There may be a time when your cat will require a procedure or surgery for his or her continued health. At the time of surgery, your cat will require anesthesia, which will be carefully administered and monitored by our veterinary staff. Knowing the basics about how anesthesia is used in cat surgery and the recovery basics will help to ease your mind while your kitty is under our care.
Cat anesthesia may be deemed necessary when a procedure needs to be performed in which your cat will be immobilized or if the procedure would otherwise cause pain or distress that is beyond what your cat could comfortably tolerate. We want you to feel absolutely comfortable with our hospital, staff, and recommendations. Any time a cat sedative is being recommended, we want to reassure you that our veterinary team is here to answer any questions and provide any assistance that will make the procedure easier for you and your cat.
Because cats have specific needs, it is important to make sure that veterinary anesthesia protocols are followed properly to prepare your cat for surgery. We make it our priority to ensure that your cat is in optimal health before any cat surgery is performed. Therefore, our veterinarian will always recommend some diagnostic testing before the procedure to ensure that we have a complete picture of your cat’s physical health.
Why Would Your Cat Need Anesthesia?
Cat anesthesia is used in any procedure or surgery in which your cat could feel pain or would need to be immobilized. Cat anesthesia allows us to keep your cat still and free of pain during the procedure or surgery. During anesthesia, your cat will be in an unconscious state and will not feel any discomfort.
Risks Associated With Giving Cats Anesthesia
There are always risks associated with anesthesia. Our veterinary staff ensures that risks are minimized by performing careful and consistent monitoring throughout the anesthetic period.
What To Expect The Day Your Cat Receives Veterinary Anesthesia
You will receive a specific set of instructions from your veterinarian before your cat receives cat anesthesia or undergoes any surgical procedure. We will discuss with you any risks of veterinary anesthesia. Here are some things to keep in mind as you arrive with your cat for the surgery:
- Fasting is recommended the night before any cat anesthesia is administered.
- Follow any specific directions given to you by your veterinarian.
- Depending on the type of procedure and your cat’s condition, our veterinarian may recommend additional prescription pain medications while your cat recovers.
- Ask any questions you may have and our veterinary staff will provide answers and help to ease your mind before and after the cat surgery is performed.
Monitoring Anesthetized Cats
The veterinary surgical team will monitor your cat very carefully during and after all anesthetic proceudres. Our veterinary staff will:
- Monitor your cat’s heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and carbon dioxide output levels
- Maintain an IV catheter to provide fluid support and to administer medications
- Monitor your cat's respiration rate and apin levels
What To Expect After Anesthesia
The veterinary team at Countryside Veterinary Clinic will continue to monitor your cat’s vital signs, heart rate, and blood pressure during the anesthetic recovery period. Your cat may feel sedated for a period of time after your return home. Our staff will discuss specific instructions concerning, rest, diet, and medications at dismissal.