feral Instructions – Ace of Spays

Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Surgery Instructions

WHAT TO DO NOW

Fill out a separate consent form for each cat by CLICKING HERE
If you have not already seen this information, you might like these links:
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Read “AFTER SURGERY” (below) so you know about post-operative care.

TRAPPING YOUR CATS

If you have a temperature-controlled and safe place to house the cats, please trap them in advance of your appointment. If you do not have such a place, please set traps the evening before surgery. If you do not catch any cats, please just call to move your appointment to another day.

MORNING OF SURGERY

Bring one signed Consent form per cat and keep it with that cat’s trap. The consent forms will be in your email after you fill out the form.
Drop off between 9am-9:30am. We will be helping with tame pets from 8-9am and prefer to have feral cats arrive after that.
Ace of Spays is located at 1485 Route 38, Hainesport, NJ 08036

PICK-UP TIME

Pick up the same day at 3:30pm. There is a significant charge for pick-ups after 5pm.
Be sure to leave with your trap and/or carrier, pain-relief and any other medications and post-operative instructions.

AFTER SURGERY

Keep feral cats in a confined controlled environment area for at least 24 hours before release. Their judgment and ability to defend themselves will be impaired by drugs for 24 hours.
Offer water Immediately
Offer canned food starting 2-3 hours after returning home.
No over-the-counter pain medications. TOXIC!

What to Expect (In Some Pets) After Surgery

Minor sleepiness
Watery eyes and/or drooling
Rare vomiting
A non-painful lump by the incision. Resolves within 3-6 weeks.
Sutures are under the skin. They get absorbed by the body so suture removal is not needed. Male cats do not have closed incisions (ie/no sutures) for their well-being. This is standard neuter procedure.

What Requires Veterinary Care After Surgery

A “lump” near the incision that disappears when pushed on or that is accompanied by poor appetite
Anything protruding from the incision
Vaginal bleeding
More than a few drops of blood from the incision the night of surgery or any bleeding thereafter
A pet that is unwilling to move around unless it is related to fear—common in feral cats
Decreased appetite that lasts more than 2 days-feral cats often will not eat well when in captivity
Skin discoloration, pus or a highly painful swelling around the incision
Anything that has you concerned. Trust your instincts: when in doubt, call the vet.

Emergency contact numbers will be provided on your post-operative instructions. You can also contact our doctors about non-urgent issues.