Exact Answer – At Least 7 days
It is recommended that all non-breeding cats should be spayed. Sterilizing cats is good for health as sterilization eliminates the risk of uterine cancer and ovarian cancer.
Sterilization or spaying is a general term used to describe a surgical procedure called ovarian hysterectomy. In this process, the entire ovaries and uterus are removed to sterilize the cat.
Cat spay or removal of a part of the cat’s reproductive system is done so that it won’t become pregnant and give birth to kittens and as well as in males.
Sterilizing and spaying is a surgical procedure that can be performed correctly and safely by a cat doctor or a veterinarian, as it is a routine surgical procedure with the least risk of serious medical complications.
How Long After Spay Can Cat Play?
Cats need to be taken care of especially for 24 to 72 hours after surgery, depending on how quickly they recover. If it is fully awake and does not require additional medical care, it can return to its trap site 24 hours after sterilization. Depending on their circumstances, they need 48 to 72 hours of recovery time.
Your cat can recover within a day or two, but cannot play for at least 7 days after the operation. Leave the cat at home until the wound is completely healed. These days, their hiding place should be as quiet as possible so that they can have a good rest.
You must be careful not to let your cat crawl out while wearing an eco-collar or cone, as this may be dangerous and may be caught by objects they find while playing.
After the operation (regardless of age or young), you must keep them in restriction for seven to fourteen days.
It is forbidden for them to run, jump, play, walk without a belt, or be under unattended grooming without restriction (i.e it should not do these things, it should be in a cage or very small space). It is never recommended to leave your pet unattended in the Backyard after surgery.
Do not bathe your pet and always keep it with a handy collar. Finally, check the incision twice a day to make sure it is healing properly.
Timing for spay:
| Cat type | AGE |
| Intact males | 8 YEARS |
| Sterilized males | 12 YEARS |
| Intact females | 10 YEARS |
| Sterilized females | 13 YEARS |
Why Does it Take That Long?
- Anesthesia will disorient your cat, so if it hits something or falls, it could become worse .The needles and threads on cat skin weaken the skin and delay skin healing.
- Loose stitches and seams can cause bleeding or leakage of bacteria or urine to the abdomen.
- The bandage may slip or be pulled during play, which can cause further injury and pain to your cat.
- The Boneplates, posts, screws, etc that makes the cat move can heal poorly if not given time.
- One of the main reasons for holding a pet into restriction is that the suture might tear down due to excessive movement and movement at the surgical site. In pets, when the sutures are opened or tears down, nothing can prevent the intestines and other organs from leaving the body.
According to the VCA Animal Hospital, the healing surgical incision for cats should look like this: the incision should be properly healed, and the skin should be normal or “slightly red.” It may turn red in the first few days after the operation.
Pale skin cats may bruise around the incision, but this is normal. When your cat is active, blood may also leak from the incision, so it is best to control this within a few days after the operation and take precautions beforehand.
Conclusion
By spaying your pet, you can protect yourself from certain diseases, deal with bad behavior, save money and save lives by reducing overcrowding. Contact your veterinarian or local cheap neutering/spaying clinic to take your pet and/or arrange a date for your pet, and encourage your family and friends to do the same.
If neutering/spaying and health services are not available or affordable in your area, please advocate for these resources to ensure that all pet owners have access to quality health care services for their local pets.
References
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/nutrition-research-reviews/article/neutering-in-dogs-and-cats-current-scientific-evidence-and-importance-of-adequate-nutritional-management/EE9069F2CF1060CB2D5D65460BA8E8E1
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/maintenance-energy-requirement-determination-of-cats-after-spaying/DE74E493056B3B52D88E51DDF8FE5BFA