As with any surgical procedure that requires general anesthesia, a cat should have its health evaluated by a veterinarian prior to surgery. Older cats should have blood tests performed in order to screen for subclinical kidney problems or disease in other organs.
The veterinarian will instruct the owner when to withhold food and water. Generally, no food is given from the night before surgery until after the operation, and water is withheld the morning of the procedure.
