How to prevent trauma to my cat?

Question

I have to take my cat to have her spayed tomorrow. She has never been out of the house or away from me. What can I do to make this less tramatic for her? She's 4 months old and thinks I'm her mom. I hate leaving her overnight. Will she be traumatized?

Answer 1

Probably but she'll get over it.
If you had taken more time previously to acclimate her to the car and to the vet, it would have been less stressful. Seeing as it's tomorrow, not a lot you can do.
Talk reassuringly with her tonight and in the morning. The sound of your voice is comforting.
When you pick her up afterward, she will be nauseous, dizzy, and in pain. Shut her into one room, preferably the one she will be most comfy in. Make sure she has water and her favourite food and a temporary litterbox. She will be hurting when she eliminates for the first few days so be prepared to give her comfort. I'd consider taking the day off to be with her after surgery.
They do heal quickly, but cats have very long memories and don't easily forgive. The return visit to the vet to have her staples out will be a cause of stress. The good thing is it will be quick and she can go right home with you.
My cat was 6 weeks old when she was spayed. She came to me sore and crying, and demanded lots of comfort right off the bat. She also bonded with me and considers me to be her mommy and source of comfort. She still hates the vet and refuses to come out of her cage: we have to remove the top of it and lift her out. She hisses at them and growls and is very relieved to be home again.
My older cat was a rescued stray- he had several injuries that got fixed. He views the vet as his friend and saviour, and he purrs so loudly they have to pinch his nose to hear his heart. It's all in their experience and memory.
The spaying process will not win the vet her friendship, but she will get over it in time.
Good luck. Hope she does well.

Answer 2

If she has a favorite toy or blanket take it with her. The people at vets offices are so good at soothing these little creatures she'll be fine.

I have two, Now 8 and 9 years, and they went at the same time and were in the same cage because they were used to each other. They were 4 and 10 months. The 4 month old recovered faster and did better.

Answer 3

You know what...she'll be just fine. I'm not being sarcastic or rude with this comment, but it's probably more emotionally hard for you than the cat.

Cats that are pets, that aren't spayed, can be miserable going through their heat cycles and you're preventing her from going through that "trauma".

After surgery, she's going to be hazy from the meds and tired. She most likely won't want to be bothered, but she won't be traumatized. She'll be back to normal in no time.

Answer 4

I think its better for the cat all round if you let it go through until she is at least one I don't think there is any need to get them done until then. I let my cat go into season once, then got her done- but that was me, and you have to be able to stand the noise and not let her out. I believe she was an even better cat for it.

Answer 5

Yes, she'll be fine. The people at the clinic are probably very nurturing and caring towards animals, and you will be so very excited to see your cat back the next day...

Answer 6

take your pillow case off your pillow and put it in her carrier with her cuz it smells like you and it will be comforting for her to have your scent with her while she is away from home. Ask the vet to put it in her cage while she stays overnight. It may sound corny but that is what my vet told me to do.

Answer 7

She will be alright. She will be groggy for a little while and she may even be a little mad at you for taking her there where she got hurt in her mind set that is. But just give her lots of love and affection and she'll be alright.KISS THAT LITTLE GIRL FOR ME.

Answer 8

I would suggest buying some Feliway it will help reduce the stress and make her feel calm.
Good luck!