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My cat isn't eating or moving after spay surgery. Is this normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Ragdoll | Female | spayed | 11 months and 14 days old | 7 lbs

My cat got fixed today but since i brought her home she hasn't eaten and she isn't moving around at all. Im guessing she's in pain because she had major surgery but i'm concerned. Is this normal?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 15th, 2020

A spay is a major abdominal surgery, and yes Cinderella will have some pain and be tired from the anesthesia. You can see a loss of appetite the first night, but by tomorrow morning, she should be eating some again. Keep an eye on her and if she doesn't eat in the morning, give her vet a call. I hope this helps!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on December 19th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is certainly concerning. I would encourage you to speak with your veterinarian at this point as they know about the surgery and medications, if any, that were given. This may be related to the anesthesia that was used or possibly some of the medications that were prescribed or even a surgical issue. Your veterinarian could take a look at her and recommend accordingly. Best of luck!

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 5th, 2016

    You should have been given some pain killers for her, if no pain killers was given to you, you should contact your vet right away in order to get some as this is a painful surgery to recover from for some cats.

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    Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 3rd, 2017

    Hi and thank you for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry to hear Roxy is feeling a bit under the weather. It is not uncommon for animals to feel a little lethargic or not eat much for a few days after their spay surgery. Keep offering her small amounts of food and fresh water. You can try heating up the food to bring out the flavor. Try and keep her comfortable and warm with soft blankets and a quite place to nap and sleep. If another two days go by and she still hasn't eaten, I would call the veterinarian who spayed Roxy and ask if Roxy may receive a Rx for some pain relief.

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