Pre-op Instructions

• Please remember that at least one FVRCP vaccine is required before surgery.  Proof of vaccination is required.  Feral/stray cats in traps are exempt from this requirement.

• Your cat will have general anesthesia for spay or neuter surgery. Please do not feed your cat after 7 AM the morning of surgery. There is no need to withhold food the night before.  Always have water available.

• Please drop off your cat in a carrier or trap between 7:30 -10 AM.

• Feral cats MUST COME IN TRAPS.  We recommend bringing a carrier so we can transfer feral cats after surgery.

• Each cat receives:

  • isoflurane gas anesthesia 

  • injectable pain control (buprinex)

  • a combination penicillin intra-muscular injection that lasts 5 days to prevent infection

  • sub-cutaneous fluids

  • nail trim

• You will receive a phone call when your cat is ready to be picked up.  All cats must be picked up by 6 PM the day of surgery.

• Feral and stray cats may be released the same day of surgery.

• We recommend micro-chipping at the time of surgery when possible, especially if the cat is feral or stray or will be living in an indoor/outdoor situation.

• Feral cats will receive a left ear tip to indicate they have been fixed and vaccinated. Feral/stray cats in traps will receive an FVRCP and rabies vaccine.

Post-op Instructions

• Your cat has had general anesthesia today.  We use only gas anesthesia (isoflurane) and buprinex injectable pain control

• Each cat also receives:

  • a combination penicillin intra-muscular injection that lasts 5 days to prevent infection

  • sub-cutaneous fluids

  • nail trim

• If your cat was spayed (female):

  • you may notice a swelling at the incision site.  This swelling is normal and will resolve in 10-14 days.  If the swelling is red, hot,or draining thick yellow pus, please call the office as this may be a sign of infection.

  • Follow-up visits are free of charge if infection occurs.

  • Please allow your cat to rest for a few days after her surgery

• If your cat was neutered (male):

  • You may notice a swelling in the scrotum.  This is normal and will resolve in a few days.​

• If your cat received vaccinations today, (FVRCP, Rabies, or FeLV) he/she may be tired for the next few days.  This is normal and will resolve on its own.  If your cat experiences diarrhea and vomiting, this may be a sign of vaccine reaction.  Please consult your own veterinarian or emergency clinic for assistance.