What if my cat doesn't want to eat after surgery?

You can expect your cat's appetite to return within about 24 hours post-surgery. At that point, your pet can gradually start to eat their regular food again. If you find that your pet's appetite hasn't returned within 48 hours, contact your veterinarian or veterinary surgeon.

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What happens if a cat doesn't eat after anesthesia?

If your cat is not eating after surgery, don't be alarmed. Expect your cat's appetite to return within about 24 hours following their procedure. At that point, your pet can gradually start to eat their regular food again.

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How long does it take a cat to recover from not eating?

Cats can survive for about two weeks without eating but only three days without drinking. The longer your cat goes without proper nutrition, however, the weaker they become, so it's important to contact your vet if you suspect they haven't eaten in a day or more.

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How long should I wait to feed my cat after surgery?

Approximately half your pet's normal serving of food and water should be offered about two hours after returning home from surgery. If your pet is under 16 weeks of age, feed him/her approximately half the normal amount of food and water as soon as you return home.

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How do you cheer a cat up after surgery?

After their operation, offer them something small and light – most cats love things like chicken and fish, and since they're also nutritious these are good post-operation meals. If these aren't options for you, just use their normal food but only give them a quarter of what they would normally have.

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What to expect when your cat is recovering from anesthesia

25 related questions found

How do I get my cat to eat after surgery?

When feeding them after surgery, try for something small and light, such as chicken or fish. You can also give them their regular food, but ensure that you only provide them with a quarter of their usual portion. You can expect your cat's appetite to return within about 24 hours post-surgery.

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How long do cats act weird after surgery?

Your cat was given a general anesthetic or a sedative. These drugs can take a number of hours to wear off and may cause some patients to appear drowsy for a day or so. Over the next 24-48 hours, your cat's behavior should gradually return to normal.

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How can I tell if my cat is in pain after surgery?

Many cats disappear to their favorite hiding spot when they are in pain, and others simply conceal their discomfort. Stay vigilant and look for excessive agitation, crying, hissing, or limping. Your feline may avoid playing, jumping, or being held if these activities cause pain.

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Can cats get depressed after surgery?

Depression sometimes is a sign of a problematic recovery from a surgical procedure or anesthesia. Toxicity occasionally triggers depression in cats, as well. If a feline experiences poisoning due to antifreeze ingestion, for example, she might exhibit signs of slight to intense levels of depression.

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Should I leave my cat alone after surgery?

1) You should keep your cat in the carrier or box until he/she can stand alone. Check your cat frequently for the next 6 to 8 hours while s/he is waking up from the anesthesia. They may walk and act like they are drunk and be disoriented. Do not try to handle cats for 24 hours or until they are acting normally.

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What do you feed a cat that won't eat?

Try some canned/wet food.
  • Add a little bit of warmed, low-sodium chicken broth to their food. ...
  • Add some meat baby food as a topper. ...
  • Add some water from a can of tuna or anchovies. ...
  • Add some fish oil to their food. ...
  • Sprinkle some nutritional yeast powder onto their food. ...
  • Sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on their food.

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What are side effects of anesthesia in cats?

This may cause aspiration pneumonia, a potentially life-threatening condition. Other rare complications of anesthesia include organ system failure such as kidney, liver or heart failure, visual impairment, clotting disorders and seizures.

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What to do if cat doesn t eat?

There are several things you can try to see if your cat will begin eating again.
  1. Give them canned or wet food - strong-smelling food such as seafood is a good option.
  2. Keep your cat's food and water bowls clean. ...
  3. Try drenching their solid food with the juice from a tuna can.

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Why won t my cat drink water after surgery?

Constipation after a surgical procedure is common for cats. 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. Signs of cat constipation include: Straining to pass feces.

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Do cats feel pain under anesthesia?

During general anesthesia your cat is in an unconscious state, so he is unable to move and doesn't feel any pain. Anesthesia can also be administered locally, to numb a specific area or part of the body—such as a tooth, area of the skin, or the spinal column.

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Do cats get traumatized from surgery?

For many cats, a trip to the vet and subsequent surgery might be a frightening and stressful experience. So your cat might act timid or jumpy for a few days after. This change is temporary, and you can encourage her with gentle petting along with a warm and quiet location for recovery.

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Do cats sleep a lot after surgery?

In the first 24 hours after surgery, you'll notice your pet may act groggy and sleep a great deal, which is entirely normal. The impact of the anesthesia may cause your cat to act aggressive or agitated, so keep your distance and don't handle him unless necessary.

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Why is my cat not meowing after surgery?

Many cats will have a mild to moderate dry cough for 1 to 3 weeks after such a procedure. More rarely, a cat might lose its “meow” or have it sound a bit scratchy, this also fades away. These are not serious symptoms it's just that the trachea has poor blood supply so is slow to heal.

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What should I watch after my cats surgery?

Effects of general anesthetic may include temporary sleepiness or shakiness on their feet. These after-effects are quite normal and should fade with rest. Temporary lack of appetite is also quite common in cats who are recovering from the effects of general anesthesia.

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Do cats purr if they are in pain?

Cats in pain may also hiss or growl, particularly if you happen to touch a painful area. Purring doesn't always mean that your cat is happy. In fact, purring can also occur if your pet is in pain or stressed.

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How do cats sleep when in pain?

Cats who are in pain may sleep more or less than usual, too. Cats in pain may also seek out warmer places to rest, such as a sunny spot or heating pad. Cats will hardly ever sleep on the floor; they prefer elevated resting spots. If you notice your cat laying in lower places, this can be a warning sign too.

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How do I get my cat to drink water after surgery?

Tips and Tricks to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water
  1. Wet Food. If your cat already likes and is eating wet food, you are in luck! ...
  2. Dry Food. ...
  3. Keep the Water Bowl Next to the Food. ...
  4. Water Fountains. ...
  5. Try Different Dishes. ...
  6. Increase Water Access. ...
  7. Wash Water Dishes Frequently. ...
  8. Fill the Bowl Completely.

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How long does it take for anesthesia to wear off a cat?

How long does anesthesia last for a cat? That depends on the type of anesthesia used, of course. A lot of other factors go into that. In general, when pets come into the Animal Hospital of Statesville, and they're anesthetized, it might take 12 to 24 hours until they're back to themselves.

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How long does anesthesia last in cats?

In general, when pets come into the Animal Hospital of Statesville, and they're anesthetized, it might take 12 to 24 hours until they're back to themselves.

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Should I force feed my cat?

Never force food on a cat. Syringe feeding or pushing food into a cat's mouth is stressful and can risk severe medical complications. It can also put a cat off eating altogether (food aversion)

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