At Sugar River Animal Hospital in Grantham, NH, we understand that anesthesia can be a source of concern for cat owners. Whether your cat needs anesthesia for a dental procedure, surgery, or another medical procedure, our veterinary team takes careful steps to evaluate their health, develop an individualized anesthetic plan, and closely monitor them throughout the process. Dr. Catherine MacLean and our veterinary team are committed to providing safe, thoughtful anesthesia care while helping pet owners understand what to expect before, during, and after their cat’s procedure.
What is anesthesia and why can it be necessary for my cat?
Anesthesia uses medications and inhalant gas to put your cat into a controlled state of unconsciousness. This allows us to perform surgeries or medical procedures without your cat being aware of what is happening, particularly when a procedure would be painful if they were awake.
What types of procedures typically require anesthesia for cats?
Procedures that typically require general anesthesia for cats include surgeries such as spaying, neutering, dental procedures, mass removal, and removal of bladder stones. Anesthesia may also be necessary for certain medical procedures, such as manually removing feces in severely constipated cats or treating a urinary obstruction or foreign body.
Is anesthesia safe for cats?
In general, anesthesia is safe when properly administered and monitored. Because anesthesia is medicine, there are no guarantees, but we take steps before anesthesia to make sure your cat is a good candidate. This can include pre-surgical blood work and an EKG to check for abnormal heart rhythms. Proper monitoring throughout the procedure is also an important part of keeping your cat safe.
Can anesthesia affect my cat's long-term health?
Anesthesia should not affect your cat's long-term health. It is a controlled way of keeping them unconscious during a procedure, and most of the medications are out of their system within 24 hours.
How is the appropriate type and dosage of anesthesia determined for my cat?
Anesthetic dosages are based on your cat's weight, and each drug protocol is tailored to your cat and the procedure being performed. More painful procedures may require a different protocol than less painful procedures. Inhalant gas is adjusted based on your pet and the monitoring performed throughout anesthesia. The goal is to avoid making your cat too deeply anesthetized, so the anesthesia level is monitored and adjusted as needed.
What is the difference between cat sedation and anesthesia?
Sedation typically makes a cat semi-conscious or completely unconscious without using inhalant gas. With general anesthesia, the cat is fully unconscious and has an endotracheal tube in place. They are maintained in their unconscious state with oxygen and inhalant gas.
What are the risks and potential long-term side effects of anesthesia in cats?
Cats with pre-existing medical conditions may have additional risks associated with anesthesia. For example, cats with kidney disease, diabetes, or obesity may require adjustments to their anesthesia protocols. The greatest risks occur during anesthesia and shortly afterward, particularly during the first few hours. When anesthesia is properly administered and monitored, there are not typically long-term risks.
How should I prepare my cat for anesthesia?
Typically, we recommend withholding food for 12 hours before an anesthetic procedure, while water is okay. Certain medical conditions may require different instructions. For example, diabetic cats may have a different feeding plan, which will be discussed with you before the procedure.
Why is withholding food important before cat anesthesia?
Anesthesia can sometimes make patients nauseous and increase the risk of vomiting. If your cat has not eaten before anesthesia, there is less material in the stomach if vomiting occurs, which helps reduce the risk of aspiration.
What happens to my cat during the anesthesia process?
First, your cat is given a sedative to make them more comfortable and allow us to place an IV catheter. Another medication is then used to induce unconsciousness so an endotracheal tube can be placed. Your cat is connected to an anesthesia machine that delivers oxygen and inhalant gas, and monitoring equipment is set up to monitor them throughout the procedure.
How will my cat be monitored while under anesthesia?
At our practice, monitoring includes body temperature, blood pressure, end-tidal CO2, EKG, oxygenation, heart rate, breathing rate, fluid rate, and anesthetic and oxygen levels. These measurements help us monitor the depth of anesthesia and how well your cat is tolerating the procedure.
How long does it take for my cat to wake up from anesthesia?
Typically, from the time the procedure is finished until your cat is awake and sitting up, it takes about 30 minutes.
Why is monitoring my cat important during anesthesia?
Monitoring allows us to make sure your cat is at an appropriate level of anesthesia—not too light for the procedure and not too deep. It also allows us to monitor important body functions and make sure your cat is tolerating anesthesia well. We use monitoring equipment but also manually check those measurements because machines can sometimes be inaccurate. This careful monitoring is an important part of keeping your cat safe.
What should I expect after my cat wakes up from anesthesia?
It is not uncommon for cats to be disoriented, vocal, or unsteady as they wake up from anesthesia. They may stagger a little or seem tired and sedated when they first go home. Your cat may be quieter than usual during the first day at home, but they should gradually return to their normal behavior.
What signs of complications should I watch for after my cat has been under anesthesia?
Anesthesia can sometimes make cats feel nauseous or out of sorts. If your cat is not eating or drinking well, is vomiting, or develops diarrhea, let your veterinary team know. We typically call the next day to check on your cat, but you should contact your veterinarian if you have concerns.
Will anesthesia affect my cat's behavior?
If anesthesia affects your cat's behavior, the changes should be short-term. While the medications are leaving their system, your cat may be more sedate or may hide more than usual. These effects should resolve as the medications leave the body, typically within 24 hours.
How can I help my cat recover quickly and comfortably after anesthesia?
The main thing is to provide your cat with a quiet, safe place to recover at home. While it can be tempting to fuss over your pet after a procedure, giving your cat some space to rest is often the best way to help them recover comfortably.
What should I do if my cat refuses to eat or drink after anesthesia?
It is not uncommon for a cat not to eat or drink on the day of a procedure. If your cat is still not eating or drinking by the following morning, let your veterinary team know. Depending on the procedure, they may determine that this is normal or recommend different foods or additional treatment if there is concern.
Are there alternatives to traditional anesthesia for certain procedures?
For the procedures discussed, there are not alternatives to traditional anesthesia that provide the same ability to safely perform the necessary procedures.
Are there specific concerns for senior or high-risk cats regarding anesthesia?
Age alone does not make a cat a poor candidate for anesthesia. However, cats can develop medical conditions as they get older that may increase their anesthetic risk. Pre-surgical blood work is especially important for senior and high-risk patients. If a cat has early kidney disease, for example, we may take additional steps to support hydration and adjust monitoring to provide extra protection for the kidneys. Diabetic cats may also require a specific protocol before and during the procedure. We review these concerns and potential risks with owners in advance and take steps to reduce complications related to existing medical conditions.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before my cat undergoes anesthesia?
Discuss any concerns or questions you have with your veterinarian before your cat undergoes anesthesia. Every pet and every situation is different, and your veterinarian can explain the anesthetic plan, potential risks, and steps being taken to keep your cat safe. If you have concerns about anesthesia based on a previous experience, share those concerns with your veterinarian so they can talk through them with you and help you feel more comfortable with your cat's care plan.
If your cat needs a procedure requiring anesthesia or you have questions about their individual anesthesia needs, our team is here to help. Contact Sugar River Animal Hospital today to schedule an appointment or reach out with questions about your cat's care at (603) 287-1181 or email [email protected].