Cat Surgery

When Are Cat Surgeries Considered Elective, Non-Elective, or Emergency?

Elective surgeries are those that are not medical emergencies but can improve a cat's health or mobility. Elective surgeries can be planned, allowing pet owners to research and choose the best care facility and timing. Some common elective surgeries for cats include spaying, neutering, dental procedures, certain orthopedic procedures, hernia repair, splenectomy, amputations, benign mass removals, cystotomy, and cherry eye tucks. Elective surgeries help cats maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Non-elective surgeries are performed to ensure a cat's health but are not considered emergencies. They are not life-or-death situations but should be performed sooner rather than later. Examples of non-elective surgeries include malignant growth removals and most dental surgeries involving diseased teeth. If a cat needs surgery and you can schedule an appointment a few days or weeks in advance, the procedure is likely non-elective.

Emergency surgeries are critical to a cat's survival and must be performed immediately to stabilize a critically ill or injured cat. These surgeries are not scheduled in advance and pet owners have little control over the situation. Examples of emergency surgeries include traumatic injury treatment, urinary or intestinal blockage, and treatment for life-threatening conditions such as internal bleeding, collapsed lung, or foreign body removal.

The most common cat surgeries are onychectomy (declawing), spaying and neutering, urinary tract or bladder surgery, and soft tissue surgery.



Onychectomy is the surgical removal of a cat's claw and tip of the toe to prevent scratching. Declawing is a controversial procedure due to its potential long-term adverse effects on a cat's health and behavior, which is why it has been banned in many states and countries.

Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures that remove reproductive organs in cats, preventing reproduction and reducing pet overpopulation. Spaying involves the removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus in female cats while neutering removes the testes in male cats.

Urinary tract and bladder surgery are commonly needed in cats. Male cats have a very narrow urethra (tube that takes the urine from the bladder to the penis) that can easily become obstructed with grit or mucus blocking the path of urine. If a stone is present in the bladder, it often needs to be removed via cystotomy which involves surgically opening the bladder to remove the stone. Urethrostomy is a procedure performed on cats to treat urinary tract issues such as obstructions or urethral rupture due to trauma. There are different types of urethrostomy with varying indications and potential complications. Short-term complications are common, while long-term complications are less frequent but more severe.

Soft tissue surgery includes surgical procedures involving the thorax, abdomen, and other soft tissues. Common soft tissue surgeries include oncologic surgery (cancer care), gastrointestinal surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and abdominal surgery.

Yes, cats need lab work done prior to surgery. Lab work is essential in ensuring patient safety and well-being. This process helps identify any pre-existing conditions or risks that could affect the surgical outcome.

There are two primary parts of routine pre-surgical blood work for cats: the Complete Blood Count (CBC) and the serum biochemistry profile. The CBC analyzes the cellular components of blood, including red blood cells (which carry oxygen), white blood cells (which fight infection), and platelets (which help the blood clot). Abnormalities in these cell counts may indicate underlying diseases and affect your cat's surgical/anesthetic risks. The serum biochemistry profile examines the levels of various chemicals in the blood associated with organ function. The biochemistry profile provides information about liver function, kidney function, blood glucose (sugar), electrolyte levels, pancreatic function, and thyroid function. Identifying any abnormalities in these levels helps ensure your cat is healthy enough to undergo surgery and anesthesia.

Even young or seemingly healthy cats should undergo pre-surgical lab work as the risk of underlying conditions or possible anesthetic complications is always present, and some health issues may not be apparent during a physical examination. Lab Work helps your veterinarian know what’s going on on the inside of your pet.

Your veterinarian will be looking for any abnormalities in the Complete Blood Count (CBC) and serum biochemistry profile to identify underlying conditions that could increase the surgical/anesthetic risks. Both the CBC and serum biochemistry profiles provide important information about how well a cat's organs are functioning, and any deficiencies or abnormalities should be addressed before proceeding with anesthesia or surgery. Lab work changes may also affect the anesthetic protocol the doctor chooses.

