My cat Zara has dislocated a joint where the paw meets the ankle (front left). She's getting a plate put in on Friday so it sets right, the vet said its a pretty big procedure, but as long as the op goes well she shouldn't have any long term problems and will walk and jump normally. Obviously she is in a cage completely until tomorrow, and total healing after the op will take up to 12 weeks - I'm not sure how much she'll have to be caged during that time but I imagine it will start out most of the time and get progressively less. She's not too distressed, particularly for the couple of hours after she's had her opiate, but obviously at times she is getting fretful, wanting to come out, wanting me there/not wanting me there....any tips to make the next few weeks easier on her? And me? She has in the cage her food, water and a temporary litter tray, blankets and a warm pad to lie on. She is next to a radiator. She is eating and peeing normally.