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

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.

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!

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.

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.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds as if Chloe may be having trouble with vision as well? Often times when we see patients hugging close to walls and having trouble negotiating surroundings it's either their vision is impaired or they have severe spatial perception defects (think vertigo). It is possible that anesthesia can affect balance but it is normally seen pretty soon after a surgical process and not so far out. If she is having actual weakness as a problem with ambulation (walking) this will require a more in depth exam than we can provide online. Likely she will need a neurological work up with labs and x rays to find the source or her problem. For now I think you are doing everything correctly-keep her calm and in a small contained space (like a bathroom) to make her feel more secure for the time being. It is great that she is eating and drinking and having normal bathroom habits-these are positive signs. It sounds as if you are very good kitty parents. Just let her stay close to you if it helps and hopefully you will have some more in depth answers soon. My best to all of you.

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!

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!