Should I let her out? [after spay]

grandlinegirl

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Sorry for all the posts!

My kitty was spayed on Friday morning and since then I've kept her in an XXL dog cage with litter/food/bed and everything she needs. Her incision looks pretty good and she's definitely got her energy back. She's had her appetite back since Friday night and she's using the bathroom fine. She's got a cone on and has been pretty good with it.

I'm just not sure how long I should keep her locked up! I take her out a few times a day and let her wander around, but all she wants to do is play/run around/jump on things. I can't stop her from doing it even if I'm right there watching because she's so quick!

Should I keep her locked up a bit longer or start letting her out more? Will she hurt herself jumping up and down off the bed and furniture/on her cat tree? She's really unhappy being stuck in the cage and I've noticed a change in her attitude because of it.
 

di and bob

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I have never caged my cats after spaying and nothing has ever happened. It's a good idea though, but I would think two days would be enough. She will most likely limit her jumping. etc. if it hurts, just keep an eye on the incision and watch for green or yellow discharge, excessive redness, or heat. A lump is normal swelling, they have stitches on the inside too. My Chrissy took almost a week to get back to normal, so it sounds like your baby is doing fine!
 
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grandlinegirl

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Thanks for the reply!

I did a lot of research before her surgery and found mostly that people were split. Some were adamant that they needed to be caged/crated and some didn't at all. I thought it'd be good for a few days because Ailee is a very active cat! She seems to be doing really well, though she licks like crazy when her cone is off so I guess as long as I keep that on, we're okay. :)
 

catpack

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We choose to crate out females for the full 10 days post-op (until they go back to the vet and get sutures taken out.) It is possible for them to tear the sutures by being too active, though after about 5 days or so post-op, it is less likely.

Yes, most would rather be out running around; but, they almost all do ok for 10 days. Once sutures come out, they are free to play. None have experienced an ill effects from the short confinement.

With that being said, what did your vet recommend?
 

bonepicker

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Thanks for the reply!

I did a lot of research before her surgery and found mostly that people were split. Some were adamant that they needed to be caged/crated and some didn't at all. I thought it'd be good for a few days because Ailee is a very active cat! She seems to be doing really well, though she licks like crazy when her cone is off so I guess as long as I keep that on, we're okay. :)
Cats with stiches are usually ok the ones with glue you have to keep an eye on!
 
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cymbal777

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Hi there. Read your post about spaying and cat activity after. Have had all my kittes spayed and neutered,and always kept their activity to a minimum afterwards. Figure better safe than sorry.  I would limit a lot of vigorous activity until the surgical site has healed. I work in an operating room in a local hospital{for people},and know the importance of taking it easy after surgery. You can never go wrong to err on the side of caution. I am not an expert,but have cats now since 2001,and always try to do the best I can for them. Hope this helps,and good luck with everything. John
 
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