My kitty gets spayed today...what can I expect?

[sarahh]

I was just wondering what I can expect when I pick her up from the vet today? I bring her in at 8am and then pick her up at 5:30pm.

I have no idea how she will be. Tired....in pain...angry at me!:o

What was your experience when you had your cat spayed? Is there anything I can do to make things easier on her?

[jennylou]

All three of my cats have been fixed. The older one vomited and basically looked like she was drunk for an evening (walking into walls, walking crooked). The youngest two I used a different vet and they keep them overnight. When I picked them up, they were a little slow, but no vomiting and they didn't look drunk.

[southerner]

My cat stayed overnight and he seemed back too normal the next morning. Not as active as usual for a few days and he was licking himself "down there" for a few days, but overall he didn't seem like he was in pain or angry at me.

[fuzzy]

A shaved belly.

"Drunk" walking for a little while.

Stiffness/soreness.

A desire to be left alone (which I say respect!).

She should be back to normal in a couple of days. :) Just don't force anything. She'll be back to her normal self soon enough.

[sarahh]

Thanks for the advice ladies. Do you think it's ok that they aren't keeping her overnight?

Her spay is at 9am this morning and they told me to pick her up at 6pm. Is that enough time for her to come out of anesthesia?

[fuzzy]

I never let my kittens stay over night. I'm paranoid like that! No, seriously, at our hospital, someone is not on staff all night long, so the way I figure it, she'd be getting better monitoring at home. She'll be just fine, but little woozy. Just keep her some place quiet with low/little traffic.

[jnettie]

It should be just fine if they don't keep her overnight.

My kitty stayed overnight at the vet. When I picked her up the next day, she was just very very sleepy. She wanted to curl up on something soft and sleep.

But, the following morning, she was just fine! The drugs wore off, but she wasn't in much pain. She just wanted to get the pain patch they put on the base of her tail off! I think she may have been uncomfortable, because I did find her sitting in the bathroom sink! The coolness of the porciline must have felt good!

She did look silly for a few weeks. Not only was her belly shaved, but she had a spot on her back by her tail shaved for the pain patch!

The only other thing to worry about is stiches. If your vet used thread, then you have to make sure she doesn't lick alot. She'll also want to pull the stitches out with her teeth. That should be fine...you just have to watch for infections. My vet used glue stitches. I was really happy because there was no thread for Jade to pick at. She's a neurotic groomer, but she barely paid attention to her scar since it was glued so neatly! And she heeled so quickly.

[greenbunny]

Also make sure to keep her warm. Anaesthesia lowers the body temperature. If you don't want to turn up the thermostat, make sure she has blankets available.

[southerner]

how's Talluah (sorry if I butchered the spelling) doing tonight?

[sarahh]

Thanks to everyone for your advice! Tallulah (you almost got it southerner) is doing really well. I picked her up from the vet and she has been sleeping ever since. The vet said she did great! They gave her internal stiches that will dissolve eventually.

I am taking tomorrow off from work so I can be here just in case.

Thanks again everyone for your great advice!