how do you keep a cat from moving too much after surgery?

Luna had surgery today. She is being way too active jumping on things and running around. I tried putting her in the small bathroom to keep her more confined, but she ended up basicly throwing herself around the bathroom. Baskets were knocked over and we kept hearing noises like she was hitting the floor. I don't have a crate big enough for a litter box so the isn't really an option. What can I do? HELP

you could always put her in the transport box for a few hours then let her out to use the tray if she hasnt used it within 10-20 mins that put her back in and get her out an hour later she wil soon realise that the time she psends out of the box is for doing her business otherwise she will have to hold it until next time sge comes out.Hope this helps.

Did the vet send you home with any type of pain killer? Torb usually keeps them off their feet, although you would still want to confine her.

As long as you are not giving her pain meds, she probably won't overdo it as her body would hurt enough to slow her down.

We never had to confine Mika after her surgery and she was pretty much back to normal after a day or so.

Originally Posted by Yosemite

As long as you are not giving her pain meds, she probably won't overdo it as her body would hurt enough to slow her down.

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Really? I've never had a cat react in that manner. (become more active after being given pain med) What my vet has prescribed in the past has always made them really laid back, more like being given a sedative. Anway, I don't know what the complexity of the surgery was, but if it was a spay, you're right...she'll probably be fine. Worst case, she pops a stitch and you have to go have her glued shut!

Well, her surgery was the removal of a lump on her neck. But she's a small cat, about 4.5 lbs, and the insision was about 2inches long. I'm thinking that they took alot of the outlying area just incase it turns up cancer. It looks awful, but she's still not acting like she's in pain. She was given pain meds after surgery. I've decided just to let her go an have full run of the house. If I confine her she just throws herself around, which I think would cause more damage than her jumping on the couch. Thankyou for the suggestions!

dog cage big enough for her food/water, bed and a small litter tray. keep her there until you feel comfortable. usually 6 to 8 days is plenty of time in confinement. generally 8 to 10 days for out of confinement.

Originally Posted by Cinder

Really? I've never had a cat react in that manner. (become more active after being given pain med) What my vet has prescribed in the past has always made them really laid back, more like being given a sedative. Anway, I don't know what the complexity of the surgery was, but if it was a spay, you're right...she'll probably be fine. Worst case, she pops a stitch and you have to go have her glued shut!

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Sorry, apparently I wasn't very clear in my post. What I was trying to say was that if the cat is NOT taking medication, then the pain would NOT be masked, thus she would probably NOT overdo any activity because the pain would remind her that it hurts. I, for instance have severe shoulder pain this past week and when I take pain killers I tend to over-use the arm since the pain killers are masking the pain.

I get ya, Yosemite. Vicodin And Flexeril work that same way for me. Hallelujah...my neck is cured! And then the next morning.... ...it's not. And to add clarity on my part, I don't worry about them overdoing it on pain meds 'cause sometimes they can barely walk straight after taking the stuff. Of course, then I worry about them trying to jump up and falling, stairs, etc. It's always something.

Hope she's doing well, Luna. I imagine that does look like a pretty big incision on such a little girl. And it usually seems that they shave such a huge area. I'm assuming they have sent the growth for a biopsy. I'll say a special prayer and for you both.

Duh! I just saw and read your other thread. Good news!