Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 3/11/2011

Question
I recently got my 6 month old cat spayed. She woke up great from the surgery and was raring to go when she got home. I followed all of the vets instruction and did  my best to keep her quiet and relaxed. Her incision area looks great. Lacey is eating and drinking perfectly. I have noticed tho that she is sleeping a lot more now that the pain killer has worn off and she just seems so miserable with the cone on her head. I have taken it off a few times to let her drink and eat without it bothering her and she has learned to run away from me so she doesnt have to put it back on but she goes after her stiches. I also have been doing my best to watch her bathroom habits and she has been going pee but I have not seen a poop since before the surgery so I am wondering if it is normal for some cats to get backed up from anesthetic, such as some humans do. I also find she gets kind of disoriented with the cone on cause i guess it gives her tunnel vision. Is there anything I can do to help her cheer up? I will be making a vet appointment in the morning. Thanks for you help.

Answer
If you can keep the cat confined to a crate or a small room, you probably do not need the cone as long as she is not bothering the incision. Constipation is not unusual after surgery, but you don't want her to get constipated.  If she is eating, then she will probably poop, but if not then she may need an enema.