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What To Know When Your Cat Needs Anesthesia

There may be a time when your cat will require a procedure or surgery for his or her continued health, treatment or diagnostic purposes. We understand the thought of sedation or anesthesia for your cat, can be stressful. Rest assuredm your cat's anesthesia will be carefully planned, administered and monitored by the veterinary team at Metropolitan Veterinary Center. Knowing some basics about sedation and anesthesia in cats will help to ease your mind while your cat is under our care.

Cat sedation or anesthesia may be necessary when a procedure needs to be performed that is delicate, requring the patient to be still for their safety, or may cause pain or distress that is beyond what a cat should comfortably tolerate awake. We want you to feel absolutely comfortable with our hospital, staff and recommendations.  Any time a cat sedative or anesthesia is being recommended we want to reassure you that our veterinary team is here to answer any questions you may have and provide any assistance that will make the procedure easier for you and your cat.

We make it our priority to ensure that your cat is in optimal health before any cat sedation or anesthesia is performed. Therefore, our veterinarians will sometimes recommend and often require preanesthetic testing such as blood work, before the procedure to ensure that we have a complete picture of your cat’s physical health.

Why Would Your Cat Need Sedation or Anesthesia

Cat sedation or cat anesthesia is used for any type of procedure when a patient needs to be immobilized or during any type of diagnostic test, procedure or surgery where the cat would otherwise feel pain or stress. Cat sedatives and anesthesia allow us to keep your cat perfectly still, pain and stress free during the procedure. During anesthesia, your cat will be in an unconscious state and will not feel any discomfort.

Risks Associated With Giving Cats Anesthesia

There are always risks that come with any surgery, but the risks are very low thanks to the experienced veterinary team here at Metropolitan Veterinary Center. However with proper care and supervision there are virtually no risks of complications due to the use of a cat sedative. Our veterinary staff ensures that risks are minimized by performing careful and consistent monitoring throughout the entire time feline patients are under cat anesthesia.

What To Expect The Day Your Cat Receives Veterinary Anesthesia

You will receive a specific set of instructions from your veterinarian before your cat receives cat anesthesia or undergoes any surgical procedure. We will discuss with you any risks of veterinary anesthesia. Here are some things to keep in mind as you arrive with your cat for the surgery:

  • Fasting is recommended the night before any cat sedatives or anesthesia are administered.
  • Follow any specific directions given to you by Metropolitan Veterinary Center.
  • Depending on the type of procedure, our veterinarians may recommend additional prescription medications while your cat recovers
  • Ask any questions you may have and our veterinary staff will provide answers and help to ease your mind before or after the cat surgery is performed

Monitoring Anesthetized Cats

Our veterinary surgical team will monitor your cat carefully before, during and after your cat's procedure.  

  • We create and provide a sedation or anesthetic plan specific for your pet. This plan is based on the patient's breed, age and health status.  
  • We monitor your cat’s heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and carbon dioxide output levels
  • In some cases, we place an IV catheter in to provide fluid support to help maintain blood pressure
  • We always make sure your cat is breathing well and resting comfortably

*The risks of cat anesthesia are very low with proper monitoring.

What To Expect As Cats Come Out Of Anesthesia

Our veterinary team at Metropolitan Veterinary Center will continue to monitor your cat’s vital signs, heart rate and blood pressure as it comes out of surgery, awakens from any cat sedatives used and until your cat is ready to return home with you. Your cat may feel sedated for a period of time after it goes home. Some cats may not regain their appetite until they next day. Our staff will talk to you about your cat's home-care plan.  You will receive specific instructions before your cat is released. Always follow all instructions given to you by our veterinary team to ensure your cat’s full recovery. If you should have any questions or concerns, please call Metropolitan Veterinary Center right away. We are here to help! 

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