Feral or Barn Cat Post-Surgical Instructions*
*These post-operative instructions apply only to feral/free-roaming cats and shouldn’t be applied to pet cats for any reason.
Today your feral/free-roaming cat was spayed or neutered, vaccinated for rabies, and ear-tipped. The following instructions will aid in the proper care and release of your feral/free-roaming cat, so please read them carefully.
Don’t transfer the cat from the trap! MN SNAP staff will transfer the cat to an appropriate carrier immediately following surgery unless the caregiver requests otherwise.
All cats should be kept 24-48 hours in a temperature-controlled area, ideally around 72°F. Allow the cat to remain in the trap/carrier until fully recovered and ready for release. A garage may work if the weather is mild (not too cold or hot). Cover the trap loosely with a large towel or sheet for shelter, warmth, and privacy. Make sure to leave some open space so the cat can breathe fresh air. Throughout the evening, monitor the cat for alertness and any possible complications such as bleeding.
Don’t stick your finger through the trap/carrier or try to touch or handle the cat. Feral cats are scared, and they’re recovering from anesthesia. They’re not used to people, noises or new environments. You could be seriously injured by a feral cat if it bites or scratches you. ALWAYS wear sturdy, protective leather gloves if you feel that you must handle the cat. All animal bites are serious! If you’re bitten, seek medical attention, and don’t release the cat. The cat must be quarantined.
FEEDING INSTRUCTIONS
You may offer the cat water and 1/4-1/2 the amount of its regular diet the evening of surgery as long as the cat is awake and alert (canned food is an excellent option). If the cat is still sedated or groggy, withhold food and water until the cat is alert. The cat may choose not to eat the night after surgery due to post-operative nausea or because it’s scared in its surroundings. If your trap/carrier has a plastic feeding dish attached inside, water and food can be placed in the trap without having to open the trap. The cat should regain a normal appetite within 24 hours after surgery.
CLEANING THE CAT’S WASTE
Place newspapers or plastic on the floor under the trap/carrier to catch any urine, feces, and food that may fall out. The trap may be carefully placed on bricks or other suitable objects to elevate it from the floor so that the cat is not lying in its own waste. If you elevate the trap/carrier, make sure it can’t topple over when the cat moves around. Carefully remove soiled newspapers and replace them if needed to keep the cat and its incision clean.
MONITORING
Incision area: A small amount of redness, clear- or red-tinged discharge, and swelling is normal, but excessive redness, swelling, bleeding, or green or yellow drainage is not normal. The incision area should be monitored as closely as possible without risking the safety of the handler or the cat. Artificial tears have been applied to the cat’s eyes before surgery to protect them from drying out during anesthesia. Any concerns or emergencies should be directed to the MN SNAP veterinarian immediately at 612-759-0880.
The MN SNAP veterinarian on duty will monitor her phone for messages from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., every day of the week, and will return your call. She will evaluate your cat’s condition over the phone and will provide follow-up care if needed. If you choose to seek emergency veterinary care without consulting the MN SNAP veterinarian, all charges associated with that visit will be at your personal expense.
Ear-tip: Approximately 3/8” of the cat’s ear (left for females and right for males) has been removed during surgery. Occasionally, the ear may bleed after being tipped. The bleeding should stop within a few hours.
RELEASING THE CAT
Male cats can often be released the morning after surgery; female cats may need to be kept for an additional day. Once the cat is alert, bright-eyed, and shows no signs of illness, it may be released. Only release cats that are fully awake! Keeping or confining a feral cat for longer than 48 hours creates increased stress for the cat, which will prevent proper healing of the surgery site. However, if bad weather or extreme temperatures are present, use good judgment to weigh the risks and benefits of keeping the cat for another day.
Always release the cat where it was trapped. Relocating cats is strongly discouraged. Cats released in a new location will not know where food, water, shelter, or area predators are located. When releasing the cat, remove the cloth cover, open the trap/carrier gate, and back away. Patiently stand back and allow the cat to leave at its own pace. Usually, it will run away immediately. Leave fresh food and water at the drop site.
THANK YOU FOR BRINGING IN YOUR FERAL/FREE-ROAMING CAT TO MN SNAP TODAY!