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windpipe and cut off her breathing. Because making sure she is lying in a good positionmay require handling the cat, it’s always best if cats in the unconscious stage are notreturned to the caretaker unless veterinary staff is present. Ideally, only an experiencedveterinarian or veterinary technician would decide whether it is safe to touch a sedatedferal cat. However, if veterinary staff is not present and you’re concerned, first makeextra sure the cat is actually unconscious and then gently straighten her out so she’s lyingon her side with her neck unbent.In the second stage of withdrawal, depending on the type of anesthetic used, the catmay shake or twitch a fair amount, as though violently shivering or in a mild seizure.This is nothing to be alarmed about. Anesthesia causes the cat to lose control over theregulation of her body temperature, which drops. As the drugs wear off, the cat shiversto regain warmth. Because of this drop in body temperature, it’s vital that a cat comingout of surgery be placed in a warm space for recovery (at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit).During the shivering stage and thereafter, the cat should be kept confined in her trap withall doors shut and locked.In the third stage, the cat has regained consciousness, but not full control over bodilymovements. The cat may struggle to move about and fall over or swoon, appearing in adrunken state. She may bang up against the sides of the trap, trying to get out. The trapshould be covered with a sheet at this point to provide a sense of security.Finally, upon full withdrawal from anesthesia, the cat will lie or sit quietly, appearingperhaps a little tired but otherwise alert.If the cats are returned to you before they’ve reached the final stage, be sure to ask theveterinarian how long it should take before they get there. Generally speaking, if it takesmore than a couple of hours for a cat to go from unconscious to sitting or lying on hisbelly, that is cause for concern and veterinary staff should be consulted.• FoodAdult cats can be fed three or four hours after full anesthetic withdrawal. If the catsare being transported from the clinic, wait until they’ve arrived at the holding spacebefore feeding. Start out providing about half the size of a normal meal in case theirstomachs are upset from the anesthesia. The next morning, full portions can be given.Water should be provided as soon as the cats are fully awake. Sometimes the cats’mouths become dry from the anesthesia and at first they’ll drink more than usual. Kittensmay need to eat sooner than three or four hours after becoming fully alert, depending ontheir age. Ask your veterinarian how long you should wait before feeding them. FIV/FeLV testingThe vast majority of TNR programs do not perform FIV/FeLV testing on every feralcat, but only for those showing serious illness or for those being offered for adoption.There are several good reasons for this policy:120