Instructions

Once your online appointment has been confirmed, there are a few things you will need to do:

Week Before Surgery

Please make sure you have a sturdy carrier available to transport your cat.  The best option is a plastic front-loading carrier (right), but a cardboard carrier will do if you there are no other options.   Please DO NOT hold the cat in your arms without being confined in a carrier because they can easily escape if they become frightened. You can get inexpensive carriers at KMart.

If you are no longer able to keep your appointment, please notify us as soon as possible so that we can schedule another client for your spot.  If you do not show up for your appointment, you will be unable to rebook your cat. Your name will be registered as a no-show in our system and you will not be confirmed for further appointments with us. By cancelling last minute or not showing up, you are taking the place of someone form our waiting list that could come in with their cat.  

Night Before Surgery

Please keep your cat confined indoors the night before surgery. 

For cats over 4 months of age:

  • Feed them their normal evening meal, but make sure they do not have access to food after midnight and do not feed them breakfast the morning of surgery.  Water should still be provided at all times.

For cats under 4 months of age:

  •  Feed them their normal evening meal and HALF their normal meal for breakfast.  Water should be provided at all times.
Morning of Surgery

Drop-off is at the main entrance of the Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital at 8:00am.  The doors will be locked on weekends.  Please wait outside for one of the student volunteers to let you in and DO NOT ring the black doorbell as this disturbs the Emergency Clinic staff who are busy with other cases.

The fee for males is $15 and the fee for females is $25 payable in cash at the time of drop-off.  Please remember to bring your Community Services Card, Gold Card, or Massey Student ID.   If you do not have these at the time of drop-off, you may be turned away. 

You will be provided with a contact number in case you need to get in touch with us during the day.  Please DO NOT call the Teaching Hospital number as this disturbs the Emergency Clinic staff who are busy with other cases.

Afternoon of Surgery

Pick-up is at 2pm unless a student volunteers texts or calls you during the day with an updated time.  We appreciate when you arrive promptly since the volunteers are giving up their weekend time to run the clinics and cannot leave until the last patient goes home.   Please wait outside for one of the student volunteers to let you in and DO NOT ring the bell as this disturbs the Emergency Clinic staff who are busy with other cases. 

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

You will need to monitor your cat closely for a week after surgery to prevent complications.

  1. ACTIVITY
    Please keep your cat confined indoors for the next 7 days so the incision stays clean and dry.  Excessive activity (including jumping, running, and rough play) can lead to serious complications that may require further surgery to correct.
  2. ANAESTHESIA
    When your pet is discharged, they may still be recovering from the anaesthesia and appear quieter than normal.  Your cat should be allowed to recover in a quiet room at home away from other pets or stairs.  The effects should go away within a few hours.
  3. FOOD AND WATER
    When your cat is fully awake, you can offer water and small amounts of  food (approx. 1/3 normal meal).  Some cats may not want to eat for the first night.  If you cat vomits, withhold food until the following morning and contact us immediately if the vomiting persists.  Normal appetite should return by the following morning.
  4. MONITORING
    Please check the incision daily for redness, swelling, and/or discharge.  Contact us immediately at the number below if you have any concerns.  If your cat is licking or chewing at the incision, they may need a plastic collar fitted.
  5. FOLLOW-UP CARE
    If any additional medication has been dispensed, please follow the instructions carefully.
 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet’s recovery, please contact the Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital at (06) 350 5329 during normal business hours or (0800) 378 363 after hours. This is only for cats who have had surgery and you are worried about.  This is not for booking or clients that need to make an appointment.