Aftercare

When cats treated with radioiodine are approved for hospital release, they are emitting no greater than “background” radiation levels.  A person standing one meter (approximately 3 feet) from the cat will be exposed to radiation levels comparable to standing outside on a sunny day. Close contact (i.e. less than a meter) will result in slightly higher radiation exposure until residual radioiodine has been eliminated.

BEVS recommends that clients take the following precautions for a 2-week period following release:

• Your cat should be kept indoors or in an enclosed area.
• You should avoid prolonged physical contact with your cat (e.g. do not let them sleep in bed with you).
• Always wash your hands after contact with your cat.
• Rubber or latex gloves should be worn when cleaning the litter box and disposing litter.  Soiled litter should be disposed daily in a plastic bag and then placed in an outside receptacle.  Cats that share litter boxes may continue to do so.
• Children less than 18 years of age or pregnant women should have no contact with your cat.

You may resume normal activities after this two-week period.

Please schedule a follow-up appointment with your regular veterinarian one month after discharge to recheck your cat’s blood work.