Fasting the cat [pre-surgery]

cj iwakura

So reluctantly, Artemis is getting fixed on Monday.



I have to fast him tonight, from 6PM onward. I plan on giving him a nice dinner at 5ish, but is there anything I should expect or do to lessen his frustration? Will he be okay? Will he be attacking me all night? Any advice welcome.

Essee

Well, the first thing that comes to mind is... you should really make 100% sure it's impossible for him to get to any food-related items. Because if a cat is really hungry, like maybe he's fasting or something, and there's ANY conceivable way to get to something that seems like food... ohhh you bet he will. Beyond that, I don't think I really have much advice on this subject because I haven't been involved in the fixing of the two cats my family has had (one was an old cat and the other was from a shelter where she'd already been fixed). But seriously. Lock away everything that has at one point been involved in food (including trash, including things he "probably" wouldn't eat or "probably" can't get into). Or he will feast upon it.

minirhyder

He'll be fine.
He might be begging you for food with very sorry sounding meows, but be strong. I think it's a test of your cat-pity more than the cat's ability to not eat for an evening

azith28

When is the apointment for the next day? I feed mine around 6pm and have them waking me up at 7am for food, but if im really determined i can hide under the covers for an extra hour or two on weekends before they pull out the claws.

cj iwakura

Uh... it's already done. But he was fine, until the morning anyway.

He's recovering and I'll pick him up tomorrow. Thanks for the words.

cj iwakura

So Artemis is back and all, but yeah, he's been acting fishy. Meowing at me for no real reason.

Normalcy, or cause for concern?

Dropping Loads

I'm guessing you haven't had this cat long since you're getting it fixed, so maybe it's seasonal. Various pets of mine didn't deal well with a clock based feeding schedule when the sun sets at different times. They got over it.

cj iwakura

I adopted him at 12 weeks. I've had him for three months.

Dropping Loads

Yeah, it could be seasonal then. For me it got better once the sun was down before I'd get home in the evening.

Cimmerii

Is he lethargic or not eating? Does he move as if he's in pain? You might want to call the vet if so.

Otherwise, he's a cat, and probably just being a fussy baby. Give him extra tummy rubs or whatever he usually demands.

Just keep an eye on him and if he's not eating or being more of a slug then normal give the vet a call.

cj iwakura

Doesn't seem like he's in pain, and he's certainly still active. Doesn't seem like he's eating as much, but I'm neurotic to a fault.

Cimmerii

Is he eating at all? Do you normally free feed him or does he get fed at certain times only? If you free feed him hey may just be expressing concern that the bottom of his food bowl is slightly visible and that this should be fixed immediately. If he's fed at certain times you can try giving him treats or a spoonful a while before and after he would normally eat. If he isn't feeling well you will probably see a pretty big difference in the amount of food he's consuming. Its probably just neurosis but keep track for a bit to be sure.

Sometimes eating patterns change after neutering, but I don't know how quickly that would be apparent, and it wouldn't be too dramatic.

If you are feeling exceptionally paranoid, check his nose after he's been active for a bit. It should be wet or moist, if its very dry, it won't hurt to ring the vet. But if he's active and whining he's probably fine. I diagnose insufficient snuggles, and prescribe 10 tummy rubs and/or head scratchings, to be administered as quickly as possible.*

*I am not a vet and this is not a real diagnosis. Also more kitty pics! He's a lovely kitty, those markings are super pretty.

cj iwakura

He's been running around like a fiend tonight, so I guess neurosis wins. :P

And I aim to please.














Kitty doesn't like the nonary game.

Cimmerii

Squeeeeee pretty kitty