A day in the life of a Cat Castrate.

Hi, my name is Sooty and I’m a 6 month old, black, domestic short haired kitten and I want to tell you about my day at the vets. I’ve not had any breakfast this morning and my mum says it’s because I’m going to the vets to be neutered today. She says this is being done so I can’t make any kittens, so I don’t wander and so I don’t spray in the house.

When we arrive at the vets the nurse takes us into a room and asks mum lots of questions about me. Mum asks for a microchip to help if I get lost. Mum says it’s getting done while I’m asleep so I won’t feel a thing. Mum also asks for a blood sample and a special diet for when I go home. The blood sample is to make sure my health is good so my anaesthetic goes as smoothly as possible and the special diet is designed to be light on my tummy.

My mum leaves and the nurse takes me out of my basket and weighs me. She says this is to make sure the amount of medication I’m given is right. I am then put back into my basket and taken through to the vet. The vet checks me all over and shaves a patch of fur from my neck. The clippers frighten me a little but the nurse is there to cuddle and reassure me. Some cream is put on my neck and the nurse says it’s to numb my skin. A blood sample is taken from my neck and I am put into a kennel with a nice fluffy bed and a litter tray.

A short time later the nurse comes back and she gives me an injection. It stings a little but she rubs me and comforts me until I feel better. After this injection I start to feel tired and I slowly drift off to sleep.

When I wake up I’m back in bed and I’m nice and warm on a heat pad. Once I’m awake enough to sit up the nurse takes my heat pad away and gives me a drink of water so I’m not thirsty. I sleep a little more and then the nurse comes and puts m back in my basket and takes me to a room where my mum is waiting. I’m so excited to see my mum that I start purring. Once mum has paid she takes me home and gives me some of the special diet. I’m still very tired so I curl up and go to sleep in my nice warm bed. It’s been a hard day!!!!

Top Tips for Fireworks

Fireworks can be a scary time for pets but you can help by following some of these tips and guidelines.

1. Provide a den or hiding place where your pet can feel safe
2. Increase your pet’s feeling of security by plugging in an Adaptil or Feliway diffuser as close to the den or hiding place as possible, start using the diffuser at least a few days before fireworks are expected.
3. Ignore fearful behaviour, such a panting, shaking and whining. Dogs may pick up on their owner’s anxiety which could make the problem worse

Further advice:

• In the run up to Bonfire Night walk your dog when it is still light outside. This reduces the possibility of fireworks being set off and your dog becoming worried.
• Make sure all windows, doors and cat flaps are securely closed during fireworks night. This will reduce the chances of your pets escaping.
• Provide extra litter trays for cats in case they are not used to being confined to the house.
• Provide distractions, for example new toys or chews, while fireworks are happening. Draw curtains and switch on the TV to mask the noise from the fireworks.
• Try not to leave your pets alone while fireworks are going off, pets will be more relaxed when they have a familiar person with them during this time.
• DO NOT punish your pet! This will only make your pet more distressed.

Content courtesy of ADAPTIL + FELIWAY.

We understand that some pets may require medication to help them through this stressful time. Please contact the surgery now as your pet should start preparing for fireworks 4 weeks prior to the event.