How do I prepare for my cat’s return home after being neutered?

Will my cat be in pain after the operation?

Normally, no. Before sending your cat home, your vet will have given them anti-inflammatory medication or pain relief medication to prevent pain. You should not need to give any tablets at home.

Can my cat eat the same evening after being spayed or neutered?

Yes, but only a little.
Neutering a male cat is a very quick procedure that does not involve entering the abdominal cavity. Your cat may have a small, light meal in the evening if they want to.
However, spaying a female cat requires entering the abdominal cavity to remove the ovaries. As a result, the anaesthesia lasts a little longer, and your cat may be tired and may not want to eat for 24 hours. This is normal, so do not force her to eat. Her appetite will return, so there is no need to worry. However, make sure fresh water is available.

Can my cat go outside after being spayed or neutered?

If possible, avoid letting your cat go outside for 2 to 3 days. On the evening after the procedure, your cat may still be a little “out of it” because of the anaesthesia, so if they climb onto furniture, they could fall. Their reflexes may not be fully back either: if they come face to face with another very territorial cat, it could be difficult for them. The anaesthetic only leaves the body after a few hours and can slow certain reflexes, such as the pupil’s response to light. Your cat may therefore be very sensitive to bright light or loud noises. Ideally, prepare a small area in a dark, quiet room, away from noise, with a comfortable blanket on the floor so your cat can stay warm and avoid falling. Finally, for 24 to 48 hours, the outdoor environment could contaminate the unsutured wounds of male cats or the dressing of female cats.

Does my cat need any special care after being spayed or neutered?

If you have a male cat, the unsutured incisions will heal quickly on their own. However, it is recommended to replace the litter with newspaper for 2 to 3 days so that gravel or sand does not stick to the wound.
In female cats, the operation most often results in a small stitch on the abdomen covered with a dressing or, in some cases, two small stitches on the flanks without a dressing. If there is a dressing, do not touch it; your cat may remove it herself after 3 to 4 days. As for the stitches, the vet will remove them in 10 to 15 days, or they may be left in place and fall out on their own within 4 to 6 weeks.

In the vast majority of cases, healing goes normally. However, if you notice any problem, contact your vet promptly.

In the long term, what should I watch for after my cat has been spayed or neutered?

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)

In fact, it is not spaying or neutering itself that promotes these lower urinary tract diseases, but rather excess weight, which can itself be a consequence of the procedure. It always comes back to the same point: a lean cat is a healthy cat, so monitor their diet and weight carefully.

In conclusion, spaying and neutering have many benefits: they help regulate the cat population, reduce unwanted behaviors such as aggression, territorial marking, roaming, and heat-related behaviors, and can increase life expectancy. Cats are less likely to contract feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus, female cats have fewer genital infections, and male cats experience fewer repeated injuries and abscesses. The main drawback is the weight gain it can cause, but this can be managed very effectively with an appropriate diet. Ask your vet for advice.