Pre-Surgery Food and Water Restrictions

cc0000

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On June 1st one of my cats has to have his first dental. Of course, he can't have any food/water 12 hours before.
I have 2 other cats now so he will have to be separated for safety.

I know he will cry and scratch to get out. Is there anything I can do to make things easier for him?

How do you guys handle surgery restrictions when you have more than one cat?

Thanks.
 

NewYork1303

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When Angua had her surgery, we pulled food and water for both cats after midnight. Then in the morning, we fed the cat that wasn't having surgery and put his water back after she had been packed away in the carrier. It was just so much easier and didn't do Carrot any harm.
 

laura mae

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I have to withhold water and food for the whole gang. Like NY, I feed and water the rest after the surgery cat is in the pet taxi.
 
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cc0000

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I didn't think about pulling food and water for them all. It would be easier, in a way, but I can imagine they would all cry and I would have to make sure there are no pieces of food anywhere in the house instead of just one area.
 

jcat

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At the cageless shelter where I work, appointments for spaying/neutering, dental work, blood draws, etc., are a weekly occurrence. Normally there are 1 - 4 cats per room. Food, but not water, is removed from the room the evening before the appointment, so everybody in the room goes without the night before. Once the cat going to the vet is in their carrier or on their way, the others get fed.

Whether water is taken up depends on the vet. The ones who take care of the shelter cats say it isn't necessary, but your vet obviously differs.
 
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cc0000

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Thanks for all of your input. The only surgeries my cats have had required food removal only. The water removal makes it much harder on them. I have a few more days to think about whether or not I will limit the others as well. My main concern is my other family members feed the cats in different areas (we can't leave a food bowl out as one cat will steal food and overeat) so some pieces may be left behind and eaten by the cat who needs surgery.
 

laura mae

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I sweep up everything. I look for stray kibble, make sure the plates are all up and out of reach. I have 6 cats and there is some complaining about the prep, but is the only way to make sure. Have agreement with your family not to  anyone. Unless you are sure you can lock up the cat who can't have food... alternative is to see if the vet can board kitty the night before.
 

NewYork1303

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There wasn't any problem with my cats complaining since their meal times are at 8pm and 5am. They ate dinner like normal and then all food was removed at midnight. Carrot's breakfast was only a little delayed in the morning so no more whining then usual. It could be more of a problem depending on meal times. I swept up all stray kibbles and limited my cats just to our bedroom for the night so no food or water was around for anyone. They're used to being in the bedroom and bathroom at night so it wasn't a problem.
 
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cc0000

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Well, he had his dental and now he's home. I did end up putting my cat (Brillo) in a separate area that he loves to spend time in so it wasn't too hard on him. He slept mostly during the 12 hours, bloodwork was great, and he was happy to be home. I might try limiting all of my cats next time because I can see how it would be easier. I just have to lock up all of their food and leave reminders about the water since my other family members might forget, and I will have to check the house well for any stray pieces of food.
 
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