A dose of supplementary ketamine was used to evaluate the anaesthetic sparing effect of adding local anaesthesia to general anaesthesia in cats undergoing ovariectomy. Fifty-six healthy cats were randomly assigned to receive lidocaine 2% (group L) as skin infiltration (1mgkg(-1)), topical application (splash block) on both the ovaries (2mgkg(-1), each) and on abdominal muscular layers (1mgkg(-1)), or an equal volume of NaCl 0.9% at the same sites (group S). Anaesthesia was induced with a mixture of 20mugkg(-1) medetomidine and 5mgkg(-1) ketamine administered intramuscularly. Rectal temperature, ECG, heart rate and respiratory rate were measured continuously. Ketamine supplemental boli (1mgkg(-1), intravenously) were administered in response to movements during surgery. Local lidocaine significantly reduced the need for supplementary ketamine. All animals were returned to their owners without complications. With this protocol, local anaesthetics reduced the need for injectable anaesthetic during feline ovariectomy.