Postoperative Care
For Your Cat
Normal Female Cats
The following photos are visual examples of what you should encounter after surgery and days after having your female cat spayed. If you see anything that looks unusual or you are concerned about, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
View example photos of normal female cats
Abnormal Female Cats
The following photos are visual examples of improperly healing surgical sites after having a female cat spayed. If your pet was spayed at Pets In Stitches, please contact us if your pet’s incision looks like any of these pictures.
View example photos of abnormal female cats
Normal Male Cats
Just in case you need a little help remembering your male cat’s postoperative care instructions, watch the video below.
Abnormal Male Cats
The following photos are visual examples of improperly healing surgical sites after having a male cat neutered. If your pet was neutered at Pets In Stitches, please contact us if your pet’s incision looks like any of these pictures.
View example photos of abnormal male cats
Postoperative Care FAQs
Do you know of assistance programs to help cover costs of my pet’s surgery?
Scratching Post CatSNIP Program – If you qualify, you will be given a voucher to bring to Pets in Stitches. This voucher does not cover the entire cost of surgery and you will be responsible for the balance due.
DREAM – For dogs and cats. This voucher does not cover the entire cost of surgery and you will be responsible for the balance due.
Humane Society of Greene County’s spay/neuter subsidy program (937) 376-3001 – Must be a resident of Greene County. If you qualify, you will be given a voucher to bring to Pets in Stitches
Miami County Animal Shelter (937) 332-6919 – A voucher is given to new owners when adopting an intact shelter pet. Please bring the voucher with you to Pets in Stitches. This voucher does not cover the entire cost of surgery and you will be responsible for the balance due.
Humane Society of Greater Dayton and Miami Valley Veterinary Medical Association Partnership Vouchers – Only available to individuals receiving governmental assistance. Proof of such assistance must be presented to the HSGD at 1661 Nicholas Rd, Dayton, Ohio 45417. The voucher must be brought to Pets in Stitches and does cover the cost of surgery. The voucher does not cover the cost of the required rabies vaccine (if pet is not current). Please call the Humane Society at 937/268-PETS (7387) for more information.
Is there pain medication available after the surgery?
Your pet will receive pain medication before and during surgery. In addition, you can purchase take-home pain medication for use after surgery which is recommended.
What should I do to keep my dog/cat from licking his/her incision?
You may purchase a post-surgery collar from us.
Should I be worried that my dog/cat is licking his/her incision?
Yes. Please bring them in so we can check their incision. We are available for rechecks Monday through Thursday or follow the emergency contact instructions on your Postoperative Care Instruction sheet.
What is the green mark on my pet?
A small tattoo is the best way to identify your pet has been spayed or neutered. It is standard procedure for sterilization surgeries.
Do male cats need special litter boxes after neuter surgery?
Male cats should use Yesterdays News, which Pets In Stitches does have available for purchase, instead of litter for two days after neuter surgery. This helps prevent irritation to the surgical incisions from litter dust particles.
What is the recovery period like?
The recovery period is seven to ten days. You need to restrict their activity and keep them indoors. You also want to watch their incision closely. We will give you Postoperative Care Instructions when you pick up your pet.
Is the procedure painful?
Surgical is performed under general anesthesia with additional pain medication administered by a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine. The animal is asleep during the procedure and may experience mild discomfort after surgery. Most animals return to normal activity within 24 to 72 hours. Pain medication is also offered for home use at a minimal cost.
Is the surgery safe?
With any surgical procedure, there is always risk but we take every step possible to protect your pet. Your pet will be constantly monitored in person as well as with specialized monitoring equipment during surgery. Pets In Stitches uses an anesthetic protocol that is widely accepted in our field. A licensed veterinarian perform the surgery while the pet is under full anesthesia. Your pet will stay at our clinic for the day so we will be able to observe them during recovery.
How long does the surgery take?
It depends on the animal and the surgery; most surgeries are completed in 20 minutes or less.
Postoperative Care Blogs
A Spotlight On Post Surgical Pet Care
July 25, 2018
Surgeries are an unpleasant, but necessary, part of life for people and pets. The days and weeks following any surgery are an important time of rest and recovery, and having a devoted caretaker at home is absolutely essential for proper healing to occur. We take post surgical pet care seriously at Pets In Stitches, which …Read More
Tattooing My Pet When Spayed or Neutered? Why?!
June 9, 2015
If your pet is spayed or neutered at Pets In Stitches, you’ll find out that we tattoo after surgery. Why though? It’s pretty simple… to save lives and prevent future surgeries. Scars left from a spay can be fairly small and slight – difficult to differentiate a scar from a spay, a healed scratch, or …Read More