If your cat has recently had its catheter removed, it’s natural to feel relieved yet concerned about its recovery.
This phase requires careful attention to ensure a smooth and comfortable healing process. In this guide, we’ll explore what to expect post-catheter removal and how to provide the best care for your furry friend.
What To Expect After Cat Catheter Removal
Drowsiness And Lethargy
The removal of the catheter would require the vet to put your cat under general anesthesia. this is to prevent your cat from reacting as the process can be uncomfortable.
It’s common for your cat to appear sleepy or less active following its catheter removal due to the anesthetic agent used during the procedure.
Mild Discomfort
Some pain, discomfort or irritation at the catheter site is normal as the tube was inserted into your cat’s urethra to drain the urine from its bladder.
Temporary Changes In Urination
You might notice changes in your cat’s urination patterns. This could include more frequent urination or straining while urinating.
Spotting Or Minor Bleeding
A small amount of bleeding or discharge from the catheter site is possible. This could be from the surgery or infection of the bladder or urinary system.
Pain Management
After your cat has a catheter removed, it’s important to manage its pain. Cats are good at hiding discomfort, so you’ll need to watch for subtle signs.
- Loss Of Appetite: If your cat isn’t showing interest in food or eating a lot less than usual
- Change In Behavior: A normally friendly cat becoming withdrawn or seeking more attention than usual
- Vocalization: Increased meowing, growling, or hissing when touched or moved
- Excess Grooming: Over-grooming or neglecting grooming, especially around the catheter site
- Restlessness: Difficulty finding a comfortable position or constant shifting and inability to settle
Your vet would have prescribed your cat some pain medication to help with the discomfort. Feed your cat as prescribed until it seems to be doing better.
Pain meds are strong and can irritate your cat’s stomach lining. If your cat has a sensitive tummy, it might be better to feed the pain medicine after or together with some food.
Providing your cat with a quiet and cozy area to recuperate can also help with its pain management.
Infection Prevention
After your cat’s catheter is removed, keeping the site clean and protected helps to prevent infection and ensure a smooth recovery.
Start by gently cleaning the area with a mild antiseptic solution or warm soapy water, as advised by your vet. Use a soft cloth or sterile gauze for this purpose.
It’s important to dry the site thoroughly to prevent any bacterial growth.
Usually, in cases with urinary catheterization, the vet will do a urine test strip (or dipstick) or examine a urine sample under the microscope. This is to help determine if the cat has a urinary bacterial infection (bacterial colonization).
This will help the vet decide if antibiotics are required to help cure your cat.
Depending on your cat’s activity level, your vet may suggest having your cat wear a cone to prevent it from licking that area.
Hydration And Nutrition
Keeping your cat well-hydrated helps its body flush out the remaining anesthetic agent and regulate pee frequency.
Peeing more regularly will enable your cat to flush out any contaminants in its urinary system.
Make sure fresh water is always available and consider placing multiple bowls around your home to encourage your cat to drink more.
Most cats aren’t big water drinkers. So to help with this problem, you can add some ice to your cat’s water or use a water fountain. Cats enjoy their water cold and flowing as it represents fresh water.
Your cat might not have the best appetite at this moment which is normal. Providing easily digestible, appealing food is important to encourage eating.
If your cat is on dry food or kibbles, consider feeding wet food at this point which can better hydrate your cat as well.
You can also add some tuna water or pet-safe chicken broth to help with your cat’s appetite.
Restrict Movement And Activity
After your cat has had a catheter removed, you don’t want it running and jumping about.
Start by setting up a quiet, safe space for your cat to rest, away from busy areas and without high perches or obstacles that might tempt it to jump or climb.
If you have stairs, try to keep your cat confined to one level to prevent any accidents.
I would strongly recommend confining your cat to a room to recover for the time being.
The length of time you’ll need to restrict your cat’s movements can vary but generally lasts from a few days to several weeks, depending on your vet’s advice.
When Should I Be Concerned?
While most cats recover without complications within a week or so, it’s important to be mindful of signs that may indicate a problem such as:
- Persistent or Increasing Pain
- Signs of Infection
- Difficulty Urinating
- Persistent lack of appetite
- Fever or Unusual Symptoms
Your cat needs to be monitored after the removal of the catheter to determine if it can urinate on its own.
If the cat is not able to urinate normally on its own in the next 24 hours, you must bring it back to the clinic.
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