2007-11-21 01:06:43 · 11 answers · asked by Ellas_mommy 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
The loss of a limb sounds catastrophic but 3 legged cats adapt well and are usually as agile and active as 4 legged cats. The loss of a limb would be catastrophic to humans, but our limbs are more specialised (2 for walking, 2 for manipulating things) while a cat's limbs are all used for walking. Three-legged cats need help grooming areas that would normally be groomed by the now-missing leg. Don't expect a recent amputee to be 'back to normal' immediately, but don't be over-protective. She must work out her new limitations and how to compensate for a missing leg. She needs to build up additional strength in her other limbs, so don't be tempted to carry her around too much.
The Messy Beast web site had good advice on living with disabled cats, and links to other information that you may find helpful.
http://www.messybeast.com/disabled.htm
Hope this helps.
2007-11-21 03:02:31 · answer #1 · answered by Michele the Louis Wain cat 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I just adopted a three legged cat (missing left rear) and he gets around just fine, washes himself normally, and in all respects seems to have adapted quite well.
From what I know of the subject I'm not sure there is much you can do to accomodate the cat. It will be up to her to figure out how to balance on three legs. If she can manage that, I think between the two of you you'll figure out what she needs. (Someone said her ability to jump might be affected-things like that.) Good luck. I hope she can keep the leg.
2007-11-21 09:16:42 · answer #2 · answered by danl747 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Depends on whether it's a front leg or hind. She may have jumping issues at first until she gets the hang of her new tripod, but she will adapt fairly quickly to her new circumstances. The best thing you can do is just love her the same as you always have, don't act like she's disabled or less than she was and here's hoping she now has a nice, happy , healthy life.
2007-11-21 09:18:34 · answer #3 · answered by ibbibud 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it might be a little unnerving at first out cat Petrie had her leg leg amputated and could not figure out how to walk forward in the beginning but she adjusted after a week. Animals deal with such things better we do.
2007-11-21 17:54:44 · answer #4 · answered by twylajane1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Front or rear??
Tripod kitties will get around just fine, once they heal. Just look at HENRY!!
http://www.henrysworld.org/
Just make sure her amputated area heals well, and then she will surprise you with her ability -- DO keep her disability in mind however, if she needs any type of accomodation -- you and she will learn from one another.
Thank you fr caring so much about your kitty!! Wishing you and her the best!!.
Google "three-legged cat" and you'll get alot of info.
2007-11-21 09:21:03 · answer #5 · answered by aattura 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry to hear about your kitty, but I wish her luck!
She may not be as well able to jump as she used to be. So if she has any favorite perches, you might want to get little sets of steps or a stool to help her get to them. Other than that, I can't really think of anything that would be different from a normal 4-legged cat.
Good luck!
2007-11-21 09:12:47 · answer #6 · answered by Tigger 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
They adjust very well. No need to make "special accommodations".
2007-11-21 09:12:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they adjust well after got use to they still jump up on things
2007-11-21 09:29:07 · answer #8 · answered by sky 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its amazing how well they adapt.Just keep on giving her all your love : )
2007-11-21 09:16:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They do just fine.
2007-11-21 09:10:51 · answer #10 · answered by JES 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