r/TripodCats • u/caochan_ • 2h ago
Post-Op Setup
We started with the closet but it was too big.
Next was the playpen but it was too small.
Finally, we switched the enormous new low entry litter box with a ramen box and the playpen is just right.
We were told not to use any litter box on day 1 home, just litter on a potty pad. Day 2 we used the low entry box, and day 3 we switched to the cardboard. These are the ramen boxes that they are sold/displayed in at Walmart, so I went this morning and got all they had available. I got 6 and they’re free! I figure anytime she poops I’ll throw it away. I put a potty pad under it so no pee soaks through to the blanket. I found Deluxe Kraft mac and cheese and Velveeta shells and cheese in similar boxes that will work well too. She loves scratching her face on the cardboard too so it’s a win.
Now I can comfortably fit her water and food in there. I also added a towel to the side she lays at bc she has gotten some poop on the blanket both times she’s gone #2 so next time I can just swap for a clean towel instead of trying to change the whole blanket.
I have her set up on my side of the bed next to a low window so she can see outside a bit. I put the LED candle in at night so I can see her anytime I wake up. Today is day 4 post surgery and she’s doing great. She finished the anti inflammatory medicine on Sunday, and her last pain medicine will be in the morning. After that it’s just gabapentin and an antibiotic so I’m looking forward to that. Just wondering now how long she will be happy with the playpen, but we’ll see. ❤️
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u/Mastahsjeiks 1h ago
My cat’s surgery is scheduled for next week and your post gives me so much hope ❤️ even though you said the first picture wasn’t the right set up, you two look so relaxed and cozy next to each other. I wish you both a speedy recovery
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u/caochan_ 49m ago
I think the closet could have worked and it might be phase 2 when she gets her stitches out and can move around a little more. The problem day 1 (the day after the surgery) was that she was still loopy from the anesthesia. She couldn’t lay still and went from the hut to the blue blanket to the Sherpa blanket almost nonstop. She wouldn’t even lay in the hut, just go in and out. She barely even blinked until the next day. No sleep at all and I was trying to sleep in there with her but she kept trying to climb on me. I was worried she was overdoing it since they had emphasized strict rest. I didn’t want to put the cone on her because she really hated it and thought I needed to keep an eye that she wasn’t going to mess with the stitches. She started grooming herself again on day 3 but I still haven’t seen her go near the stitches. She’s the best girl.
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u/caochan_ 47m ago
And good luck with your cat’s surgery. It’s just a long couple of days with meds needing giving every 8 hours. Nothing like waking up at 2am to give a cat some pills. 🫠
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u/monkeydongz 5m ago
Nice work, you are doing great and your cat is adorable. My cat had his rear left leg amputated 11 days ago
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u/Dear_Cockroach_3170 2h ago
Your beautiful cat is lucky to have someone that really cares taking care of them like this. Kudos.