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Parent514261
Sat, May 25, 2024
Behavior
Diarrhea

We got him Thursday after he had had neutering surgery and he was fine until today and he hasn't been eating/drinking and he's been sleeping all day


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Dr. Brown
Dr.Tail Vet

It's quite common for cats to experience some lethargy and decreased appetite after surgery due to the effects of anesthesia, pain, and the stress of the procedure. However, since it's been a few days since the neutering surgery, we would expect your kitten to start showing signs of recovery, such as a gradual return to normal eating, drinking, and activity levels.

Given that your kitten is 2 months old and has recently undergone the stress of surgery and moving to a new home, it's important to ensure he's comfortable and feels safe in his environment. Create a quiet, warm space for him to rest, away from any loud noises or high-traffic areas. Offer him a comfortable bed and make sure he has easy access to his food, water, and litter box.

For his lack of appetite and drinking, try offering a variety of foods to entice him to eat, such as wet kitten food or a small amount of cooked chicken. Sometimes warming the food slightly can make it more appealing. Ensure fresh water is always available and consider providing a shallow bowl if he's having difficulty accessing a deeper one.

Since he's also experiencing diarrhea, it's crucial to keep him hydrated. Dehydration can occur quickly in kittens and can be serious. If he's not drinking on his own, you might need to encourage fluid intake by offering water with a syringe or dropper. However, be careful not to force water into his mouth, as this can cause aspiration.

Keep the surgical site clean and check it daily for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge. If the incision appears to be healing well, there's less concern, but any abnormalities should be addressed promptly.

In terms of additional symptoms that would warrant immediate veterinary attention, watch for the following:

- Persistent vomiting or retching
- Severe or bloody diarrhea
- Extreme lethargy where the kitten is unresponsive or too weak to stand
- Signs of pain such as crying out when touched or difficulty finding a comfortable resting position
- A distended or bloated abdomen
- Pale gums, which could indicate anemia or blood loss
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Any discharge, foul odor, or opening at the surgical site

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to seek veterinary care immediately as they can indicate potentially life-threatening conditions.

Remember, kittens are resilient, but they do require careful monitoring after surgery and during periods of stress. Keep offering comfort and reassurance to your kitten, and with time, he should begin to adjust to his new environment and recover from his surgery. If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to come back to us! Thank you.