Partially crippled Kitten?

Question

My wife found this kitten that his hips looked to be messed up. (like a inbred cat)... it had trouble walking but now it can't move its back legs at all. He can get around good for his condition, he is healthy in everyway but his hind legs. I feel sorry for it and don't want to have it put to sleep because its survived this long (about 6 to 8 weeks). Its looks like no other cat i ever seen before...It has no tail (neither did its mom) but its color is really weird Its got the pattern of a tabby but it is the color of a yellow lab. Should I have it put to sleep? If not how would someone care for it?

Answer 1

The Manx breed is known for having some deformities in their hind parts. I have a tailess cat who is just a barn cat. She has no problems.

If your kitten is able to urinate and defecate with no problems then there would be no reason for euthanasia. If he can pull himself around using the front legs he can have a good life.

Obviously this kitten must always be indoors in a protected environment. The little thing will find a way to see the outside, the birds, etc. if it can sit by a sliding glass door.

You can get shelves to hook into windows and they can look out that way. If you have to place the kitten up there then of course you must watch it so it doesn't fall.

You can just pick the little thing up to the couch to sit with you or on your bed at night (this might be touchy if he has to urinate at night!)

You don't have to feel sorry for him. With your love, protection, a warm home where he is well fed he will never know that he is anything less than perfect!

Answer 2

This is what can come from tailless breeding. They can often be missing nerves at the base of the spine.
I think it is cruel to keep a kitten alive that has no chance of being a kitten. A cat that can not play and get into a window and do cat type things is not a cat. It is NOT like disabled people who can still have a meaningful life otherwise.
But it is up to you, and as long as it sees a vet and you can afford the high vet bills that come with the eventual problems that this cat will have, and it makes you feel better, then you do what you want. Don't expect Humane organizations to pay for the medical care, because that is not what they are there for.
And remember, the vet bills can be quite high!!!!!!!!!!!!

And perfectlly functional means they do NOT have urine scald all the time and sores all over the back end!!!!!

Answer 3

I'd first take him to the vet to see exactly why he is having these problems. If he was able to use them before and not now, there may be something else that is the problem. Kitties usually find a way to get around another way if they don't have use of all of their legs. The vet may need to remove their legs but they will then be able to pull themselves by their front legs. If they can't walk, there are a lot of people who'd be willing to help a special kitty, especially older people who want a kitty who may be calmer and have big hearts. Can he eat, drink, and use the litter box on his own? If he can or is able with a little accomidation (such as a lowered litter box) then I don't see why he couldn't find a home. If he is able to move himself around on his own and is in no pain, there is really no reason to put him to sleep. Put him up on Pet Finder and mark the heart symbol which means he needs special attention.

Answer 4

Take it to a vet and get a professional prognosis. I do have a story though. . .about 9 years ago, a friend showed up at my door with a tiny kitten that had been rescued. The kitten was scrawny, undernourished and her back legs were weak. She asked me to foster mother this kitten until she died as she would never walk. I kept the kitten, fed her, loved her and 9 years later, here she sits on my computer table (yep, she jumped). There is absolutely nothing wrong with this cat.

Moral of the story, don't give up. I'm glad I didn't, and so is Hannah.

=^..^=

Answer 5

If I were you I would take it to a veterinary clinic. They can do some reconstructive surgery on its hip. If you really ARE a cat lover, you will not be deterred by the expense. By the way, cats without tails or with tails that look crippled are mostly found in South East Asia, where this genetic defect is common in cats.

Answer 6

What I would first do is take it to the vet ASAP!
That cat needs help. Vets can do amazing things. If it is in pain and the vet can do nothing I would put it to sleep. That is the only reason you should ever put an animal to sleep. Sorry I couldn't help much. I really hope you can get some help for it and I hope it gets better.

Answer 7

If you are willing to pay the vet bills and give the cat the special attention that it needs, then keep it and it will make a wonderful pet. There is no need to put it to sleep. Don't give up with the kitty. Good luck!

Answer 8

There are wheelchairs for cats. If I were you I would try my best to save this cat. Like you said it is perfectly healthy in every other way so why not give it a chance? Anyway the color of it sounds cute and unique!

Answer 9

I would take it to the vet and have it checked out it see what the vet suggests and then I would go from there. It sounds to me like he has nerve damage and if it isnt to bad they may can repair it. The best thing to do is have it evaluated by a vet and then make your decision about putting it to sleep or not. And if things are ok with the kitty contact petfinders they find homes for special kitties like yours.

Answer 10

There is a wheelchair for animals which is a sort of a harness that you can put dogs and cats in that are paralized in their hind legs and they can be perfectly functioning with them.


http://www.dogkarts.com/