My cat had eye surgery. Why isn't she using the litter box 24 hrs later?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. Binx would have been fasted before surgery, so that may be why she hasn't used the litter box yet. It's very good she has eaten and is drinking, and I do expect she should use the litter box soon. If she hasn't in the next 24 hours, then I would be worried and have her seen by a vet. I hope this helps!

This is very common for a cat to go without using the litterbox after a stressful vet visit like this. No worries. Unless you see him actively straining, then there is nothing to worry about. If you haven’t seen him go or strain the next few days then it’s best to get him seen for possible constiparon. I hope that Cheeto goes soon. Chances are though he will go soon! Best of luck and take care.

It depends on when your guy had surgery and if you mean urine/feces or both. If recent it could be anesthesia related as this can slow the gi tract down and/or he may be a little tired from the procedure/sedation. It could also be pain related. Do you notice anything abnormal about the neuter site (redness, swelling, discharge)? If he is eating and drinking normally then he will re establish normality soon. If he is not feeling well or you are worried about the surgery site it would be best to have him checked by your vet. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Poor kitty! It takes a good 24 hours for anesthesia to completely wear off, and if he's on heavy pain meds that can also affect his ability to get around and know when he needs to go potty. I would keep him in a sort of recovery area nearby his litter box that is easy to clean as he is likely not intentionally having the accidents. If after 24 hours he is still seeming to be very disoriented, can't hold his urine properly at all, or new symptoms are appearing, I'd let your vet know ASAP to make sure he isn't having an adverse reaction to the pain meds or anesthesia.

It is not uncommon when pets have not been eating or drinking well to have more extended time between visits to the box. It your kitty was a bit dehydrated from being sick this will also mean less urine in the box too. As it seems that your kitty is feeling better with the care your vet provided i would give it a little time. If he or she is eating then things should normalize. If he or she starts to feel sick again then dehydration may make things worse, and a recheck with your vet is then advised. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

It is common for dogs and cats not to pass stool for several days after these types of surgeries - probably due to the drugs used during anesthesia and the lack of food intake before and after the surgery. I usually don't get concerned until 5 days have passed as long as the cat is eating normally, is not vomiting, and is not straining or attempting to defecate. I bet Jones will go in the next couple of days!

I’m glad to hear that Kit is doing ok and I hope she continues to have a speedy recovery. I expect most pets to have a bowel movement within 1-3 days of the surgery. If she is eating well, things will eventually come through. If she does not have a bowel movement by tonight, I recommend to have her seen tomorrow by her doctor to make sure everything looks ok and normal in the healing process. The doctor may recommend another radiograph if they are concerned with ileus (that’s when the gut stops moving the ingested food). This condition can sometimes spontaneously occur or could be related to the initial cause of the GI upset. Another medication may also be prescribed. Best of luck and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.