precise amount of anaesthetic required. Often, a pre-anaesthetic blood test is taken to evaluate vital organ functions like liver and kidneys, ensuring the cat is fit for surgery. Following a thorough examination, your cat is settled into a comfortable kennel with a soft vet bed ready for their stay.

Step 2: Anaesthetic Protocol and Surgery

About 30 minutes before the operation, your cat will receive a pre-medication combining a sedative and a painkiller, which helps calm them and reduces the necessary anaesthetic dose. When sedation takes effect, the cat is moved to the prep room where a quick-acting anaesthetic induces unconsciousness.

During surgery, the vet inserts a breathing tube connected to an anaesthetic machine, supplying oxygen and anaesthetic gases in accurate doses. A veterinary nurse diligently monitors your cat's heart and respiratory rates, adjusting anaesthetic delivery to maintain safety throughout the procedure.

Step 3: Recovery and Monitoring

Recovery from anaesthesia requires careful attention. Cats are monitored in their kennel for several hours post-operation to ensure they wake safely without distress. Veterinary nurses check vital signs and responsiveness, offering reassurance and prompt care should any complications arise.

Step 4: Bringing Your Cat Home and Aftercare

When you collect your cat, the vet will provide clear aftercare instructions, including medication schedules, how to care for incision sites, and activity restrictions. It's essential to create a quiet, warm space at home where your cat can recuperate with limited movement to prevent injury. Close observation for signs of infection or abnormal behaviour is crucial during the first 24 hours.

Conclusion

While handing your cat over for surgery is undoubtedly stressful, veterinary advancements and expert monitoring make the process safer than ever. Every step is designed to prioritise your feline’s wellbeing, ensuring they receive tailored anaesthesia, skilled surgical care, and thorough recovery attention. With responsible preparation and proper aftercare, your cat can return home healthy and on the path to full recovery.