In most cases you can expect your cat to be groggy and lethargic from anesthesia for the first 12 to 24 hours. Contact your primary veterinarian as soon as possible to determine the next steps in your cats care. Manage Settings Bandages in particular will need to be addressed by your veterinarian. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Dehydration in cats occurs after surgery if their fluid intake decreases, which can lead to constipation. Around 95% of cats carry herpesvirus, and it is subclinical (not noticeable) until a stressful event occurs. Anyway, I picked him up on Tuesday and ever since then he has completely changed behavior. The cat may exhibit a sleepy or relaxed demeanor after being sedated. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. These should be kept on your cat at all times, whether they are awake or sleeping. Read on to learn more about using sedatives in cats and how they can help your cat. Answered by: Jeanne Perrone, MS, CVT, VTS (Dentistry). The procedure and visit to the hospital is obviously stressful and the resulting anxiety may be inducing this behaviour. 8 ways to calm your cat for travel Sedation makes hitting the vein harder. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Keep in mind that this article does not replace any individual information or instructions from your primary care veterinarian. The most common reason for this sneezing is Feline Upper Respiratory Complex. Ask your vet if you should be concerned about changes in breathing during discharge. However, this shouldnt happen until a few weeks have passed by. Hydration is very important in cats, and special considerations need to be addressed after a surgical procedure. Even with the best standards of care, infections can still occur after a procedure. "My cat had a lump removed from her neck today under anesthesia; she got some stitches as well. Make a small room cat safe and comfortable, put food, water, tray and a warm bed in there, put the cat in and shut the door. Talk with your veterinarian about whether your cats post-surgery medications will cause sedation and disorientation so you know how long these side effects will last. Should I Leave My Cats Cone On Overnight? Purring is a natural response to certain stimuli in cats. Sutures located inside of the body will not need to be removed. Furthemore, your cat may have a decreased appetite for a day or so following surgery. Mum and dad (Id moved out by that point) tried changing his food, the vet felt his stomach etc. This is not the time to start overfeeding your cat assuming this is the way to bring its spirits up. Persistent panting, heavy breathing, and increased respiration are abnormal in cats following surgery. If your veterinarian has suggested that your cat wear an e-collar or a body suit, be sure to use it as directed. With general anesthesia, the patient is made unconscious for a short period. After receiving oral sedation medications, your cat will be calmer, more relaxed, and maybe a little groggy. Sutures and staples on the outside of the body will need to be removed by a veterinary professional. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. TheCatSite.com participates in select affiliate advertising programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. The first type is minimal sedation, which changes your mood and relaxes you for the duration of the exam. If your vet recommends exercise restrictions while your cat recovers, make sure you follow them exactly. They may recommend a prescription-based diet that is formulated and balanced for gastrointestinal issues and can be fed on a short-term basis. I'm grateful that it isn't as rare as it once was. New York, The medication is injected either intramuscularly (IM) or intravenously (IV). Signs of pain caused by inflammation: eating less, vomiting, lethargy, weakness, hiding, and other changes to normal behavior. These reactions can result in swelling in your cat's body, which could affect their ability to breathe. These are key details to think about when it comes to understanding why a cat isnt sleeping after going through a difficult surgery. How long do cats act weird after sedation? Depending on the extent of the infection, your cat may require hospitalization for intravenous fluids (to help with dehydration and dialysis), antibiotics (specific to the type of infection), and other supportive therapies. It can be a very painful and uncomfortable experience for any cat, and it can lead to other issues such as decreased eating, drinking, and activity. Removing it because it appears uncomfortable or you think that your cat is sad can lead to premature stitch removal and surgical site infection. Sedating your cat at home without your veterinarians guidance can be very dangerous for your cat. Discussing therapeutic diets before the procedure. You are going to end up putting the cat in danger as it is in no condition to run around freely. TheCatSite.com is a community of cat lovers dedicated to quality cat care and cat welfare. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Once the sedation has worn off usually within a few hours to a day your cat will be back to his or her normal, happy self. 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