Please read the following documents. When dropping off for TNR we will have a copy for you to sign and fill out for each cat. If you would like to speed up the process please print and fill out to the best of your knowledge. This will greatly increase how fast you get out of there so we can start working on the cats. 

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Medical Record Form: This form needs to be filled out PER CAT. We appreciate if it is filled out prior to drop

off. If we do not have a copy of this at time of drop off we will have you fill one out for each cat. 

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Information regarding when to trap the cats:

Ideally trapping a day before surgery is preferred. This ensures that the cat will be fasted (safer for them undergoing anesthesia) as well as caught so they can get vetted when you reserved your spot. 

Cats should be fasted for at least 10 hours. Ideally 12 hours before surgery. Pick up times will vary depending on how fast your cat is waking up from anesthesia. 

Cats MUST be at least 2#. If we get them and they are less than 2# surgery will not be preformed. 

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Post Surgical Care

Keep the cat in its carrier/trap until it can move around normally and is fully aware

Cats recovering from anesthesia go through a period of excitement and disorientation. During this period, they can be a danger to themselves, to you, and to their surroundings if not confined to a trap/carrier. The cats’ coordination is hindered by anesthesia, so he/she won't be able to jump or climb normally until the anesthesia fully wears off, making them susceptible to dangerous situations that they cannot escape from. For these reasons, it is best to house cats overnight.

 

Keep the carrier/trap in a warm, dry, draft-free sheltered area that you can check on frequently

Cats cannot adequately control their body temperature until they have fully recovered from anesthesia. For this reason and others, cats recovering from anesthesia should be kept in a warm (>75 degree), draft free environment. Cats that become hypothermic (dangerously low body temperature) are in danger of re-anesthesia, and possibly death. Whenever possible, keep the cat indoors until ready to release.

• During cold weather, cover the carrier/trap with sheets, towels or blankets to help the cat preserve body heat. If the carrier/trap is on a cold floor, place a thick towel or blanket under it.

• During hot weather, make sure there is ample ventilation, as cats cannot easily cool themselves for some time after anesthesia and may become overheated. Never leave a cat in a hot car.

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Provide fresh water and a small canned food meal as soon as the cat is alert

When the cat is awake, provide clean water in a way that won't spill (if this is not possible, you may add water to canned food however, this is only appropriate for the night after surgery and will not provide adequate hydration for any longer term confinement). The anesthetic drugs and surgical procedure may make the cat nauseous. Feed a small amount of canned food, about ¼ to ½ of a normal meal, the night he/she goes home as soon as the cat is fully awake.

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Monitor cats after surgery until released

The majority of cats will recover from surgery without issues. Although rare, some cats experience complications associated with surgery. If you notice anything unusual, including failure to stay awake, difficulty breathing, slow recovery (cats should be fully recovered by the following morning), excessive bleeding from the incision (below the tail for males, on the abdomen for females), or any concerning abnormalities, contact your veterinarian.

Normal surgery reactions:

• There may be a small, hard, non-painful lump under the incision where the inner stitches are healing. This is a normal reaction to the absorbable suture material. As long as the cat is otherwise normal, it should not require attention.

• Minor bleeding from the ear tip incision is expected but should resolve before release.

• Minor bleeding from the scrotum of large male cats is also expected but should resolve before release.

 

Safe release

Unless otherwise instructed or noted on the medical record, the cat may be released the day after surgery. If the cat's Surgical Summary indicates she is lactating, she should be released early, but ONLY when she is awake and moving around normally. The ideal confinement period after surgery is one week, but ONLY if the cat can be kept safe, comfortable and clean inside without becoming a threat to you or itself. Cats must be evaluated individually. Stress hinders recovery, so for some cats, release may be more beneficial than confinement.

 

Pain medication

Your cat was given a long acting injection of pain medication following surgery. Do not give your animal any pain medication without first speaking with your veterinarian.

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Please call your vet if problems arise after surgery