Posted by: Lois Lindemann on: January 13th, 2008 
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Should you become a three legged cat you will still be able to enjoy your pampered cat lifestyle. Here is some advice for the newly three-legged cat:
1. Prepare to become a local legend
Everybody loves three legged cats. Absolutely everybody. Even the man next door who didn’t like you at all when you had four legs will say “Ah!”. Make the most of your fame and use it to your advantage.
Train the paperboy. He will think you are so cute that he will turn up with little treats for you hidden in his pockets, you will hardly be able to keep up with him as he does his round because you have to keep stopping to eat them.
The two children across the road will fall in love with you and worship you. Allow them to pet you, then they will feed you bits of chocolate biscuit when they think no-one is looking.
When your human pet has gone to work, hang around looking very sad and neglected. You will be able to persuade the nice lady who lives up the road to set out early for work, just so that she can stop and make a fuss of you. When you sneak into her house later on, she will feed you little dishes of tuna fish, allow you to sleep in front of her fire and play with her own cat’s toys.
2. You will discover just how stupid some humans can be
Some foolish people will completely fail to notice that you only have three legs. They will make stupid remarks such as “I think your cat’s limping, is he alright?” Do these humans really think that you can’t run about on three legs? They seem to manage, even though they only have two. Do not allow these idiots to rub your ears, for they are not worthy of it.
3. Develop some new climbing techniques
At home, you may need to be more imaginative. When your human pet thinks that an unattended dish of trifle is out of your reach, you can prove her wrong, by climbing onto a chair, then jumping onto the table, before finally launching yourself at the work surface. Mmm custard, your favourite thing in the world…
However, it is best if you do not attempt to climb any tall trees, this will result in an undignified failure. Instead hang around on the ground looking disinterested and mock the four legged cats who attain more height, but who look most ungainly as they clamber upwards.
4. Play cat and mouse.
Hunting birds is more difficult when you have only three legs, it is so much more effort to leap in the air. You may prefer to develop a taste for mice instead. When you get really old and lazy you might even try hunting worms. Or slugs. (But don’t let your human pet see you do that, or she will shout “Yuk!” and decline to cuddle you.)
5. Train your human pet to pander to your every whim
Your human pets will worry greatly about your three legged status and will be acutely aware of your every difficulty, so make the most of their feelings of guilt and use them to your advantage.
In the first weeks after your operation, decline to eat anything apart from the finest cuts of meat. Your humans will be extremely vexed about your health and will happily serve your choice of food.
When you begin to recover, pull your claws wildly on the carpet of the bottom step of the stair and on the base of the sofa until your dozy humans get the message and provide you with recumbent scratching facilities.
Once you are fully mobile, remember to look as if you are struggling from time to time, this will allow you to keep your human pets’ undivided attention. If you see one of them walking home laden with as much shopping as they can carry, hop out pathetically to meet them, making sure that you appear to be struggling to walk, then ride home in state, sitting on their shoulder whilst chuckling inwardly at how much they are struggling to carry you and all those bags. Once you have reached home in this manner and been placed gently back at ground level, run off at top speed with no difficulty whatsoever.
You will quickly discover that your three-leggedness is not necessarily a disadvantage as some humans might think; in fact it often makes it much easier for you to train the local humans to worship you and do your bidding.
Thank you all for your very kind words. Yes, it’s been a bit of a bummer because just in the last couple of years I had 3 of my cats run over outside (we have know got cat proof fencing in the garden) and to make it even worse, I lost Tequila’s brother Sokrates to Renal Failure shortly afterwards. Back then I couldn’t accept the vet’s prognosis and looked everywhere re- possible cures; I even overcame my fear of needles so that I could give Soks his sub-q fluids (feline dialysis). Unfortunately his kidneys were already shot to pieces by then and I had to make the dreaded decision to call the vet home for one last visit. I really hoped that I never, ever have to do this again – looks like I am wrong.
Tequila came hobbling into the bedroom this morning to have her morning cuddle (she used to sleep in my arm every night but has been sleeping in the living room since the op). I am very proud of her, even though it was probably only to ask me for more of that yummy minced meat. She really seems so much better and I make an effort to get her outside for some exercise – although with this bad weather at the moment she is off the hook for now ;o)
So yes, we will ignore the dreaded c prognosis and enjoy every day as it comes; she certainly seems to enjoy her extra attention far too much to go to the Rainbow Bridge.
