Neuter Aftercare?

What will I need to do for my cat when I bring him home from being neutered? My vet usually keeps pets overnight but I told her I was uncomfortable leaving him overnight when he would only be checked on once in the evening and then left alone all night so she's allowing me to pick him up at 4pm today as long as there are no complications. I was told by the receptionist this morning not to give my cat any food until the next morning, that he could have small amounts of water, and that regular cat littler is fine. I've read conflicting things online; I read that food is okay in small amounts as long as he's not throwing up and that cats are supposed to use shredded newspaper or newspaper pellet litter (like yesterday's news). So should I follow the instructions I was given by the vet's office or should I give him newspaper based litter? I also worry about fasting him for 34 hours (which is what it will be if I wait till tomorrow morning to feed him). What is your aftercare advice for neutering. This is my first time having a cat of either gender fixed so I've never been through his before. What all do I need to do for him when he comes home and how long do I provide the aftercare for?

I had my boy neutered last month and brought him home several hours later. My vet told me to give him half the amount of food that he normally eats but if he didn't want any that was ok as long as he drunk some water. He was fine, eat, drunk and used the same litter as always. The only thing I had to watch was that he didn't lick the area excessively. If he did, I would have to put a collar on him. He did lick the area at first but I distracted him and later he forgot about it.The following day he was back to normal.

I personally would give him a little amount of food and keep an eye I him but wait for some other responses and advise from your post.

Good luck

Forgot to ask, How old is your cat?

Hello iheartlife,
It's normal for a cat to fast at least 12 hours prior to neutering as they are going under anesthesia so that they don't vomit during the surgery. Also after surgery, as they are recovering, it's ok that they do eat for the next few hours. They'll still be kind of dazed as the anesthesia has not worn off yet. And when they do start to eat, give them a smaller amount till the next meal and increase to normal servings.
The surgery is a simple procedure with just s small slit on each of the testicles. When you bring your kitty home, let him rest and not run around too much but there are some kitties don't seem to be bothered by the surgery and as soon as the anesthesia wears off, they are back to their normal self running around.
It's ok to use the normal litter that he's using. Just make sure that the litter doesn't get stuck to the surgery site. If it does, just use a soft damp cloth and gently dab off the litter. As long as the surgery site is kept dry and clean, there shouldn't be any concern. Just observe that there are no yellowish pus or smells. That means it's not infected. If there are signs like these, bring your kitty back to the vet.
It'll take around 6 - 8 weeks for the tetesterones to be flushed out of the system.
There's no need to worry as long as there's no complications.

Verna davies said:

Forgot to ask, How old is your cat?

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He is almost 10 months. But he's slightly underweight for his age; he's also very long so it makes him appear more skinny/underweight. That's why I'm worried about not feeding him.

It's good advice from TabbyTom. If he asks for food then give him a small amount and try to stop him eating too fast. It is difficult keeping them quiet for a day or so but the anesthetic might make him quiet. Keep us posted and just enjoy having him home.

How is your kitty doing today. Hope he is doing well.

Verna davies said:

How is your kitty doing today. Hope he is doing well.

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He was neutered Friday and brought home that evening. But he's not really eating. He's pooped once shortly after we got home; he's peed a few times. But he's not really eating. He'll drink water. And if I out canned food down he'll lick the juice off t but he won't eat the canned food or the kibble unless you put it in his mouth and make him check to swallow. Why won't he eat? What can I do? I can't get ahold of the vet till Monday!

It's important that he drinks and he's doing that. Do you have some cooked chicken to tempt him. If not, some other food that is usually a treat just to get his appetite started. If he's not eating then he won't poop. If he us still not eating by tomorrow, give the vet a ring

He's proably still drowsy over the anesthesia. When the anesthesia wears off and when he's hungry he'll eat but don't give him a full meal. If he finishes, wait a few hours and feed him again. As long as he has some food you don't have to worry that much.
Resume normal feeding once he's ok.