In addition to routine lab work, your veterinarian may recommend additional tests depending on your cat's age and existing health concerns. These tests can help further assess your cat's suitability for anesthesia and surgery.

Before your cat has surgery, it’s important to understand the procedure, its purpose, and the potential risks. Talk to your veterinarian about the expected outcome and any possible complications that may arise.

Ensure that your cat is up-to-date on vaccinations and inquire about any specific requirements for the surgery. Verify all of your cat's medications and adjust them as needed before the procedure. Follow the veterinarian’s instructions regarding food and water restrictions the night before surgery. Be sure to transport your cat in a clean and secure carrier with a warm towel or blanket inside.

Stay calm and composed when saying goodbye to your cat, as it helps keep them calm as well. It’s also important to follow post-operative care instructions closely, monitor your cat's behavior during recovery, and consult with your veterinarian if any concerns arise.

The responsibility of monitoring a cat under anesthesia typically falls on veterinary technicians or assistants who are trained in anesthesia administration and monitoring. These professionals are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to accurately assess the cat's condition and respond to any complications that may arise during anesthesia.

There are several techniques and equipment used to monitor a cat under anesthesia, including hands-on monitoring, pulse oximetry, blood pressure monitoring, and heart and lung auscultation. Listening to the cat's heart and lung sounds can help veterinary professionals detect murmurs, arrhythmias, or other abnormalities that may be present during anesthesia. The importance of monitoring a cat under anesthesia cannot be overstated. Prompt detection of any changes in the cat's condition allows veterinary professionals to intervene and prevent further complications, ensuring the safety and well-being of the patient during the procedure.

Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery. Generally, soft tissue surgeries take about 2-3 weeks to mostly heal and require 6 weeks for complete healing. Orthopedic surgeries take 8-12 weeks for 80% of recovery and up to 6 months for full healing.

Monitoring your cat's condition during recovery is important. Look out for signs of infection, swelling, or discharge at the surgical site. After surgery, your veterinarian will provide you with instructions regarding pain management, activity restrictions, and other post-operative care tips. Keep in mind that recovery times vary from cat to cat and be patient; it may take several weeks or months before your cat regains their normal energy levels and activities.

Helping your cat recover at home after surgery requires following post-operative instructions, providing a comfortable and safe environment, monitoring their progress, and adjusting their diet as needed.

Post-operative instructions typically include keeping your cat indoors and restricting their activity for at least one week after surgery. Provide a soft, clean bed in a quiet and draft-free room at a comfortable temperature (68-75°F or 20-24°C). Offer your cat a smaller meal a few hours after coming home and gradually return to their regular feeding schedule. Be aware that your cat may be drowsy for a day or so due to anesthesia or sedatives. Also, prevent them from licking or chewing their wound or stitches by using an Elizabethan collar (cone or E-collar) or recovery suit.

Temporary sleepiness, shakiness, and loss of appetite are common side effects of general anesthesia and should gradually fade with rest. Due to the effects of general anesthesia, your cat may feel nauseated and have a reduced appetite after surgery. Offer smaller meals initially and gradually increase the portion size as your cat's appetite returns. Alert your veterinarian if your cat continues to vomit or not eat well in the days following surgery.

It is important to create a comfortable post-op recovery space for your cat by ensuring it is quiet, warm, and free from stressors and hazards such as other pets or high perches they may attempt to jump onto. Monitor your cat's progress closely during recovery and look out for any complications such as loosening stitches/sutures, bleeding, infections, or movement of surgical hardware. Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns or notice unusual symptoms.

Cat surgery can be a stressful experience for pet owners, but understanding the different types of procedures, the importance of lab work prior to surgery, and what is needed to help your cat recover at home after surgery can make the process smoother. At Veterinary Center of Hardyston, we strive to provide the highest quality and best service to ensure your cat's safety and well-being. Our team of experienced veterinarians are here to answer any questions you may have and assist you in making informed decisions about your cat’s health care needs. If you are located near Hamburg, NJ, please call (973) 425-5146 now to schedule an appointment.