Anesthesia And Cats: Recovery Time And Aftercare Tips

Cats are usually given anaesthesia when they undergo surgery or need to stay still for an X-ray, bloodwork, or an ultrasound. The effects of anaesthesia typically wear off within 24 hours, but it can take up to a couple of days for cats to return to their normal behaviour. During recovery, cats may experience nausea, sleepiness, and mild irritation from the tube placed in their trachea during anaesthesia. To help your cat recover, you should keep them in a quiet, enclosed area with comfortable bedding, provide them with small amounts of food and water, and monitor them for any complications.

Cat recovery time after anaesthesia can vary

Cats typically recover from anaesthesia within a day, but this can vary depending on the type of anaesthesia used, the duration of the procedure, and the individual cat's response to the anaesthetic. Some cats may take a few hours to recover, while others may need a couple of days.

Factors Affecting Recovery Time

The duration of anaesthesia and the type of procedure performed can impact recovery time. For example, a dental procedure may require two to three hours of general anaesthesia, whereas a neutering procedure may only require ten minutes. The length of time a cat remains under anaesthesia will naturally affect how long it takes for the drugs to leave their system.

The type of anaesthesia used also plays a role in recovery time. Injectable anaesthetics, such as ketamine and alfaxalone, may wear off within 5-10 minutes of being turned off, while the effects of gas anaesthetics like isoflurane and sevoflurane can linger for a few hours.

Individual cats will also vary in their response to anaesthesia. Older cats or those with liver or kidney issues may take longer to recover. Additionally, certain breeds, such as British Shorthairs, Scottish Folds, Persians, and Himalayans, which have restricted airways due to their facial structure, are considered higher-risk and may require more time to recover.

Post-Anaesthetic Care

To aid your cat's recovery, provide a quiet, enclosed space for them to rest, such as a bedroom or bathroom, where they can sleep undisturbed. Remove any elevated objects they could fall from, and ensure their litter box is easily accessible in the same room.

Monitor your cat's breathing and overall comfort, and watch for any signs of complications, such as redness, swelling, or discharge at the incision site. Most cats will experience a mild reaction to anaesthesia, such as nausea and drowsiness, but more serious complications can occur. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you have any concerns or notice anything unusual.

Cats may experience nausea and vomiting after anaesthesia

If your cat does experience nausea and vomiting after anaesthesia, there are several things you can do to help them. Firstly, you should divide their meals into smaller portions, as this can decrease the risk of nausea and vomiting. You should also withhold water for the first few hours after your cat arrives home, as they may drink excessive amounts of water and then vomit. If your cat does not vomit after a few hours, you can gradually introduce small amounts of water. If your cat continues to vomit, contact your veterinarian for advice.

In addition to nausea and vomiting, your cat may also experience other side effects after anaesthesia, such as drowsiness, sluggishness, and a mild cough. These side effects are usually not cause for concern and should resolve within a few days. However, if you are concerned about your cat's recovery, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian for advice.

Anaesthesia is used for surgeries, X-rays, blood work, etc

Anaesthesia is used for surgeries, X-rays, blood work, and other procedures that require the animal to remain still. It involves administering drugs that block pain signals from the nerves to the brain, preventing the sensation of pain during the procedure.

There are different types of anaesthesia, including local, regional, and general anaesthesia. Local anaesthesia numbs a specific area of the body, while regional anaesthesia blocks pain in a larger part, such as a limb or the lower body. General anaesthesia, on the other hand, induces a temporary state of unconsciousness and is used for more invasive procedures.

Before administering anaesthesia to your cat, your veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination, including blood and urine tests, X-rays, and an assessment of vital parameters such as heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen level, carbon dioxide level, temperature, and blood pressure. This helps identify any potential risks and ensure the safety of your cat during the procedure.