Keep us posted how you are all getting on with your Tripods.
Manuela & Tequila
Jj had a trip to the vet today for stitches out, but some had gone septic so he is back on the antibiotics. Other than that he is coping well and is beginning to realise he cannot jump up trees and fences to his usual high vantage point – the 12 foot high wall at the end of the garden. He is doing bunny hops when he walks but is as fluid as a greyhound when he picks up speed! Forgets he is missing a leg at times and when he falls over when washing his face, he looks at the missing limb as though to say ‘where has it gone?’
Manuela – how is Tequila?
Good Morning Anne & JJ,
Funny that, just this weekend I was wondering how you guys are doing. Tequila had her stitches out last week and the scar is healing very nicely, her fur is slowly growing back. I know what you mean with the bunny hops, Tequila does them as well. I think she quite enjoys her extra TLC but she can get from A to B if she wants, albeit very slowly. She now spends all day outside, either stretched outside in the sunshine or safely tucked away on her favourite garden bench under an umbrella. Unfortunately there is no telling how far the cancer has already spread and she seems to have lost bowel control so we’re having to resort to nappy pads when she come in over night. But hey, she is an old lady and that’s the least we can do.
How is JJ doing otherwise? Is he eating ok? Also, how has he been with the other cats? Have they acted any differently?
Best regards from Haslemere,
Manuela & Tequila aka Tripod
JJ is doing fine but I don’t trust him in the garden unsupervised as he is still weighing up his old climbing/access points to the outside world. He spent half an hour yesterday evening sitting by the high passageway gate to the front street hoping it would open! So the cat flap is locked which rather restricts access for the other two cats. When inside he sometimes forgets he’s missing a leg and slips off chairs thinking he’s put his weight on it but is better at balancing when washing his face. My havana cat is empathic and sits by him or walks a few paces behind, watching out for him. My scatty siamese girl hisses at him or pushes past, causing him to fall over. So there is a little anxiety on my part wondering how he will get used to his restricted life.
I’ve given up on the antibiotics and gone back to using the old fashioned salt and water to bathe his scar. He’s eating well.
Has the vet given any indication what could be causing Tequila’s bowel incontinence? Is it nerve damage caused by the tumour? I’d never heard of nappy pads for cats, must be hard work keeping them in place.
Good afternoon,
Scatty Siamese girl? Well, that sounds just like Tequila :o) He mum was a pure bread Siamese but the dad the local rat catcher-cum-bully so she has got all the Siamese features but just with with long grey-black hair. We had a few patchy moments with her in the last couple of days but she seems to be back to her normal self, I even caught her stalk-hopping a frog on our little pond – she probably didn’t know I was watching her. I think the bowel incontinence is probably a side effect from the cancer, I know that humans suffer from it as well. I have tried to shove her into the cat litter as soon as I bring her in but she won’t have any of it. The nappy pads I use are usually for puppy training purposes but they do the trick nicely. I just put them under her before she goes to sleep and in the morning they are scrunched together but no stains anywhere and they are easy to dispose off. Ah, the things we do for our furry friends.
How is JJ’s wound healing? Didn’t you mention he’s been through a lot lately? Maybe he just overdosed on ABs? Sometimes the good old fashion methods work the best.
Cheerio,
Manuela & Miaow from Tequila
I know this is really boring and you are skipping to the next comment, but I just wanted to throw you a big thank you – you cleared up some things for me!
Hi everyone. My cat rascal came home yesterday from the vets following amputation of his back left leg. My worry is that his other back eg had two toes amputated. Has anyone had anything similar done to their cat and how did they get along with it. I really need some advice as if it doesn’t heal my cat will never walk again.
I have recntly heard word that my cat has and appointment back at the vet on tuesday and if he hasnt got a good blood circulation in his back leg(the remaining one 🙂 ) He will be put down, however when they last checked it had a very good circulation so they predict it will recover fully in a few months
Hi Rascal’s owner,
I know the whole amputation thing sounds like a total bummer but our cats constantly prove to us what amazing creatures they are and how well they are coping. My old Tequila (17 years) also had her left rear leg amputated about 3 weeks ago and has been coping remarkably well with everything… unlike me. You didn’t say what is wrong with Rascal? Has he had an accident or an infection? Why is he having problems with his circulation?
