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Medication, hormone therapy or surgery may
resolve the problem, but an immediate concern is
keeping him dry and comfortable or he will suffer
urine burns from sitting or lying in urine.
Various types of bedding allow urine to seep
through a stay-dry top layer into a washable
absorbent layer. Stud-pants (a sort of diaper used
for breeding male cats which spray) help if the
cat tolerates wearing them. A low stress
environment and several litter-boxes may reduce
the problem by allowing him to quickly reach his
toilet.
Surgery
Cats sometimes need surgery. If
pre-anesthetic blood tests show mild liver or
kidney problems, your vet may suggest feeding an
appropriate prescription food for a few weeks
before surgery to further reduce any risks. Before
surgery your cat will be given a pre-med
injection. He will be anaesthetized by injection
and kept under using a gas anesthetic. His pulse
and breathing are monitored during the operation,
just as for a human operation, and he may be given
intravenous fluids during, and after, his
operation. Heated pads are used during and after
operations to keep him warm and he will be given
pain-relief.
After returning home, he should be kept warm
and quiet for a few days and may sleep off the
effects of the operation. Your vet may provided
painkillers since human painkillers are poisonous
to cats. Your vet will give more detailed
information on post-operative care and on going
back for a check-up. Your cat will usually let you
know when he feels fully recovered, but always
follow your vet's advice and contact him if you
notice any problems or have any concerns.
Older
Cat Clinics
As cats grow older, they become less resilient
to illness or injury and recover more slowly. They
may develop stiffer joints and a more relaxed pace
of life to compensate. Cats are generally healthy
creatures and fairly low-maintenance even as they
age., but when they are unwell they tend to hide
their symptoms. Many vets run "Older Cat
Clinics" and recommend that cats over 5 years
old have a veterinary check-up every 6-12 months
(equivalent to 2-3 years in humans!) so that
problems can be caught and treated early. A
benefit of "Older Cat Clinics" is that
you can meet other owners of older cats and
compare notes. Annual vaccination time is another
opportunity for a health-check.
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