If you’re using a crate, the minimum surface area is 1.25m x 1.25m, and at least half of the cage should be covered by a curtain. If you use a small room instead of a crate, there must be no furniture taller than 30cm (e.g. the height of the hide-box in this image). The room’s surface area should not exceed 3m x 3m, and there must be no opportunity for your cat to escape when you enter the room.

Shelter cat studies found hide-boxes are regularly used by 8/10 confined cats. As some cats prefer to ‘survey their kingdom’ from the roof of their hide-box, I recommend placing an obstacle on the hide-box’s roof (e.g. another closed box).

Many cats require up to 3-days to return to their routine habits, including eating. Reduced appetite on the first day after returning home is typical. Studies of confined cats showed recovery of appetite was better for individuals in an undisturbed environment with a predictable schedule. On average, tuna was their preferred food. Heating food increases palatability and kills food-borne bacteria. As cats become more stressed with random disturbances or an unpredictable schedule, food and water should only be replaced at scheduled visiting times.

A synthetic analogue of the feline facial pheromone (FFP) is available as a plug-in diffuser or spray. If you want to include play during visiting times, note that anxious cats prefer moving toys which contain catnip, but please remember that running and jumping aren’t safe. When you change your cat’s bedding, try to leave at least one item behind that smells familiar.

Keep a litter tray on the opposite side to food and water bowls. Note that confined cats often refuse to ‘go to the toilet’ for a remarkably long time. One shelter cat study found that 1 in 4 cats urinate on day one, and only 1 in 5 defaecate. It can take several days before cats attempt to defaecate after surgery because general anaesthesia dramatically increases gut transit time. A good rule-of-thumb is to contact your veterinary team if your cat is straining unproductively to urinate or defaecate. You might need to switch the standard litter tray for a shallow kitchen tray to make it easier for your cat to climb in and out.

A recovery space includes the immediate outside environment. Lack of a predictable routine, excessive noise, and other disruptions may adversely affect your cat’s psychological wellbeing. Whether you play, pet or motivate your cat with their favourite food, daily interaction is essential. Including feline housemates at visiting time could reduce stress. Visiting times should incorporate your daily cleaning routine. Try not to remove everything from the crate daily, rather spot clean. If your cat misses the outdoors, you can move their crate or build a secure single-storey “catio”.

Here’s a 15-hour playlist created for anxious cats. Remember a cat recovering from surgery needs more rest than normal, so avoid music after dark.