My cat is restless and won't sleep after surgery. What can I do?

Acepromazine and diazepam at appropriate doses should be appropriate for post operative sedation and relaxation. However, neither of these drugs provide any pain control. I would consider adding an opioid-buprenorphine is my preferred opioid in cats- but since it is not available you may want to consider hydromorphine or fentanyl (in hospital) or tramadol (at home). NSAIDs are also an option but these have no sedative effect.

Most cats do hate wearing the cone at home. It is tough to watch them act in this manner. However, in order to help prevent him from both injuring himself trying to get it off and also keeping him from getting to his incision, it may be best to keep him in a small room like the bathroom for tonight, then call your vet on tomorrow and ask for a sedative to give him at home while he still recovers from surgery. Hopefully he will settle down tonight and not need any medication. Best of luck with your pet Ayden and I hope that he calms down soon! Best wishes and take care.

Hi, it is difficult for a semi feral cat to accept to be confined in a cage. It is probably easier to have a large room or just stay indoors where he feels he has control over his territory and resources. I would give him more space and the possibility of hide while making sure he does not lick/groom the surgery area.

Poor Paul! I’m glad you have an appointment tomorrow and have him on pain medication from your vet! Makes sure you keep following your vet’s directions for care after surgery, which will likely include medication and exercise restriction. As for tonight, make sure he has a soft, quiet place to sleep, and try the following tips for reducing stress after the surgery. Cats need at least one litterbox per cat plus one extra to help reduce stress associated with the litterbox. They should be placed in separate rooms, away from the food and water bowls, must be scooped at least daily (preferably multiple times a day)and washed out at least weekly with a mild soap, followed by thorough rinsing. Visit http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=T&C=33&S=2 and https://indoorpet.osu.edu// for tips on stress reduction. Also look into Feliway, a synthetic phisomone that is available in a diffuser and spray form that promotes calm feelings in cats http://www.feliway.com. Once he’s allowed to return to his usually activity/exercise level, keep in mind that cats need a lot of space to explore, but keeping them indoors is much safer than letting them outside, due to the risk of injury from cars, wildlife, other animals, etc. The key is providing space (particularly vertical space for climbing, such as cat trees, ledges, and the like) inside the home. Good luck to you both, and I hope Paul feels better soon!

Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Keeping a small kitten quiet can be a challenge especially if healing is to take place, certainly. You may want to ask your veterinarian about whether the use of a sedative may be useful in this situation to help keep him relaxed and calm. A drug such as Gabapenitn may be useful as it can be used as a sedative in cats and also provides pain relief. This medication can be prescribed by your veterinarian. I hope this helps!

It's probably best to simply give her space if she seems to be in a place where she feels safe. If she seems very agitated you can try to take her to a smaller, more enclosed area. Feliway sprays and diffusers can help calm an anxious cat as well.

Hi there, Wednesday has been through a major surgery and will still have anaesthetic wearing off in her system. I would expect her to be quite sleepy, especially at her age. Also fentanyl is a strong opioid painkiller which can cause drowsiness ranging to mild sedation. If she comes around easily if you disturb her I would simply let her rest, however if she is slow to wake up I would ring your vet as she may be getting too much painkiller for her system.