I'm really freaking out right now and could use some advice. A few days ago, my cat, Mittens, had to undergo a routine procedure and was put under anesthesia. Since then, she just hasn’t been herself. She’s barely touching her food, and this is a cat who used to devour her meals in seconds. On top of that, I’ve noticed she’s started drooling a lot and there’s this weird wheezing sound when she breathes, especially at night. I'm so worried because this isn’t normal for her at all. We’ve been to the vet, and they said it could just be lingering effects from the anesthesia, but it’s been a couple of days now, and I feel like things aren’t improving. Have any of you experienced something similar with your furry friends? I’m feeling really helpless and worried about my little girl. Any advice or suggestions on what I should do or ask the vet would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for reaching out with your concern. It can be worrying when your cat isn't feeling well after anesthesia. When a cat shows signs like not eating, drooling, and wheezing, it’s important to pay attention to these symptoms.
After anesthesia, it’s not uncommon for cats to experience a temporary decrease in appetite. However, if it extends beyond a day or two, it might indicate an underlying issue such as nausea, pain, or stress. Drooling can occur if your cat feels nauseous or has dental discomfort. Wheezing might be related to respiratory irritation or underlying conditions that were exacerbated by anesthesia.
At home, make sure your cat has a quiet, comfy space to recover. Offer small, tempting meals like warmed-up wet food or a bit of cooked chicken. Ensure the water is readily available and fresh.
Keep an eye out for signs of a serious problem, such as persistent wheezing, labored breathing, severe lethargy, or continuous refusal to eat. These could indicate complications that need veterinary attention.
To ensure your cat gets the help it needs, I recommend booking a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet. We can assess your cat’s symptoms and provide more personalized advice.
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