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Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Just after some kind words and any advice really

20 replies

Thurmanmurman · 27/02/2019 14:29

My poor little cat was found in the kitchen yesterday by my husband. We think she was hit by a car but had managed to drag herself home bleeding. Luckily she has survived but is having her right hind leg and tail amputated this afternoon. I’m so upset but grateful she’s alive all the same. Does anyone have any experience with amputee cats?

OP posts:
mommymooo · 27/02/2019 14:32

Oh my I'm so sorry for your poor kitty I have no experience with amputate cats but I do know they cope very well. I feel so much for you I have 2 cats and if anything happened to them I'd be heartbroken so sorry for you xx

Wolfiefan · 27/02/2019 14:36

I’m so sorry for her accident. What a little fighter you have that she came home to you.
I thought front legs were more of a problem as they put more force through them when jumping down. Cats can manage just fine on three legs.
Obviously recovery will be inside the house. But is it worth considering cat proofing the garden so your puss can safely venture out when healed.
A handholding for you and healing thoughts for puss.

thecatneuterer · 27/02/2019 16:20

I've known a lot of tripod cats and they cope amazingly well. I agree that it would be a very good idea to cat proof your garden for the future. Google protect-a-puss for example.

FriarTuck · 27/02/2019 16:23

Animals adapt so much better and quicker than humans. She'll be charging up and down the fence on 3 legs before you know it. Flowers

viccat · 27/02/2019 16:36

One of mine is a tripod, due to a birth defect rather than accident and she had her amputation aged 6 months.

She manages great at home and can climb a cat tower as well as my four legged cats. In terms of outdoor access though she cannot jump very high or climb a vertical surface like a fence at all. Our garden is catproofed with Sanctuary SOS fence top netting. It wouldn't be safe for a tripod cat to roam as they couldn't escape if another cat or animal was chasing them and could get themselves stuck unable to climb out of some places.

Beaverhausen · 27/02/2019 16:42

She will be fine honestly do not worry about it. But might be an idea to keep her indoors.

paddler78 · 27/02/2019 16:54

One of mine is a tripod after he got caught in an animal trap - I remember the day I brought home home from the vets to the lovely cosy room I'd set up for him upstairs so he could recuperate without being disturbed by his brother, got him out the cat carrier turned my back for 30secs and he was down the stairs and in the kitchen! He did slow down a bit after that thankfully but we did have some issues with phantom limb pain.

They adapt amazingly well and as mentioned back legs are actually the better one to loose - you might find they are a little wobbley to start with as they won't have their tail to help balance but they adjust, make sure your vets clued up on pain meds to use and also Gabapentin for phantom limb pain.

Hopefully if it works here's a pic of him a couple of weeks post op and the after 2 months Smile for me the thing I found hardest was how long it took all of his fur to grow back.

There is a US based website called Tripawds which has lots of information and they have a very friendly user forum who answered lots of my questions.

If you've got any specific questions please do ask.

Just after some kind words and any advice really
Just after some kind words and any advice really
Original poster
Thurmanmurman · 27/02/2019 17:04

Thank you everyone. Will look at cat proofing the garden as she would hate to be kept indoors and we also have another outdoor cat. Just awaiting the call from the vet.

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 27/02/2019 17:58

Wishing you and your cats well OP. Hoping for good news soon.

KittyLover91 · 27/02/2019 18:09

Your poor baby!

One of mine was hit by a car but managed to get home he ended up with a fractured jaw and eye socket.

We cat proofed the garden that weekend and a few months later we got him a friend to keep him company 😊 He still tries to get out every once in a while but only when the neighbours cat starts to be a pest on the other side!

I hope your cat heals well and adapts ok xXx

paddler78 · 02/03/2019 20:23

How's your little fur baby doing - hope she's okay x

Aprilshowersarecomingsoon · 02/03/2019 20:28

Your dcat is very loyal op. The vet told me my dcat was so when he also dragged himself home with a snapped leg after ten nights missing one freezing October!
He managed a long happy life with several places he called home - once went missing and 2 other 'owners' had put posters up!! Cheeky buggar!!
Extra love and extra Dreamies is all your dcat needs!

percheron67 · 02/03/2019 20:30

Much good luck to you both.

SpringForEver · 02/03/2019 23:52

I hope she is OK.

Not a tripod, but a tail amputation which we believe had caused nerve damage resulting in toileting issues.

If there are issues with the bladder and bowel they can frequently be resolved but can take time, healing can be slow, the actual surgical wounds will need to heal first, about 6 - 8 weeks and any nerve damage can take a good few months, so lots of patience and love needed.

Justonedayatatime11 · 04/03/2019 12:23

paddler is your boy a savvy?!

paddler78 · 12/03/2019 22:06

@justonedayatatime11 yes he is a savannah - albeit a tripod one Smile

Justonedayatatime11 · 12/03/2019 22:12

paddler does that make him any less trouble?!

paddler78 · 13/03/2019 19:59

@justonedayatatime11 to a degree he's still got all his savannah personality but he is more sensible now and stays close to home, he still likes to climb and be up high he just needs some help to get there now Smile

paddler78 · 13/03/2019 20:00

My other savannah on the other hand still somewhat mad - weighs over 8kg and still thinks he's a kitten!

Justonedayatatime11 · 13/03/2019 20:09

paddler what generation are yours?

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