What To Know When Your Cat Needs Anesthesia

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As a cat owner, you may encounter a situation where your feline friend requires a procedure or surgery for their continued health. At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we understand that the thought of your cat undergoing anesthesia can be concerning. That’s why we want to provide you with essential information about how anesthesia is used in cat surgery and what to expect during recovery. Our goal is to ease your mind while your kitty is under our expert care.

A fluffy orange cat with yellow eyes lies on a dark floor, looking alert and relaxed, with its front paws tucked under its chest.

Why Would Your Cat Need Anesthesia?

Anesthesia becomes necessary when a procedure requires your cat to be immobilized or when the procedure would otherwise cause pain or distress beyond what your cat can comfortably tolerate. Our veterinary team, led by Dr. Ryan Smith and Dr. Reid Forman, prioritizes your cat’s comfort and safety throughout any surgical process.

A fluffy orange cat with yellow eyes lies on a dark floor, looking alert and relaxed, with its front paws tucked under its chest.

Why Would Your Cat Need Anesthesia?

Anesthesia becomes necessary when a procedure requires your cat to be immobilized or when the procedure would otherwise cause pain or distress beyond what your cat can comfortably tolerate. Our veterinary team, led by Dr. Ryan Smith and Dr. Reid Forman, prioritizes your cat’s comfort and safety throughout any surgical process.

Preparing Your Cat for Anesthesia

At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we follow specific veterinary anesthesia protocols tailored to cats’ unique needs. Before any surgery, our veterinarians will recommend diagnostic testing to ensure we have a complete picture of your cat’s physical health. This allows us to optimize the anesthesia plan for your cat’s individual needs.

A brown tabby cat stands alert on a patterned rug in a room, looking slightly to the left. Part of a person's legs and shoes are visible in the background.
A brown tabby cat stands alert on a patterned rug in a room, looking slightly to the left. Part of a person's legs and shoes are visible in the background.

Preparing Your Cat for Anesthesia

At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we follow specific veterinary anesthesia protocols tailored to cats’ unique needs. Before any surgery, our veterinarians will recommend diagnostic testing to ensure we have a complete picture of your cat’s physical health. This allows us to optimize the anesthesia plan for your cat’s individual needs.

A black and white cat is held by a person wearing purple scrubs and blue gloves, with a stethoscope around their neck, suggesting a veterinary setting.

The Day of the Procedure

When you bring your cat to our Huntington Beach facility for a procedure involving anesthesia, here’s what you can expect:

  • Follow any fasting instructions provided for the night before the procedure
  • Adhere to any specific directions given by our veterinary team
  • We’ll discuss any risks associated with veterinary anesthesia
  • Depending on the procedure and your cat’s condition, we may recommend additional pain medications for recovery
  • Our staff is always available to answer your questions and provide reassurance before and after the surgery

A black and white cat is held by a person wearing purple scrubs and blue gloves, with a stethoscope around their neck, suggesting a veterinary setting.

The Day of the Procedure

When you bring your cat to our Huntington Beach facility for a procedure involving anesthesia, here’s what you can expect:

  • Follow any fasting instructions provided for the night before the procedure
  • Adhere to any specific directions given by our veterinary team
  • We’ll discuss any risks associated with veterinary anesthesia
  • Depending on the procedure and your cat’s condition, we may recommend additional pain medications for recovery
  • Our staff is always available to answer your questions and provide reassurance before and after the surgery

Monitoring During Anesthesia

While your cat is under anesthesia, our experienced veterinary team at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care will carefully monitor their vital signs, including:

  • Heart rate
  • Body temperature
  • Blood pressure
  • Oxygen levels
  • Carbon dioxide output

We maintain an IV catheter to provide fluid support if needed and ensure your cat is breathing well and resting comfortably throughout the procedure.

A long-haired, brown and orange tabby cat with green eyes lounges on a tan cushion, looking at the camera with sunlight highlighting its fur.

Recovery from Anesthesia

As your cat awakens from anesthesia, our team continues to monitor their vital signs until they’re ready to return home. It’s normal for cats to feel groggy for some time after the procedure. Before discharge, we’ll discuss your cat’s pain management plan and provide specific instructions for at-home care.

Some important points to remember during recovery:

  • Your cat may need pain medication for several days
  • Some cats may not regain their appetite until the next day
  • Always follow the instructions given by our veterinary team to ensure your cat’s full recovery

A long-haired, brown and orange tabby cat with green eyes lounges on a tan cushion, looking at the camera with sunlight highlighting its fur.

Recovery from Anesthesia

As your cat awakens from anesthesia, our team continues to monitor their vital signs until they’re ready to return home. It’s normal for cats to feel groggy for some time after the procedure. Before discharge, we’ll discuss your cat’s pain management plan and provide specific instructions for at-home care.

Some important points to remember during recovery:

  • Your cat may need pain medication for several days
  • Some cats may not regain their appetite until the next day
  • Always follow the instructions given by our veterinary team to ensure your cat’s full recovery

Your Partner in Cat Care

At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we’re committed to providing the highest standard of care for your feline companion. If you have any questions or concerns about your cat’s upcoming procedure or their recovery, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (657) 756-5683 or visit us at 16161 Springdale St, Huntington Beach, CA 92649.

Remember, our hybrid emergency and routine care model means we’re here for you and your cat, whether it’s for planned procedures or unexpected emergencies. Your cat’s health and your peace of mind are our top priorities.

For more information about our services or to schedule a consultation, visit our website at Love.vet. At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we’re here to provide compassionate, expert care for your beloved feline friend every step of the way.

A small tabby kitten wearing a red shirt sits on a soft brown blanket inside a cardboard box, in front of a white radiator.
A small tabby kitten wearing a red shirt sits on a soft brown blanket inside a cardboard box, in front of a white radiator.

Your Partner in Cat Care

At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we’re committed to providing the highest standard of care for your feline companion. If you have any questions or concerns about your cat’s upcoming procedure or their recovery, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (657) 756-5683 or visit us at 16161 Springdale St, Huntington Beach, CA 92649.

Remember, our hybrid emergency and routine care model means we’re here for you and your cat, whether it’s for planned procedures or unexpected emergencies. Your cat’s health and your peace of mind are our top priorities.

For more information about our services or to schedule a consultation, visit our website at Love.vet. At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we’re here to provide compassionate, expert care for your beloved feline friend every step of the way.