Veteranarians especially!! - If a cat throws up (either a hairball + yellow substance)- Is it safe to neuter?

Question

I had already asked this almost exact question, but had found out from someone in my family that he threw up again (mentioned above) today. He is scheduled to go in tomorrow for the procedure. I just want to make sure everything is safe. How/ what would the vet do to check him over beforehand? Also, could it really just be a hairball- even mixed with the other stuff? It's not that I don't trust the vet- I'm just worried. Thank you

Answer 1

its probely just a hair ball so dont worry but mention it to youre vet

all the vet will do is check his puls maby his temp and check that his testicals have droped what age is he
usually 6 months if youre getting it done at puberty

Answer 2

First off, you need to get a book on cats as it sounds like you are a first time cat owner (from the amount of cat questions you have about this one topic). Most times, you seem like you've already educated yourself on many of the topics that you worry about! Take a deep breath! It'll be ok! Hairballs are normal in cats and should not have any effect on the neutering for your cat. Before the op, the vet will most likely do an initial check-up/look over of your kitty to make sure everything is okay.

You have to keep in mind that cats clean themselves constantly, which means we don't have to bathe them ourselves. But this also means that the hair that they shed will end up in their mouth. Think about it like this (even if it sounds gross). If you eat a slice of pizza and then throw it up, will it just be the pizza? Chances are it'll have mixed with the soda you were drinking (let's say it was grape soda) so it'll come out as pizza and purple colored. That's what the yellow stuff is that's coming out with the hair. Whatever kitty has eaten or the bile that's left over in his system. But of course, double check with the vet, but it sounds like just a normal hairball.

The best way to reduce hairballs is to brush your kitty often. That way the brush will get most of the hair that would end up in kitty's mouth. One of my kittens HATES being brushed and will always attack the brush. My other kitten looooooves to be brushed and would have me do it all day if I could. Guess which kitten gets the most hairballs? The one that hates being brushed and she's the one that tends to leave more hair around the house. (Hers usually come out yellow and most times even mixed in with half chewed kibble!) My kitten that loves being brushed....NEVER had a hairball from him and I've had him since he was 13 weeks (he's 7 months now). So invest in a brush and don't worry! The neutering procedure is done everyday in so many places that it's very routine for vets. Discuss all these concerns you have with your vet.

Good luck!

Answer 3

You're best bet at this point would be to cancel tomorrow's surgery and schedule him to be seen by the vet. That will ease your worries.

Sometimes a cat will throw up a hairball, sometimes it's just bile. I believe you mentioned that you changed cat food? Maybe he's having a adverse reaction to the food, it's not setting well with his stomach.

I'd cancel, set up an appointment for a physical and you'll feel alot better. A week or two holding off on surgery isn't going to be a big deal.

I also would not take to heart advice from a "fully trained vet" who can't spell testicles or pulse, lol. But that's just my observation.

Answer 4

Just inform the vet of the vomiting situation. Also check if he is eating and peeing properly. It sounds strange, but vomiting and urinary tract disease are related, if the cat is blocked. Otherwise, the cat may be a little sick, but I don't know if the bneutering can cause more problems. He will have to take an antibiotic anyway I guess.

PS. If he eats normally, pees normally and doesn't throw up again until tomorrow, I wouldn't worry. Don't feed him in the morning before surgery though.

Answer 5

If you have any concerns contact your vet. They can do pre screening blood work to check if your cat may be predisposed to anesthesia complications. Yes your can can throw up a hairball with other stuff and most likely will. Hairballs get stuck in the GI tract and create a blockage so it isn't uncommon for cats to vomit partially digested food along with the hairball.

Answer 6

The cat has just thrown up a hairball and some bile. There really is no connection between fixing your cat and a hairball so I wouldn't worry about the surgery. He'll be fine.

After his surgery I would think about putting him either:

1) On a special diet to help control hairballs or
2) Get some hairball remedy medicine (Petromalt is my cat's favorite)