Cat Spay

Question
Dear Dr. Sherrell,
I just got my first cat ever (I have no previous experience raising cats) approx 1.5 weeks ago. She was brought to my house by a stranger who said he had found her and he begged me to take her. I originally intended on taking her to a local shelter come that Monday, but I grew to love her tremendously. Anyhow, I know nothing about her, and lately I have been wondering if she has or hasn't beens spayed. I did some online research to find out the signs of cats in heat and I cannot decipher if she is just a very extroverted cat or if she could be in heat. Regardless, I plan to get her spayed if she is not, but the thing is, I am leaving town in 1 week for 1 week and I wondered how soon it would be acceptable after her procedure for me to leave her alone with a cat-sitter who comes by once a day for feeding? I read that most cats should be back to their normal selves the day after surgery. Would it be a bad idea to get her spayed before I leave town in a week if they can get her in either today or tomorrow? Thank you very much.

Sara

Answer
Sara -


Ideally, you should not leave your pet alone for a few days after a surgical procedure.  Though the surgical procedure may be a routine one, it is major surgery and your pet should be in capable hands in the event complications arise.

If you absolutely need to leave town after the procedure, inquire whether or not your kitty can remain in the hospital until you return.  Explain that you are leaving town and would like to make sure your pet is in good hands during recovery from the surgical procedure.


Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM