What is anesthesia for cats?
The word anesthesia comes from the Greek word for 'lack of sensation'. Anesthesia is accomplished by administering drugs that depress nerve function. This helps to keep your cat comfortable and pain-free during procedures such as surgery or diagnostic testing.
Because every cat is different, the amount and type of anesthesia will be given based on your cat's needs. The veterinarian or anesthesiologist will do tests before administering anesthesia to ensure your cat's organs are working as they should and to find any health issues that could cause problems.
How will a cat be placed under anesthesia?
In many cases, a cat may receive a combination of sedatives and anesthetic agents that are tailored to their individual needs. The most common combination involves administering a pre-anesthetic sedative and analgesic through injection, followed by an induction agent, which results in the unconscious effect of anesthesia.
Once your cat is unconscious, a tube called an endotracheal tube is placed in the windpipe to deliver anesthetic gas and oxygen to the lungs. This tube also stops the patient from accidentally breathing in fluids or other materials while unconscious and unable to swallow.
How to Minimize Safety Issues With Anesthesia
One of the simplest ways that your veterinarian will minimize the potential risks associated with anesthesia is by conducting laboratory testing prior to the procedure. This can include blood tests and X-rays to rule out internal medical conditions like heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes mellitus and more.
Before administering anesthesia to your cat, your veterinarian will place an intravenous (IV) catheter and line. This IV line can be used to administer anesthetics, fluids, and medications in the event of an emergency.
You should also ensure that the veterinarian has access to your cat's complete medical history, especially if they are usually seen at a different veterinary clinic. The veterinarian will need information on what medications or supplements your cat has recently received, any pre-existing medical conditions, known adverse reactions to medications and any previous diagnostics or procedures that your cat has undergone. They may also require information about your cat's vaccinations and reproductive status (whether they have been spayed or neutered, or are currently pregnant).
Post-Anesthesia Behaviours
Once your cat has woken after anesthesia, their behaviour may seem strange, and in some cases, a cat may experience an adverse reaction. Some of the unusual behaviours that you may see include hissing, growling, or swatting.
These behaviours should diminish as time passes and the anesthesia wears off. Most cats and kittens return to their normal selves within 24 hours of waking up. You may also notice that your cat's sleeping habits have changed and that they aren't eating as usual. These, too, will pass as the anesthesia leaves your cat's body.
Feeding Your Cat After They've Had Anesthesia
So, when can a cat eat after anesthesia? After a surgical procedure, your cat may feel a bit nauseous and may lose some appetite due to the effects of the general anesthetic. Try offering them a small and light meal, such as chicken or fish, after the surgery. You can also offer them their regular food, but in reduced portions - beginning with only a quarter of their normal serving.
If you notice your cat is not eating after surgery, this is normal, but you should still monitor them closely. Your cat should be eating normally after about 24 hours post-surgery. Once 24 hours have passed, you can begin to feed your cat as usual. If your cat still isn't eating after 48 hours, you should reach out to our veterinarians. This may indicate an underlying complication like infection.
How long does cat anesthesia last?
Many of the anesthetics used today have methods of reversal, including the use of IV fluids to help wake your cat safely and gently. Even so, many cats may remain sleepy or tired for up to 24 hours after anesthesia. If your cat appears to be excessively sleepy, still sleeping beyond 24 to 48 hours, or if you are having trouble waking them, contact our emergency veterinarians.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your veterinarian.