Something weird just happened, and I’m feeling a bit uneasy. My cat, Luna, just got spayed a couple of days ago, and I thought everything went smoothly. But now she's still trying to nurse her kittens, and I’m not sure if that's okay for her healing process. It’s late at night, like around 11 PM, and I've been watching her closely. The vet did say she needed rest, but I didn't think about the nursing part until now. Her stitches look fine, but I can’t help but worry about whether her body can handle it shortly after surgery. Has anyone been through something similar? I’m sitting here, hoping for some advice while trying not to stress out too much.
I completely understand why you're worried. Spaying, or an ovariohysterectomy, is a major surgery that removes the ovaries and uterus. Nursing after a spay can be safe, but there are a few things to consider.
One concern is whether your pet's mammary glands are affected by the surgery. In most cases, a spaying procedure will not directly interfere with milk production, but anesthesia and surgery can sometimes cause temporary changes. It’s important to ensure your pet is comfortable and pain-free while nursing. A pain-free mama will be more relaxed and effective at feeding.
Monitor her incision site closely; watch for signs of infection like redness, swelling, discharge, or if she seems in pain when nursing. Encourage her to rest and limit her activity to help her recover.
In terms of the kittens or puppies, ensure they're gaining weight and seem content after feeding. If you notice her retreating from them too much or the little ones seem restless or are losing weight, it might be time to intervene with supplemental feeding.
Signs like excessive lethargy, loss of appetite, or if the incision opens are reasons to consult with a vet immediately.
Just to be on the safe side, consider a video consult with Dial A Vet to discuss your pet’s specific situation and receive personalized advice.
The "Ask a Vet" forum on Dial A Vet offers general information and helpful tips on pet health, but it's
not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The advice here doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and our vets can't diagnose or treat your pet remotely.
For emergencies or specific medical concerns, always contact your local veterinarian immediately. Your pet's health is unique, and decisions should only be made after consulting with a qualified professional. By using this forum, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to seek in-person veterinary advice for all your pet's health needs. View our
content guidelines.