What is anesthesia, and why can it be necessary for my cat?
Anesthesia is a medically controlled state where your cat is unconscious, pain-free, and unable to feel or remember a procedure. It's necessary whenever a procedure would be painful, stressful, or unsafe for a cat to experience while awake. Cats are very sensitive to stress, and anesthesia allows us to perform procedures humanely while keeping them still, comfortable, and safe.
Is anesthesia safe for cats?
Yes, modern anesthesia is very safe for cats when proper protocols are followed. We reduce risks by performing pre-anesthetic exams, blood work when appropriate, choosing cat-specific drugs, and closely monitoring patients throughout the procedure.
Can anesthesia affect my cat's long-term health?
For the vast majority of cats, there are no long-term negative effects. In fact, anesthesia often allows us to treat conditions that would otherwise negatively impact the cat's long-term health, such as dental disease or painful masses.
How is the appropriate type and dosage of anesthesia determined for my cat?
We tailor anesthesia to each individual cat based on age, weight, overall health, blood work results, and the type of procedure being performed. Cats metabolize drugs differently than dogs. Feline-specific dosing and drug selection are extremely important.
What are the differences between cat sedation and anesthesia?
Sedation makes a cat relaxed and drowsy but not fully unconscious. Anesthesia involves complete unconsciousness and pain control. Sedation may be appropriate for short or minimally invasive procedures, while anesthesia is required for surgery or anything painful.
What are the risks and potential long-term side effects of anesthesia in cats?
Short-term risks include low body temperature, drops in blood pressure, and slower recovery; however, serious complications are rare, especially in healthy cats. Long-term side effects are uncommon, and most cats return to normal within 24 hours.
How should I prepare my cat for anesthesia?
Typically, we recommend no food after a certain time the night before the procedure, though water is usually allowed. We will also review the medications your cat is on and give you specific instructions tailored to your cat's needs.
What happens to my cat during anesthesia?
Your cat is first given medications to relax them, called premeds. Then anesthesia is administered. Once asleep, a breathing tube is placed, and they are kept warm, comfortable, and pain-free throughout the duration of the procedure.
How will my cat be monitored while under anesthesia?
Your cat is continuously monitored by our highly trained staff. We keep an eye on blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, temperature, and depth of anesthesia to ensure they are deep enough not to react to anything we're doing, but still able to wake up quickly if we turn the anesthesia off. We ensure their safety throughout the entire procedure by monitoring all these vitals.
How long does it take for a cat to recover from anesthesia?
Most cats begin waking up within minutes after anesthesia is discontinued and are more alert within a few hours. They can be a bit groggy for up to 24 hours generally after the procedure.
What should I expect after my cat wakes up from anesthesia?
Your cat may be sleepy, quieter than usual, and slightly uncoordinated in some cases. Some cats vocalize or seem clingy. These effects are temporary and usually resolve by the next day. We usually tell folks to be cautious around elevated heights, stairs, couches, anything that your pet could fall down from because they are a little bit unstable.
What signs of complications should I watch for after my cat has been under anesthesia?
Contact your veterinarian if you notice anything like trouble breathing, extreme lethargy beyond 24 hours, vomiting, refusal to eat for more than a day, or swelling or discharge at the surgical site.
Will anesthesia affect my cat's behavior?
Short-term behavior changes like sleepiness and mild confusion are normal. Long-term behavior changes are not expected and should be discussed with us if they occur.
How can I help my cat recover quickly and comfortably after anesthesia?
Keep your cat in a quiet, warm place. Limit their activity. Follow medication instructions. Offer small meals as directed by the staff here at City by the Sea Vet. Calm, familiar surroundings help cats recover faster, so I like to get them home as quickly as possible.
What should I do if my cat refuses to eat or drink after anesthesia?
It's common for appetite to be reduced the first evening. If your cat hasn't eaten by the next day or seems unwell, you should contact us.
Are there alternatives to traditional anesthesia for certain procedures?
In some cases, heavy sedation or even local anesthesia may be used, but many procedures still require full anesthesia to ensure comfort and safety, especially in cats.
Are there specific concerns for senior or high-risk cats when using anesthesia?
Regarding anesthesia, senior and high-risk cats may need additional testing. We modify some of the drugs to be a little safer for older pets. Although we closely monitor all pets, we might offer some additional monitoring for older pets that already have some kind of comorbidity, but age alone is not a reason to avoid anesthesia. The benefits often outweigh the risks depending on the procedure and the reason we're doing it.
What should I discuss with my vet before my cat undergoes anesthesia?
You should discuss your cat's medical history, any medications they are on, previous reactions to anesthesia if you know of any, and any concerns you may have so we can create the safest plan possible for your pet.
At City By The Sea Veterinary Hospital, your pet always comes first. Whether they need routine care or something more urgent, call (848) 217-5000 or email [email protected] to schedule a visit. Our team is here for you and your pet.