When your cat is recovering from a serious illness, surgery or an accident, she may require extended nursing care when she returns from the veterinary hospital. Providing nursing care can seem overwhelming, but most cats will recover more quickly if they’re at home in their familiar environment with the person they love.
The following tips can help take the stress out of caring for your cat after an illness or accident.
Provide a safe and quiet place for her to recuperate
Your cat’s personality, and the severity of the illness, will determine the right approach. If your cat seems to do better if she can access all her familiar places, than by all means, let her do so. But if she seems to want to just stay in one place, make the area as comfortable as you can for her. Provide plenty of blankets and soft bedding, and make sure that she has easy access to a litter box and fresh water.
Encourage your cat to eat
Try using flat dishes or paper plates. Slightly warm her food, and/or add the juice from a can of tuna or some chicken broth to enhance flavor. Feed small meals more frequently. Remove any uneaten food; leaving it sitting out may cause an aversion to all food.
Giving medications
Unless your cat is eating well, I do not recommend mixing medications with food. If your cat is already finicky, this may increase her food aversion.
Never force your cat to take medication. Don’t drag her out of hiding places to administer pills. If you can’t medicate your cat, talk to your veterinarian about alternate options. Some medications can be compounded into flavored liquids or transdermal gels that are applied to the ear. Pill Pockets may be a good option for many cats. Please refer to Dr. Lisa Pierson’s guide on how to properly administer Pill Pockets in order to avoid esophageal erosion.
Follow giving medication with positive reinforcement, such as treats, brushing, or cuddling.
Special considerations for cats recovering from surgery
If your cat is recovering from surgery, even something as routine as a spay or neuter procedure, there are some special considerations, such as keeping an eye on the incision site and monitoring for post operative pain. Refer to Caring for Your Cat After Surgery for more information.
Your veterinarian is your partner as you care for your sick cat at home. If you have any questions or doubts about what you’re doing, call your veterinary clinic.
Remain calm
Most importantly, try to remain calm. Cats are sensitive creatures who pick up on our emotions, and they will pick up on our anxiety and worry. Stress slows down healing.
Don’t forget to spend quiet time with your cat while she recovers. You don’t want every single interaction with you to be about taking medication or forcing her to eat. Never underestimate the healing power of love.
Photo of cat with Trimline Veterinary Recovery Collar used with permission. The Trimline Veterinary Recovery Collar is a soft, lightweight and flexible Elizabethan-style collar that provides a barrier to the treatment area from licking and biting, while still allowing pets to move around comfortably and easily.
