Possible problem after having my kitten neutered...

[Angie]

I had my 18wk old kitten neutered yesterday(May9th), I brought him home and everything was as expected. Today, he has slept most of the day, he hasn't eaten much at all, or had anything to drink, I tried giving him some milk, but he didn't drink that, and he hasn't used his litterbox yet today. Should I be concerned about this, or am I overreacting?

[Naomi]

Completely normal! He'll be back to his regular self tomorrow. By the way, contrary to popular belief, milk is not good for cats and can give them dirreah. They like it, but it's not good for them. Better off tempting him with canned cat food tomorrow. Right now he just needs to sleep it off.....my cats were much the same!

If he is still acting this way by tomorrow evening, then you should be concerned.

[Courtney]

I think you should be OK. Is he feeling/acting better now? Kittens - especially those who get neutered a bit later - recoup from surgery much in the same way people do; they're a bit lethargic and "just not themselves". BUT - it is possible that he may have picked up a virus while at the vet.

DO NOT give him milk; it'll upset his stomach and could cause diareah - which can lead to insufficient nutrients.

If he's still acting logey today, bring him into the vet. The most important thing is that he stay hydrated. I keep a water dropper and am empty plastic syringe (check the baby aisle at your drugstore) on hand for this purpose; you can always "drop in" some water in emergencies.

[Cynthia]

Angie, my cat Bean slept for 2 days straight after he was neutered. Scared us to death. So did my cat Jack. Some kitties just take a few days.

If he still doesn't feel better today, and is still not eating and drinking, time to go back to the vet to check on him.

Also - do not give a cat milk. Cats are generally lactose-intolerant and cannot properly digest milk. It is an old wives' tale that cats drink milk. If you doubt it, just click on this link: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1399&arti...

It can give them diarrhea because they lack the proper intestinal enzymes to properly digest milk. They can drink the lactose-free kind of milk, though.

But feed your kitten a high-quality kitten food (both wet and dry food) and he should be just fine.

[Vonnie]

you can buy a special "cat milk" at your pet store. but cheese is bad for them too, it gives them constipation.
my girls were up and active the day after their spay, but it IS a different procedure, and i was too young when our boys were fixed (i was 2) to remember hoe he was. but it doesn't seem like it is a bad thing, lol, pretend you're a guy and pretend you had sergury down there, i bet you'd sleep for a few days too. lol.

[Angie]

I want to thank you all for replying!!!!!!! Bentley really had me scared, thankfully he is getting back to usual self. He is still sleeping a lot, but at least he is now eating his food and drinking his water. He is back to attacking my feet when I walk...I feel soooo much better now. Again...thank you so very much. BTW...I will not give him anymore milk, I didn't know that cats couldn't have milk...thanks for telling me!!!!!!

And Vonnie...I put myself in his place. I had surgery this past October, and I remembered how awful I felt afterwards. But I am sure it doesn't compare to what he went through!!!!!! You all on here are wonderful...you really helped me out a lot!!!!!!!!

[Vonnie]

i'm a lady too, but i have a 18 (19 on 5/26) yr old bro, and was tinking of having him nutered, but i'd like to be a Aunt someday. lol

[Cynthia]

LOL, they can scare the you know what out of you - I spent 2 days with Bean sleeping on a pillow in my lap after his neuter surgery, I was convinced he was dying. I think they get so stressed from all the surgery and strange surroundings that they just have to sleep to get their energy back. It's what I've done after the 2 surgeries I've had. Just slept for 25 hours straight, then woke up hungry.

I bet you were never so happy to have a kitten attack your feet! LOL! Glad he's better. Is that him in the picture? He's so beautiful!!