anyone know of a tripod cat?

[sonsmum]

Our lovely cat has had a back leg amputated, following a bad break. Having seen her hobbling round the house on 3 legs before we could get her seen, I think she will adapt, but of course she will be more limited now. Does anyone have any stories of tripod cats and how they managed post op?

Yes, I have a tripod. I’m not even sure she realises her leg is gone. She’s can easily outrun me and manages the stairs just fine. The only adaptation she needs is to have things to climb up to get to windowsills etc as she can’t jump up to them (she lost her rear leg completely, no stump or anything).

Both dogs and cats can do brilliantly with three legs. I think they actually do better with a leg amputated than a dysfunctional existing limb. She will also have been in pain and now not. I think you’ll be amazed at the speed they adapt. Let us know how she gets on - and also pictures! 💕

One of the yard cats at my cousin's old farm was a tripod. Didn't stop her being a talented mouser.

There is one on our street - a burmese who got run over. It was very shocking to see him at first, but he is fine. Has a great life, can run very fast, hunts stoats and leaves them on my lawn, , fights other cats, and bullies my girl cat. So not hindered in any way from his usual pursuits 😂

(By tripod I thought you meant only back legs and tail remained, which would be much more impairing. )

My mate's cat is a tripod missing a back leg. He's very grateful when someone gives him a good scratch on that side's ear cos he can't! He's perfectly fine and happy.

My sister had some ferals on her farm and one had 3 legs. He was absolutely fine.

One of my childhood cats lost a leg. He was totally fine when young, but maybe became less agile slightly sooner than other cats with age. He still lived very long and happy life, just we built him 'ramps' and 'steps' to favoured (higher) spots and probably cosseted him a bit more. I think he felt the cold a bit more too.

Oh, he wasnt as good at balancing, eg couldn't really run along the fence, but could still go up a tree.

My lovely ginger Tom had a back leg removed because of cancer. He adapted quickly and was so happy not to be in pain any more. Sadly he only had a few more months but they were good ones.

@sonsmum

Our lovely cat has had a back leg amputated, following a bad break. Having seen her hobbling round the house on 3 legs before we could get her seen, I think she will adapt, but of course she will be more limited now. Does anyone have any stories of tripod cats and how they managed post op?

Yep, MANY years ago we had a cat who was hit by a car and dragged himself up to the house, a very sad & scary sight! We weren't sure if he'd survive, the Vet said he would but amputation was the only option.(it was a full amputation because his shoulder had been crushed)

Well, that boy was back to himself very quickly AND back to climbing on things he shouldn't. I had joked (dark humour) 'at least this'll stop him climbing up on my desk!'

Ha! he soon showed me! I couldn't believe it when he jumped up one day!

He lived to a very good age, full of life!!!

Best of luck! 🐾

My cat's nemesis is a tripod (missing one at the back) who likes to hang out where I keep my animals. He still jumps on my post and rail fences and stares at me in the face, and I know where he lives so he has a little way to come to visit us. He's not a sociable old lad in the normal sense but he's certainly mobile and always looks pleased with himself if not actually cheerful. I doubt he'd be much different if he had all four legs still tbh!

I read this thread and just joined Mumsnet to tell you about our wonderful tripod, Flossie the Wonder Cat who had to have a full hind quarter amputation after being hit by a car about six years ago. She is as agile as all our other cats, loves climbing and jumping - and I'm sure that she thinks that having three legs is the height of fashion.

My friend had one - she wanted to change his name to Yardstick but he already had a name. It was one of his back legs and I don’t know if he ever noticed he had only three legs. He seemed actively stupider than other cats but apparently he was always stupid.

Yes! I have a tripod, missing his left back leg. To be fair he isn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer at the best of times but I’m fairly sure he has no idea he’s a tripod. He easily keeps up with my other cat, they like to chase each other up and down the stairs —usually at 4 in the morning— and I often see his little stump moving up and down when he thinks he’s scratching behind his ear. He lives a completely normal life and is quite happy! Our vet said cats do so well on 3 legs that really cats with 4 legs are just carrying a spare. I’m sure your furry overlord will be just fine!

I often see this cat darting about near us. I didn't even notice it only had three legs till somebody mentioned it.

My godmother had a tripod cat. He adapted very well indeed.

We had a tripod (back leg gone) who lived to a ripe old age and would terrorise the fuck out of the poor henpecked dogs.

A tiny three legged cat chasing an ex racing greyhound was an interesting and regular sight to see. She was a bloody head case and thought she was three times the size of the dogs!

I have one, she's absolutely fine, can do exactly what my other two do and is just gorgeous.

Funny they they all seem to be back legs! I wonder if they’re more likely to injure those? Or perhaps just they do better missing a back leg than a front one.

UPDATE;
Very pleased to say that our tripod recovered and adapted really well.
Runs very fast, manages stairs with ease, can jump to her favourite perches, has the same personality she did, still likes us and hasn't held a grudge!
Is currently indoors only at present, but we'll encourage her to start going outside again soon, but I think we'll keep her inside overnight now!

Many thanks for your responses, which were very reassuring at the time!

That’s lovely to hear, she hopefully won’t go far when she’s outside.