What To Know When Your Cat Needs Anesthesia

There may be a time when your cat will require a procedure or surgery for his 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 will be is used in cat surgery and the recovery basics will help to ease your mind while kitty is under our care.

Cat anesthesia may be deemed necessary when a procedure needs to be performed where the cat will be immobilized or if the procedure would otherwise cause pain or distress that is beyond what the cat can comfortably tolerate. We want you to feel absolutely comfortable with our hospital, staff and recommendations and anytime a cat sedative is being recommended we want to reassure you that our veterinary staff 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 veterinarians 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 is association any type of procedure where it needs to be immobilized or during any type of surgery where the cat would otherwise feel pain. Cat sedatives allow us keep your cat perfectly still and pain free during the 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 that come with any surgery, but the risks are very low thanks to the experienced veterinary team here at Newport Harbor Animal Hospital. However with proper care and supervision there are virtually no risks of complications due to the use of a cat sedative. Our veterinary staff ensures that risks are minimized by performing careful and consistent monitoring throughout the entire time feline patients are under cat anesthesia.

What to Expect During Your Cat's Procedure

The Day of the Procedure

You will receive a specific set of instructions from your veterinarian before your cat undergoes any surgical procedure. We will discuss any risks with you. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Your cat should be fasted the night before.
• Follow any specific directions given to you by your veterinarian.
• We may recommend additional prescription pain medications for your cat's recovery.
• Please ask any questions you may have to help ease your mind.

Monitoring During Anesthesia

Our veterinary surgical team will carefully monitor your cat throughout the procedure and while under the influence of a sedative. Our staff will:

• Monitor your cat’s heart rate, body temperature, and awareness.
• Keep an IV catheter in place to provide fluid support.
• Ensure your cat is breathing well and resting comfortably.

The risks of cat anesthesia are very low with proper monitoring.

Recovery and Going Home

We will continue to monitor your cat’s vital signs as it awakens and until your cat is ready to return home. Your cat may feel sedated for a period of time after it goes home. Our staff will talk to you about your cat’s pain management plan and you will receive specific instructions before your cat is released.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call Newport Harbor Animal Hospital right away. If your cat has a delicate stomach, ask your veterinarian about additional anti-nausea medications that may be given at the time of anesthesia. Always follow all instructions to ensure your cat’s full recovery.