Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 9/19/2005

Question
I know your expertise is not in this subject but maybe you can help me out. I just got my 3 male cats neutered today and I would just like to know how long are they usually knocked out? I mean it has been 2 hrs since I picked them up at the vet and they are still totally knocked out. I mean the one has his eyes open but is not moving at all, but he is breathing. Is this normal? Also they urinated in their cat carriers and it is like all over them. I would just like to know what do I do after they come to; to get the urine off of them so they dont get it all over my house. I mean can I put them in the bathtub and use the shower head to spray them with water really good or what? I mean I dont know if I can get their incision wet or what I should do. Any suggestions?? Thank you

Answer
Recovery from anesthesia depends on what drugs were used and the body temperature.  I am surprised tha tthe vet released the cats without fully recovering them from the anesthesia.  You can wipe off a cat with warm water on a washcloth.  Neutering incisions are very small and should not be affected by wiping them off.