Just got spayed - should I keep this 'vest' on?

So my kitten just got spayed this morning. I've had her home for about 3 hours now. She's almost 6 months old, and so far I'm kind of freaking out. ( A teensy bit over protective, maybe.) I have a little bit of a social anxiety problem and I'm the kind of person who, pre-appointment, has a long list of questions - and when the vet asks me "Do you have any more questions?" I draw a blank. I literally just nod and say yes a couple of times. I was also pretty nervous about the spay and about leaving her there. That didn't help. So there's a lot I didn't ask, but thankfully theres the internet. I read up on some things, but I still can't really get an answer to a few things.

1) She's still groggy and wobbly, but she will still try to jump on everything. She fell twice already, despite me keeping an eye on her the entire time so far. As I said she's still groggy so can't jump very high - but I reckon tomorrow she'll be feeling like her old self and will jump on everything. Should I just let her? Will she pop the stitches?

2) My vet gave me the option to either go for a "vest" which is basically a onesie, or a cone. They recommended the vest, and (again, I was nervous) I just complied. When I came to pick her up I had already decided that I also wanted a cone, just in case, so I have one of those too. She's wearing the vest now though.

My concerns with this vest is that for one, I can't see the wound. I opened the vest and looked at it once though.

Second, I'm very clumsy, and because of that I've had a lot of wounds and stitches throughout my life. Doctors always recommended me to leave it open; meaning to not even put a bandaid/clothes over it etc - so it could "breathe" and heal naturally. With this vest the wound is entirely closed up and can't get any air. Would be easy to believe that a spot like that - warm and dark - is a perfect place for bacteria to grow. idk though, I'm not a vet. They are, and they recommended this thing.

Third, she's a Persian so she has long hair and I'm pretty sure it'll knot up - and I'm even more sure that it's just not comfortable. The way she walks with that thing on would make anybody think she's never walked before.

But then I think the cone will be just as uncomfortable - or even more uncomfortable, since she won't be able to eat with it and stuff. I really don't know what to do - should I keep the vest on her? Switch to the cone? Or nothing? Anyone have expierence with a vest like this?

3) Any aftercare tips? Do I put her in a room at night? Anything really. Any tips are appreciated. Thanks so much in advance guys.

The vest IS kinda cute though, lol. But I just think she's uncomfortable really.

The vest is to keep her from chewing the stitches. Best to keep it on until the stitches come out. It should be a breathable fabric. So, don't worry too much about that. It'll get enough air. Checking the incision is fine, but it's better to leave the vest on otherwise.

Elfilou I'm sorry I have zero information and can't help since I adopted my cat after she was already spayed. If you have any questions for your vet after procedures, you should be able to reach them by phone or leave a message for them to call you back. I just wanted to say that it's heartwarming to read how much you love your cat. Best of luck. I think your cat is in safe hands with how much you obviously love her. =)

I would give her 2-3 days and then take the vest off, see how she does. If she messes with the stitches (besides normal cleaning), you'd have to put it back on, but if she doesn't try to bite them or pull them out you can let her be free :tongue2:. I think she would hate the cone even worse than the vest.

If they're still stumbling around when I bring them home, I put them in their carrier until they're steadier, so they don't hurt themselves. Other than that, I don't try to restrict their movements; I figure they know what hurts.

Many cats (I'd say the great majority) don’t pull out their stitches, especially if the wound is on the tummy which is less accessible than the sides. But it’s too risky to take the vest off, I certainly couldn’t accept any responsibility.At most, you can remove it temporarily when you're around and watching her, in which case you can find out about her intentions. Bear also in mind that in cold weather she may need the vest to keep the exposed part warm till hair grows again.

If you’re worried about the wound, you can just have a look at it from time to time.

It's night time now and she seems to be getting used to walking in the vest. I don't think she'd lick the wound tbh, she doesn't spend all that much time cleaning herself as is. :lol3: Less than other cats I know. Either way, yeah, I'll keep the vest on for at least a few days and check the wound once a day. If it starts oozing or its just too moist I'll take it off and see how that goes. If she licks it I'll switch to the cone.

Glad to know I don't really have to restrict her movements; it's much nicer (for me and her both) that I can just leave her be. Thanks!