Kitten spayed today

[maloofhoof]

My kitten was spayed today. The advice sheet says to keep her indoors for 7 days. However, she's been home since 3pm and is desperate to get out. She's scratching the door, pulling up the carpet and howling at the door in her desperation to go out. I've tried keeping her calm but she's not interested despite usually being very affectionate. She's eating and drinking normally , but when she does so, it's the only time she's not crying to get out. I've got her a litter tray but she's not used it at all and won't leave the (locked) catflap alone. She has one dissolvable stitch, doesn't appear in any pain nor tired. Does anyone have any advice? I fear I may crack and let her out for a few minutes. I'm not even sure why cats are not meant to go outside after the procedure. I'm guessing for infection reasons.

When my cat was spayed, she seemed fine initially but was much quieter and more subdued the following day. I think the painkillers had worn kff by then. So you may find she's easier to manage tomorrow. Don't let her out - as well as the infection issues, there is the possibility that she will try to climb a tree, jump up onto a fence etc and reopen the wound and possibly an artery, resulting in catastrophic bleeding. She needs to be kept quietly indoors where you can keep an eye on her. Ignore the howling, don't give in!

The first night is the most important. She will probably be a bit high on ketamine and they can act erratically and put themselves at risk. Their body temperature can also be lower than normal.

I think seven days is overkill. It's very unlikely that she will do herself any harm by moving too much. I would give it three days and then give in if she's still that desperate to go out.

It’ll be the ketamine, it makes them fearless. A vet on here says post op is very painful for them so she has to stay in & recover.

How is she now?

It was a long night. I didn't give in, however she's the same today, desperate to get out and can only be distracted for short periods of time.

Has she calmed down yet?

can you go out with her, would she walk on a small lead of some sort

I went out with her this morning, she seemed very happy. She's still longingly looked at the locked cat flap. I think I'm going to let her go out properly tomorrow.