Bringing your cat home after surgery is a relief, but it’s also the start of a critical recovery period. You’re handed a sheet of discharge instructions, a bag of medications, and sent on your way. It can feel overwhelming. Your top priority is making their recovery as smooth and comfortable as possible, but it’s hard to know if what you’re seeing is normal.

A calm, methodical approach is your best tool. By focusing on a few key areas, you can monitor their progress effectively and catch any potential complications early. This checklist covers the five most important things to track in the days following your cat’s surgery.

1. Medication & Pain Management

This is your most important task. Missing a dose or giving the wrong amount can impact their pain levels and healing.

What to track: Create a strict schedule. Note the exact time each dose of pain medication or antibiotic is given. If the medication needs to be given with food, log that as well.
Why it helps: In a sleep-deprived, worried state, it’s easy to forget: “Did I give them their 8 AM pill?” A clear log eliminates this dangerous guesswork and provides a perfect record if you need to call the vet with questions.

2. Appetite and Hydration

Anesthesia and medication can often cause a temporary loss of appetite. However, a prolonged refusal to eat or drink is a major concern.

What to track: Note every meal offered and how much was actually eaten. Did they just lick the gravy? Eat a few bites? A full meal? Also, monitor water intake as best you can.
Why it helps: Vets will always ask about appetite. Being able to say, “They ate a full meal last night but have refused to eat anything today,” is much more useful than, “I don’t think they’ve eaten much.”

3. The Incision Site

Checking the incision is crucial, but you don’t want to disturb it unnecessarily. A quick daily check is usually all that’s needed.

What to look for: Mild redness and slight swelling are often normal. However, you should watch for excessive redness, significant swelling, any colored discharge (yellow or green), or an unpleasant odor.
Why it helps: Take a quick, clear photo of the incision each day. This creates a visual timeline, making it easy for you (and your vet, if you need to email them a picture) to see if the inflammation is improving or getting worse.

4. Energy Levels and Activity

Your vet will likely recommend restricting activity, which can be a challenge once your cat starts feeling better.

What to track: Keep a simple log of their general state. Are they resting comfortably? Are they trying to jump on furniture? Are they more lethargic than expected?
Why it helps: A gradual increase in energy is a great sign. A sudden crash in energy after a few good days can be a red flag. Tracking this trend provides a clear overview of their recovery arc.

5. Litter Box Habits

Surgery, anesthesia, and pain medication can all have a significant impact on your cat’s digestive system.

What to track: Note the time and consistency of their first post-op urination and bowel movement. Continue to track frequency to ensure things are returning to normal. Straining or a complete lack of output for more than 48 hours is cause for a call to your vet.
Why it helps: This log provides a clear record of their internal systems coming back online, offering peace of mind and providing your vet with concrete data if you have any concerns.

Your Digital Recovery Nurse

Managing this checklist on sticky notes is chaotic. iKnowMyCat provides the calm, organized system you need during this stressful time.

Set custom reminders for medication so you never miss a dose. Log food intake, incision appearance (with photos!), and litter box activity in one clean, simple timeline. If you have to call the vet, you’ll have every critical detail right at your fingertips.

Download iKnowMyCat from the App Store and Google Play today.

*Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian with any health concerns.