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 midnight the night before surgery. Always have water available.

  • Please drop off your cat in a carrier or trap between 7:00 - 8:30 am.

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

  • Each cat receives:

    • general anesthesia 

    • injectable pain control (buprinex)

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

    • sub-cutaneous fluids

    • nail trim

  • We recommend microchipping 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.

  • You will receive a phone call when your cat is ready to be picked up. All cats must be picked up by 6:00 pm on the day of surgery. A late pick up fee of $25 will apply if you arrive after 6:00 pm.

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

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Post-op Instructions

  • In addition to surgery, your cat received general anesthesia, pain control, and injectable antibiotics today.

  • It is not uncommon for animals to be subdued, tired, and/or have decreased appetite following anesthesia and surgical procedures. These signs should resolve within 24 to 48 hours. If your cat has still not returned to normal behavior within two days, please call us at (650) 368-1365 for instructions.

Questions?
Call our clinic at

(650) 368-1365

​SPAY SURGERY

  • If your cat was spayed today, she may develop swelling (resembling a grape ) at the incision site in a few days. This swelling is normal and will resolve as the stitches underneath the skin dissolve. If the swelling is red, painful, or leaking blood or other discharge, please contact our clinic. The skin is closed with stitches just below the surface and glue on the surface. No external sutures are used; therefore there is no need to return for removal.

NEUTER SURGERY

  • If your cat was neutered today, some bleeding from the scrotum is normal. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns.

  • Typically e-collars are not needed unless the cat is licking excessively.  If your cat continually licks or chews at their incision, please contact us.

  • If you have concerns post-surgery, please call Nine Lives at (650) 368-1365. If we are not available and you are concerned that your cat has a life-threatening condition, please contact an emergency veterinarian. (Care provided outside Nine Lives is at the owner’s expense).

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