Cat finally spayed

[Toocold]

My female cat was finally spayed today but has managed to get the protective collar of twice, she doesn't appear to be licking stitches, does she still need it on and if so how?

She hates me at the moment, please tell me she will forgive me!

Don't worry - she'll have forgiven you for taking her to the vet by tomorrow breakfast at the latest. (She won't be blaming you for the op - that's the vet that has to shoulder that one.) At the moment, she probably only hates you for putting the collar on.

I tend not to make my cats wear a collar if they're not worrying their stitches, just keep them quiet and move their heads away with a NO if I see anything fevered. (The odd quiet lick/investigation I don't worry about.)

If she only had the op today, she should be conking out shortly - any way you could hasten that by - say - low lights, some music and peace and quiet? Or take her to bed if she sleeps there?

Then, if she falls asleep, you can reassess her behaviour tomorrow morning.

Thank you, I will leave it for tonight. She is currently hiding under the Christmas tree, will come out for the odd fuss but goes back under, she usually sleeps on my feet or under the bed but I'm reluctant to move her as she seems happy there, I've put a huge sofa cushion and jumper next to it, in case she wants to settle down. Will give it five mins and go and spy on her.

It is thankfully really quiet here, felt guilty turning the Christmas lights off. I think I am turning into a mad cat lady!

How is she doing?

Much better today thanks Cozie, she was, as you predicted more forgiving at breakfast, but has sat looking out of the window for much of today, I work from home and she usually follows me around, but today has pretty much ignored me despite my best efforts.

I have left the collar off for now as it seemed to traumatise her and she isn't licking, she has shimmed up the Christmas tree once. She still hasn't ventured upstairs but I am guessing the steps are hard work.

I wish cats could speak!

That sounds fine to me. Like humans, cats vary tremendously in their reactions to GAs and ops so she might not be quite herself for a day or two yet. Besides which, she'll be watching you out of the corner of her eye to be sure that you don't suddenly produce the dreaded 'thing' from behind your back!

Hope she continues to improve.

You still in the doghouse?

Hi Cozie, Sorry had a hectic few days. She finally came to bed last night, I am aware that makes me sound nuts! and has been climbing the Christmas tree and sleeping in it, so up to some antics. A bit quieter than usual, but I think she will be anyway.

She will let me stroke her for longer time periods of time now, well until Tuesday when she goes back for a check up, I will be back in the dog house then!

All sounds fine. She'll come round.

One small tip for something that works with my boys who are bright cats as well. When doing something which is not their favourite, (vets, claw clipping and so on) I keep the matter businesslike - calm, measured tones with no honeyed voice and no stroking - just a firm grip.

That way, they trust the love words and stroking when you do use them - ie when you've finished whatever the business in hand is. It seems to make the transition smoother.