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Cats/spay concerns

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Expert: - 2/13/2011


Question
What do I do, i have  7-8 pound 9 month kitty who was spayed yesterday, she came home in horrible shape.  I had little instructions on what to expect afterwards. I had to call them many times and fight them to get some pain medication for her, they had told me to give her baby aspirin, which I refuse to do. Finally this morning they told me to go in and they would give me something.  I get home read and make sure it was ok, and it was pain medicine for dogs, Metacam.  I read horrible things about the reactions when it is used in cats.

My cat is doing better today but still in a TON of pain, she cries when she moves and I’m very worried I have no clue how normal this is her sister died of FIP and I’ve read if they are in pain and don’t have pain medicine it can cause their immune system to go down.

How can  I get medicine for her so she is comfortable, I don’t have the heart to bring her out of the house and to another vet, everytime she hears a noise here she panics.

Answer
Hi Lily,

Any medication can cause reactions in animals. However, Metacam has been used in cats a lot and has been pretty good. You will always have the chance that your cat will have a reaction. I wouldn't use the aspirin.

You can keep her in a cage or crate for a few days to keep her movements to a minimum. This will help her. Make sure the crate is big enough for a small litter box, and hang her food and water dishes on the bars. Make sure it has lots of blankets in it so she can nest up. It should have enough room for her to turn around in but restrictive enough so she won't hurt herself. She will sleep a lot in there. She will only need to be in there for less than a week.

I haven't heard about pain suppressing the immune system. But I would keep her quiet for a few days. She will be better in a week or so. Good luck and take care.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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