SimplyCats

Anaesthetics and your cat

No anaesthetic is risk free, but we do everything we can to limit the risk and ensure your cat undergoes a smooth anaesthetic process.

Pre-operative Care

An anaesthetic is safest when the stomach is empty, we therefore request that you do not feed your cat from 10pm the night before. Please allow access to water at all times, unless your vet advises otherwise.

Please keep your cat indoors overnight to ensure it does not get food from elsewhere, you will need to provide a litter tray.

Pre anaesthetic blood tests are not mandatory but are recommended for any cat over the age of 7 years of age. If these tests are performed the results will be discussed with you prior to your cats anaesthetic.

Admission

Please do not let your cat out on the morning of the surgery. Please ensure you transport your cat in a secure basket.

Please make an appointment to admit your cat between 8.30am and 9am.Your cat will then be admitted by a veterinary nurse or a veterinary surgeon and you will be asked to sign a consent form.

Please allow time for this appointment as you will be able to ask us any questions you may have and ensure you fully understand the consent form and the procedure. Ensure you leave an up to date contact telephone number so that we are able to contact you.

Your cat can be microchipped whilst anaesthetised, please discuss this with us if you would like this to be performed.

Please note any anaesthetic does carry an element of risk, however close monitoring and up to date anaesthetics reduces this risk, your vet will advise you further on this

Please advise us what food your cat normally prefers and whether he/she prefers wet or dry food.

Your cat may appreciate a clean item of bedding from home to help him/her settle in whilst he/she is in with us.

Before the anaesthetic

We will weigh your cat, so that drug doses can be calculated, blood samples will be taken if required. Your cat will then be placed in a clean, warm, well-bedded kennel in a quiet area with feline pheromones diffused into the environment to ensure your cat's stay with us is as stress free as possible

The order of surgery for the day will have been planned, but we have to allow for emergencies, therefore we cannot provide an exact time when the procedure will commence.

Your cat will be pre-medicated soon after admittance, the drugs given will be tailored according to your cats individual needs. A pre-medication is given to sedate the cat, it reduces stress, reduces the amount of induction anaesthetic agent required, ensures a smooth anaesthetic recovery and provides pain relief.

The anaesthetic

Your cat will be taken into the preparation area where general anaesthetic is induced by injection into the vein (usually on the foreleg, a patch of hair will be clipped from this area).

Once your cat is under anaesthetic and 'asleep', an endo-tracheal tube is placed in the windpipe; this is to ensure the airway remains open to allow your cat to breathe whilst under anaesthetic.

During the operation, our trained, qualified veterinary nurses use high quality monitoring equipment to monitor heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure and blood oxygen levels.

In some cases your cat may require fluid therapy, for example if the operation is lengthy, or if the cat is old or ill. Extra painkillers will also been given if required.

Recovery

After the operation, your cat will regain consciousness and then placed back in a heated kennel to recover fully, a nurse will monitor your cat fully during the recovery process.

Your cat will be kept in for at least a few hours after the anaesthetic to ensure a full recovery from the anaesthetic.
Your cat will be fed a recovery diet after the anaesthetic whilst hospitalised with us.

When you collect your cat, you will be asked to settle your account in full. Either a veterinary nurse or a vet will discharge your cat and advise you how to care for your cat post operatively and any specific details or medication.
 
Please note if your cat is insured and the procedure is covered by the insurance, you will be required to pay the outstanding balance and then claim the amount back from the insurance company.

Please leave an insurance claim form with us so we can complete this as soon as possible.