Teaching a Tripod Cat How to Walk Again
When I adopted a three-legged true cat who lost her leg to a car accident, some well-significant friends worried she would need more care than I could afford to provide. Luckily, she proved them wrong. Seven years afterward, Espie is playful, healthy and "hoppy."
Of course, each circumstance is unique, and some amputee cats require more care than others. Simply well-nigh of us who own a tripod cat would hold that the benefits far outweigh any of the extra challenges. If you're facing the center-wrenching decision of whether to dismember your electric current cat, are considering adopting an amputee or come across a true cat who has lost or severely injured his leg, here are some means to give tripod cats a leg upward.
What to Do if Your Cat Needs an Amputation
First, don't allow your human being emotions arrive the way of deciding what'southward best for your pet. If your cat contracts cancer or gets hitting by a car, a limb amputation might exist the all-time way forward for her. One time the source of pain has been removed, animals typically bounce back and their normal personality shines through, says Dr. Coby Richter, a surgeon at DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital. They usually resume their regular activities within one to ii months.
"They tin can be happy on 3 legs." says Rene Agredano, cofounder of Tripawds.com, which provides information, resources and support to owners of three-legged pets. "They adapt so much better than we exercise if we were faced with the same type of physical challenge."
Don't let the price of surgery sway you to make a painful conclusion, similar euthanizing or surrendering your cat, instead of amputating his leg. The Tripawds Foundation (the organisation'south charitable, nonprofit arm) offers an Amputation Surgery Assistance Program that pays up to $500 toward an amputation to eligible applicants.
Caring for an Amputee Cat After Surgery
While recovery times vary co-ordinate to the type of amputation, expect to provide lots of supervision and care. Monitor your cat'south movements carefully and first slowly with short periods of freedom on not-slick surfaces like rug. Offer your tripod cat a low-sided litter box that volition provide easier admission. Richter also recommends using a paper-based litter, which is less likely to stick to the incision site and cause infection.
Practise is Extra Important for Tripod Cats
While keeping the pounds off is important for four-legged felines, it's crucial for tripod cats. "Fifty-fifty ane pound can impact how happy and mobile a tripod is," says Agredano.
Core strengthening is the key to keeping 3-legged cats stiff. Effort using a feather wand to encourage your true cat to engage in meerkat-style moves. Balance discs or wobble boards tin aid, as well.
A skillful rehabilitation therapist is a worthwhile investment to preventing boosted injuries. The therapist will help true cat parents learn how to protect and strengthen a tripod cat'due south remaining limbs. The Tripawds Foundation will pay upwards to $200 toward a cat'southward first consultation with an accredited rehabilitation therapist.
Adapting Your Home for a Iii-Legged Cat
Pave the road to your cat's recovery with carpet runners or other non-slick surfaces on areas your cat likes to travel.
Block off access to loftier-upwardly cabinets where your cat may have liked to recline earlier the injury, Agredano advises. Cats don't e'er country on all fours (or threes), and tripods are at risk for additional injuries.
If possible, move furniture appropriately to help her get around, or adjust perches to a more attainable height. Some pet parents get creative in how they adapt their homes for their three-legged cats. Bank check out how Purrkins, a Tripawd fellow member who lost his leg to soft tissue sarcoma, climbs up and down the stairs to get to his favorite window seat.
Considering Adopting an Amputee True cat? What to Know
If you have pets already, taking on a tripod cat shouldn't affect them much, since their needs and activeness levels are adequately similar to those of four-legged felines. Amputee animals often become disregarded at the shelters because people see them as "special-needs." To inspire more than people to adopt 3-legged cats, the Tripawds Rescue Fund will reimburse owners upwards to $100 for the adoption or processing fee from a 501(c)(three) nonprofit shelter.
Tips on How to Aid an Injured True cat
If you come beyond a cat with a potentially broken limb, recall about your own safety first, advises Dr. Ladan Mohammad-Zadeh, a disquisitional care specialist at DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital in Portland.
Injured pets may seize with teeth, so approach carefully. If you're comfortable handling the cat, arroyo softly and slowly.
Don't worry about splinting and bandaging a cleaved os. This is very painful and best done under sedation or anesthesia, so exit that work for the veterinarian. "Instead, place a folded towel or blanket under the animal'southward broken limb for support and carefully lift the animal," Mohammad-Zadeh says. "If yous are transporting the brute in a machine, make sure they are restrained and unable to move."
How to Care for a Three-Legged Cat
- If your veterinary says your cat cannot accept a skillful life on iii legs, get a 2d opinion.
- It's important to continue your three-legged true cat indoors only. Predators, cars and more are dangers for all cats who go outside — and tripods will take an even harder fourth dimension escaping from those hazards.
- Limit motion and supervise or crate your tripod for the first month afterward surgery to protect her from additional injuries.
- Block off loftier areas in your home where your cat likes to bound. Brand perches more than accessible past adding steps or moving piece of furniture.
- Provide a litter box that's low to the ground.
- Use newspaper-based litter for the first two weeks after surgery.
Thumbnail: Photography courtesy Tripawds.com.
Read more nearly cat health on Catster.com:
- How to Avoid Things That Could Hurt or Kill Your Cat
- Cat Hates Catnip? Effort This Instead!
- Ask a Vet: What Is Lymphoma in Cats? Can It Be Treated?
Source: https://www.catster.com/cat-health-care/how-to-care-for-a-three-legged-cat
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