Vaisanen, M. A., S. K. Tuomikoski, et al. (2007). “Behavioral alterations and severity of pain in cats recovering at home following elective ovariohysterectomy or castration.” J Am Vet Med Assoc 231(2): 236-42.
Owners were asked to complete a questionnaire on their cats’ behavior during the 3 days after surgery. Owners were also asked to indicate their perceptions of the severity of postoperative pain. Results suggested that behavioral alterations can be detected for several days after surgery in cats recovering at home following ovariohysterectomy (spay) or castration and emphasized owner concerns about the existence of postoperative pain.
For more information:
Pain Management Guidelines by the American Animal Hospital Assoc. and the American Assoc. of Feline Practitioners