Finlay update feline physio

[JaceLancs]

Finlay is nearly 2 months on from surgery for broken pelvis
Vet has now recommended physio and hydrotherapy
He had first physio assessment a few days ago and I’ve just ordered all the equipment including wobble board and poles and cones (dog agility style)
Despite being a very placid kitten he took a lot of dreamies to get him to do the required movements which we have to do so many reps of twice a day
He was so exhausted yesterday that he didn’t even hinder our Lego building

Poor tired out boy! Glad to see he is recovering!
My mind is somewhat blown by the idea of getting a cat to do a structured exercise regime: was it the same people who think you can brush a cat's teeth and they'll let you, or giving a cat a pill is easy, you just pop it down the back of their throat?

@Pudmyboy I was having the exact same thought!!

@Pudmyboy @Toddlerteaplease
These are the sorts of things we’ve got to try (ignore dog pics it’s all the physio had available)
lots of treats will be required and more patience than I’ve probably got!!!!

Good luck with that!

So the first thing I saw was hydrotherapy… does that mean IN WATER??!!

Has the physio successfully managed this with a cat?!!

see cat on water treadmill on YouTube! Apparently for first session it will just be a tiny depth of water and they will have him in harness and bribe with treats - then at each session they will keep increasing depth of water till he’s quite far in…….it should be interesting to say the least!!! Xxxxx

You will have to let us know how it goes. Good luck!

Oh my gosh! Is that for actual real?! Oh gosh! That cat! 🤣

Wow, all this is going to call for an awful lot of dreamies! I’ve been reading through your previous thread as my cat had surgery for a broken pelvis coming up for 4 weeks ago. It’s so good to see Finlay progressing with his recovery - what an ordeal for such a young cat (and for you). Our vet hasn’t mentioned physio to us (dare I say, thankfully?!) but I’ll be following with interest.

I do hope it goes well for you and Finlay

Good that Finlay is recovering so well. He is such a handsome cat. My friends' cat had a broken pelvis (hit by car). He made an excellent recovery but I can't imagine him complying with cat physiotherapy!

One of my friends is an animal physio. She qualified last year.
there was no one to actually teach the practical side of cat physio on her course, cos the previous cat physio tutor retired and hardly anyone does it. The course advised bribing cats with treats
good luck with your beautiful cat x

Finlay is very happy with physio routine - as soon as we set up the cones etc he’s in there waiting for the treats! Playing havoc with my arthritis though so sharing with DS

First session of hydrotherapy on Monday so trying to get Finn ready for it - he doesn’t like water on paws and keeps flicking it at us

Best of luck with everything OP. He’s a lucky boy to have you!

Oh bless him! Best of luck!

The look on his face when he's sat in the sink - "Seriously? Do you know how much you'll regret this? Do you?!"
But I'm impressed at his co-operation. When I had to do similar with my dog she didn't even want to step over a pole laid on the ground, let alone walk over them off the ground. She did manage the treadmill but sadly she never got offered hydrotherapy as I'd have loved to see her paddling.
Good luck to Finn, he's gorgeous!

Omg the look on his face! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Best of luck.

Thank you everyone - he is so funny - now worn out with the exercise
I will try and get picture of his hydro on Monday - apparently he will have 2 people and one will get in the tank with him!

Oh bless him, the look when he is in the sink is just priceless😻 Beautiful cat, hope it all helps him.

Another person impressed by Findlay's co-operation! Bodes well for a good recovery, bless him! Keep us updated on Monday!

Well it wasn’t how I expected! Lovely people at the vets though - tank was already filled with tepid water - deeper than I assumed - Finn got lots of familiarisation with personnel and was put in soft Velcro harness
Hydro person 1 got in the tank first in full waders - we then passed her Finlay - she attempted to lower him slowly and gently into water - he did a vertical take off and tried to climb corner of the tank - to stop him escaping and hurting himself in the process she grabbed him but then dropped him as he was so desperately trying to get away which meant he ended up with most of head under the water - we managed to console him and with a lot of persuasion and cajoling from all 3 of us we managed to get him to walk up and down tank a few times - he was so unhappy even dreamies and lick e lix were ignored until he was safely out and in a towel
I’ve never seen him get back into his pet carrier of his own accord before!
it wasn’t so bad that we are giving up yet but he’s much happier with the dry land exercise - keen even
last picture is a still damp Finn recovering on my lap

Wow! Thats amazing he's even set a paw in the tank. He might be more cooperative next time if he knows what's expected of him. (Long shot!)