How Long Not To Feed Cat Before Surgery

Sometimes an image gives me an idea and the photo below inspired this article.

How long not to feed cat before surgery. Not so fast experts say. Certain hospitals have recommended fasting of four to six hours if the cat is 6 16 weeks. Surgery can seem like a scary process for many pet owners especially if you are worried about caring for your cat after surgery.

Drop food down through the trap. Most veterinarians recommend no food or water after midnight. But with the majority of our cat surgeries were going to want to have them fasted before the procedure so no food in frequent proximity before the procedure.

Do not attempt to open trap to feed cat. To help alleviate any stress or anxiety talk to your veterinarian before and after the procedure to ensure that all your concerns and questions are addressed. The photo below is of a cat who vomited after anesthesia and surgery and illustrates why veterinarians ask pet owners to withhold food for several hours before a scheduled surgery.

We want them fasted overnight so no breakfast on the day of. Kittens receive anesthesia when they are spayed or neutered and most pets receive anesthesia at least once more during their lifetimes. Hand feeding or spoon feeding works great if your cat is still recovering from dental surgery.

However neutering is a simple procedure so other types of surgery may need more recovery time. However for cats that are older than 16 weeks it is highly recommend that your cat fasts during the entire day leading up to the surgery. Giving your pet food before surgery could lead to vomiting or pneumonia.

Some veterinarians will recommend removing food at midnight others recommend 9 pm and others will advise you to restrict food whenever you go to bed. Arrive at the vet around 15-20 minutes before the appointment to fill out any necessary forms and give your vet a medical history. My cat Lily just had dental surgery yesterday.