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How to care for my cat after spaying? Post-surgery home recovery

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 3 years old

How do I take care of her after spaying?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 30th, 2020

The cat should be kept indoors in a small room the first night as she will probably be tired and wobbly on her feet after surgery. In a small room it is best so that way she won't injury herself.

It is best to continue to keep her indoors for at least 10 days. Look at the incision daily to make it sure it is not red, swollen or having any discharge coming from it. If you notice any abnormalities call your vet. She should not be allowed to lick the incision. If she does, you will need to get her a cone collar to wear for 10 days or so. If your vet dispenses any medications for after the surgery you will also need to give her those.

If you any further questions please feel free to post again. Best wishes!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Bette Isacoff
Dog Trainer
Published on July 20th, 2017
Be sure the incision site is clean and dry, and watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, drainage). Do not let her pick at the site. Restrict her activity until she goes back to the vet for her post-op checkup. Try to keep her from jumping up onto furniture, beds, etc. She should be fine!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on January 13th, 2019
Good on you for getting Grey spayed! If she doesn't like to be in a crate, I would keep her in a small room with a litter box, food, and water. It's very important to limit her movement. Even if she complains, keep her there. It's for a short period of time only. Keep an Ecollar on her at all times so she does not lick the incision. Use an open litter box (no top) to make it easier for her to use it. She will not need assistance to use it. Do NOT let her go outside, no playing, jumping, or running. Make sure she is kept warm, make her a comfortable place to sleep. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on April 3rd, 2018
Keep her in a small crate pr carrier f necessary. You can also discuss medications to sedate her with your veterinarian. It is very important to prevent excessive running, jumping or rough play until she is healed to prevent complications.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

When can my spayed kitten roam the house after her spay surgery?

I would recommend keeping her confined for at least the first 72 hours but it may need to be longer depending on how energetic she is. Making sure she stays quiet and is not allowed to jump up and down on furniture is paramount for at least the first week after surgery. Keeping a cone on her so she doesn't get at her stitches is important too. I'd recommend keeping a cone on her until she gets her stitches out.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My cat just got spayed. What's her recovery timeline & aftercare?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Your Billy should be able to get up and walk a few hours after the surgery. She may be slow and quiet on the day of the surgery, but on the following day she should be active and playful. You do not have to change her diet but you do need to put a head cone on her. She should not be allowed to go out until the wound is fully healed. Depending on the suturing technique, you may have to take her back to your vets in about 10 days time to remove the stitches.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

How to care for my cat after mammary cancer and spay surgery?

As she recovers from surgery, the best things that you can do to help her recover as seamlessly as possible include giving her the pain medication prescribed by her vet, keeping an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent licking of the incisions, and restricting her activity for the next 10-14 days. Keep Tashi indoors exclusively during her recovery and try to prevent her from running, jumping, or playing until her sutures are removed - typically 10-14 days after surgery. Keep a close eye on her incisions for any redness, discharge or swelling, and call your vet if you notice any of these changes. If Tashi still seems painful (lethargic, eating less, vocalizing), call your vet to discuss additional pain medications, but do not give her any human medications as none are safe for cats. I hope this helps and that Tashi is feeling better soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat was spayed today. Where should she stay overnight & use litter?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, she can absolutely use her litter box. It is ok for her to be in the bathroom. However, it is important to consider using an e-collar if she is going to be left unattended to try to prevent her from licking at the incision and causing an infection or opening her incision. You can buy an e-collar from your veterinarian or at your local pet store. Good luck and have a great day!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat was just spayed. Is it safe for her to walk and roam freely?

You really do want to limit Grey’s walking around and especially don’t allow her to jump. Go ahead and put her back in her room. It’s normal for cats to meow when they aren’t happy about being confined. Try visiting her in her room instead of her visiting in your room. If she really gets distressed, call the vet and ask about a sedative. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat got spayed and is missing. Is it normal for her to hide?

Cats do not usually run away when spayed, however if in pain they may attempt to hide so that they can rest and relax. If your cat escaped outdoors it is best to find her as quickly as possible to make sure she does not harm the surgical site and if you find her, examine the site carefluly. If you notice bleeding/torn sutures she needs to return to the vet immediately. She needs to be kept indoors until the surgical site is completely healed up. If she is hiding in the house or under a bed, quietly looking for her is best. Once found, placing litter and food/water near her is a good idea so she can access them as needed. If she appears in a lot of pain, bringing her back to the vet for care or pain meds is needed.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat is quiet and not social after spay. Is she in pain? What can I do?

I'm glad Jay's incision looks good! A spay is an abdominal surgery, and cats can be quieter for a bit after the surgery. This is normal, and it's actually better that she is quiet because you want her to rest as much as possible. Now if you are afraid she is in pain, give your vet a call. They can prescribe some more pain medications for her if needed. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. Make sure she is eating and drinking water, and continue to keep an eye on her and her incision. If she becomes very lethargic and/or stops eating and drinking, this is not normal and you will need to take her into a vet right way. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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