It's no secret that responsible pet owners spay or neuter their cats. The procedure is completed in a vet office or hospital and it is considered routine, so there is very little to worry about. Your cat will likely be kept overnight, although male cats are sometimes sent home the same day since neutering is less invasive than the female spay procedure. Making sure your home is ready for their return can aid your cat's recuperation. These tips can help.

Tip #1: Create a Kitty Haven

Your cat will likely need to sleep for the first day or so after the procedure. This is partly due to the effects of the anesthesia wearing off. Create a comfortable bed at ground level for your cat to relax in. You can do this with towels, blankets, or an actual cat bed. Your cat won't feel much like jumping or climbing, but cats tend to feel more comfortable in high places. Dens can also make a cat feel secure as they heal. Create this by placing the bed in a box that is open on only one side so they can see out.

Tip #2: Provide the Basics

Most cats don't eat much when you first bring them home. Follow your vet's recommendations on feeding, although you can probably resume regular feeding once the cat feels like eating. Water should be kept near their bed so they can get to it without traveling too far. It's also a good idea to have a litter box nearby. Although your cat can walk, they may not want to travel very far from their bed at first.

Tip #3: Ensure Privacy

This is especially important if you have other cats. Your cat will be nursing their wound and trying to recover, but other cats in the house may still try to tussle with them. Other pets, like dogs, as well as young children that may not know better, should also be kept away from the cat for the first few days as they recover. You don't want anything to interfere with recovery.

Tip #4: Keep an Eye on Things

The good news is that you won't need to clean the wound or bring your cat back in for suture removal. This is because the sutures, or stitches, dissolve as the wound heals. All you need to do is check the surgery site a couple of times a day to make sure there are no signs of infection, like redness or pus. Also, verify that your cat is urinating normally, eating, and drinking. Contact a vet hospital immediately if you suspect any problems.