Orthopedic Surgery Scheduled Suggestions?

My cat fell just before New Years and hurt his knee.  Unfortunately, it only got worse over the next few weeks and he now needs knee surgery. 

I feel so bad, he is an anxious guy as it is (has IBD) and hates the vet.  He has to stay overnight one night. 

Just looking for suggestions regarding care post surgery - has anyone else has experience with this???

I have no experience with Ortho surgery on a cat. My oldest cat has IBS and changes make him stop eatting and flare his IBD. I always have his favorite treats on hand and his one go to wet food that he never turns down. The first time he had a flare it was horrible to get him to eat anything because they gave him science diet GI food which he would not touch. He will not touch human food and I never gave him treats at that time so I could not get him to eat. He had to take appitite stimulants. Is the vet clinic staffed overnight? Mine is not and my vet is my neighbor so I take him home after surgery to watch him myself. I figure me wwatching him at home all night is better than him being in a cage alone with no staff.

I've had several kitties go through ortho surgeries. Based on your description, I'm wondering if your cat developed something like a luxating patella?

All of my ortho kitties were strictly confined to a large size dog crate for minimum of 6 weeks. The longest was strictly confined for 14 weeks.

I have found that crate bowls like this are a must for us:
https://www.chewy.com/dog/midwest-stainless-steel-snapy-fit/dp/50142

As well as a low sided litter box (I also use pellet litter...I like the Blue Buffalo. It's easier to clean up and doesn't track like clay litter.)

Also, some soft blankets for kitty to lay on. This is easier than getting in and out of a bed.

Your vet will send you home with pain medication (typically Buprenex and possibly some Meloxicam and an antibiotic.)

I take daily pictures of the surgery area for comparison/documentation, though this is certainly not something you have to do.

Aside from that, I would give kitty a nice quite area to recover in. The first few days post-op are the hardest and you'll likely not want to pick him up. But, certainly can give him as many pets as he likes!

Also, have extra bedding. Kitties having ortho surgery can't also make it to the litter box and you may need to change out the bedding several times a day.

That's what I would prefer (to take hm home after surgery), but he needs pain medication and they said it is better if they have him stay.  I am very worried, but if something goes wrong it is probably better he be there.  I would even transfer him to the e-clinic for overnight observation, but he gets so upset.

I hope all goes well. I found for my boy he was more comfortable at home with me. I also had a dog crate, but my boy didnt move from my side on couch so I did not have to use it. He is a very mellow cat though. I knew he didn't feel well when he did not purr. He starts purring as soon as you say his name. He started purring again about a week after surgery. I also did take vacation from work so I could be his nurse. I have about 6 more weeks vacation time a year than my husband so I have to use a lot of vacation up and just stay home.