Post-Operative Care
Everything you need to help your cat heal at home after spay or neuter surgery. Start with the quick checklist, then open the sections that apply to your cat.
Is your cat seriously ill? Don't wait for us.
TLVC is a limited-service clinic, not a 24/7 hospital. For emergencies, go to your nearest emergency veterinary hospital right away.
Help your cat heal
For the next 7 to 10 days:
No licking
Licking or chewing the incision can cause infection. Use an e-collar if needed.
Keep it dry
No baths. Water weakens surgical glue and can open the incision.
Restrict activity
Indoor rest only. No running, jumping, or playing.
Check twice a day
Look for redness, swelling, or discharge at the incision.
Simple diet
No new foods, table scraps, treats, or milk.
No human medication
It can be fatal. Your cat already received long-acting pain medication.
Aftercare for owned cats
What normal healing looks like
Compare your cat's incision to these photos from day 1, 5, and 10. Mild redness or slight swelling early on is normal.
Female cats (spay)
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Small incision on the belly. Sutures dissolve under the skin, so no removal is needed.
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Keep it clean and dry. No ointments, creams, peroxide, or alcohol.
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An e-collar is strongly recommended, and required if she licks.
Male cats (neuter)
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The small incisions are left open on purpose to heal naturally. This is normal.
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Some swelling and red discharge for a few days is expected.
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Watch for heavy swelling, active bleeding, discharge, or odor.
About the green tattoo:
Every cat gets a small, permanent green tattoo on the belly. It shows vets in the future that your cat is already spayed or neutered. It's separate from the surgery incision. Check it the same way you check the incision.
Aftercare for feral & community cats
Feral cats recover inside their covered humane trap, with no direct handling.
Neutered males
Release next day
Spayed females
Hold 3 nights
Pregnant females
Hold 5 nights
Lumps & swelling after a spay
Noticing a lump near the incision can be worrying. Not every lump is a hernia, and many are part of normal healing. Because they can look alike, any new, lasting, or growing lump should be checked by a veterinarian.
When to get help
Go to an emergency vet now
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Pale or white gums, collapse, or trouble breathing
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Severe weakness, can't stand, or getting more unsteady
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Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
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Active bleeding, an open incision, or visible tissue
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A painful or fast-growing lump with vomiting or not eating
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Severe pain or signs of distress
Contact a vet soon
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Not eating within 24 hours, or drinking much less
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Increasing redness, swelling, discharge, or odor at the incision
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A new or growing lump near the incision
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Constant licking or chewing at the incision
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No urination within 24 hours, or trouble urinating
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Anything else that worries you