After the procedure, your cat will need a quiet and comfortable space to rest and recover. It is important to keep them in a small area to prevent bumping into objects as they may still be disoriented from the effects of anaesthesia. Most cats will gradually return to their normal behaviour within 24 to 48 hours. However, it is important to monitor them closely and contact the veterinarian if you have any concerns.

To aid in your cat's recovery, provide them with a soft, clean bed in a quiet, draft-free room. Maintain a comfortable room temperature, and restrict their activity for at least a week to prevent running, jumping, or any strenuous activities that could strain the wound. Offer them a small portion of their usual meal a few hours after they arrive home, and gradually increase the amount if they still seem hungry.

Precautions to be taken before anaesthesia include blood work, physical examination, etc

Before your cat undergoes anaesthesia, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure its safety. These precautions include blood work, physical examinations, and other procedures that can help detect any potential health risks.

Firstly, a pre-anaesthetic physical examination is crucial to evaluate your cat's overall health. This includes checking vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen level, carbon dioxide level, temperature, and blood pressure. Additionally, a thorough examination of the chest, palpation of the abdomen, and assessment of gum hydration and circulatory status are performed. This helps identify any underlying conditions that may increase the risk associated with anaesthesia, such as heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or dehydration.

Blood work is another essential precaution. Pre-anaesthetic blood tests can help detect hidden problems that may otherwise go unnoticed. These tests can identify abnormalities that could be life-threatening, such as anaemia or certain infectious diseases. In older cats, chest X-rays and electrocardiograms (ECGs) may also be recommended to ensure there are no pre-existing heart or lung conditions that could increase the risk of adverse reactions during anaesthesia.

Furthermore, it is important to ensure your cat has fasted before the procedure. Cats should not eat for 3-4 hours prior to anaesthesia to prevent nausea and vomiting, which can be dangerous if it occurs during the procedure when the swallowing reflex is suppressed.

Additionally, providing your veterinarian with your cat's complete medical history is crucial. This includes information about any medications or supplements your cat has recently taken, pre-existing medical conditions, known drug reactions, previous diagnostic test results, and past anaesthetic or surgical procedures.

Finally, it is standard practice to obtain informed consent from the owner before proceeding with anaesthesia. Owners should understand the risks and benefits associated with the procedure and provide written consent, acknowledging their awareness and agreement.

By taking these precautions, veterinarians can minimise the risks associated with anaesthesia and ensure the safety and well-being of your cat during and after the procedure.

Common complications include a collapsed lung, pneumonia, etc

While anaesthesia is generally considered safe, there are some risks and complications that can arise. Common complications include a collapsed lung, pneumonia, and in very rare cases, death.

A collapsed lung, or pneumothorax, can be caused by trauma to the chest, underlying lung disease, or excessive pressure on the chest. This condition results in an abnormal accumulation of air in the space surrounding the lungs, preventing them from inflating properly. This can cause breathing difficulties, an increased respiratory rate, chest pain, and possibly lung collapse. Treatment for pneumothorax depends on the underlying cause, but typically involves hospitalization and oxygen therapy until the cat's condition stabilizes.

Aspiration pneumonia is another potential complication of anaesthesia. This occurs when a cat vomits while under anaesthesia or in the early post-operative period and accidentally breathes in the vomited material. This can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called aspiration pneumonia. However, with proper treatment, such as antibiotics and supportive care, most cats can recover from this complication.

To minimize the risk of these complications, veterinarians take several precautions. Pre-anaesthetic examinations, including physical exams and blood work, are conducted to ensure the cat is in good health and can safely undergo anaesthesia. Additionally, during the procedure, veterinary staff closely monitor the cat's vital signs and adjust the anaesthetic levels as needed to ensure their safety.

After the procedure, it is important to provide a quiet and comfortable recovery space for your cat. Keep them warm and comfortable, and restrict their activity for at least a week to prevent excessive strain on the wound. Most cats will gradually return to their normal behaviour within 24 to 48 hours after anaesthesia.

Frequently asked questions