Keep us posted please. This forum is a real life & sanity saver :o)
Manuela & Tequila aka Tripod
Hey guys. Rascal was injured in an accident of some sort but we do not know what, other than that it wasn’t a car injury or a trap. However we live near a railway line and think he caught his leg in between the lines when they changed. If he had of stayed there it wouldnt have nbeeen as serious but he pulled it out which meant the leg was torn off. This is what we think has happened but we are unsure. He also has a heart murmur which causes problems whith his heart making it likely for him to have heart attacks. He is recovering very welll though and his visit to the vet was a success and his circulation is fine and he will bwe allowed ouyt of his cage on friday… YAY 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
You wouldn’t believe (well probably you would!) that I was in such a bad place over JJ only two weeks ago. Coming to this forum helped me cope immensely with his amputation – thanks Manuela 😉 and he’s just got on with it, although he keeps forgetting and falling off windowsills and tables LOL!
Rascal’s human – how much of the toes have been amputated? Are they bandaged or just left sutured to heal? Some cats in the States are de-clawed which involves amputation of the digits I believe and although I think this is a horrible practice, they seem to get on with it ok mobility-wise.
Lets hope the circulation is ok, fingers crossed for Tuesday. It would be interesting to know the background story of what happened to your cat.
Ive told maila and tequila about what happened just check my reply tto them. He had two full toes amputated and he is in a bandage and wearing a cone for several weeks. ThaNKS FOR YOUR HELP
Anne and maneula please could you write comments on the ‘life with a three legged cat page’ as i am more active on that page i will still check here but i prefer the other page so i would like you two to come on here aswell as it woul be a great help tome
,,,going over to Life page – whoops didn’t realise there was another page silly me!
Thanks now please could you write a comment on their
Hi,my cat recently went into the vets with a poorly back leg.(We dont know how he injured himself) After having an x-ray and listening to the options we decided to go down the route of having it put into plaster for 6weeks to try and fuse it back together, however we had a call today during him been under anesphetic to say they didnt think the plaster option was now going to work and we have had to make the decision to have the leg removed.
I am absolutely devestated as he has always been such an active cat. Having been told that 3 legged cats adapt well and soon get used to it im still finding it all hard to take in.
Hi Pipkin’s owner.
It really is devastating isn’t it, especially when you have just got your head round the 6 week plaster option. I had a similar situation with JJ’s back leg being in a rigid bandage for weeks to try and knit the severed tendons. It’s harrowing getting over the first shock and then the next one is the prospect of amputation when you (and the cat) are already feeling stressed and anxious.
It is a month today since JJ had his leg amputated and I was a nervous wreck, but my vet was fantastic even when I was sobbing down the phone…
It was the best decision, after a few days of nursing him in a crate he wobbled about for a bit while I sat on my hands and let him find his own way of coping.
A month later he is running round the house! And although he can’t understand why he can no longer jump up onto high walls etc, he is just getting on with it without any obvious psychological trauma.
If you go out of this ‘window’ and back to the home page you can get on to the Living with a three legged cat page for stories of how others are getting on with their cats after amputation.
My kitty is getting her right hind leg amputated tomorrow morning. We only discovered last week that she has an aggressive tumor in the ankle region (as I call it). After doing extensive research and talking to several vets, amputation is the best chance for survival. I just found your website and I have to say this is the first time I’ve laughed since I heard the news about my baby. I’ve been so incredibly nervous about the surgery despite the fact that so many people say cats do just fine with three legs. I plan on buying her lots of toys and deli meat while she’s at the vet. Let’s just hope I don’t break down at the deli counter again! Thanks for cheering me up!
Hi Maribeth
It is definitely a triumph against adversity! Let’s hear it for the three legged cats!!! Hope all goes well with the surgery.
Thanks, Anne! I’ll let you know how the surgery goes.
Hi Maribeth & Kitty,
We will keep everything crossed for you. By the time you read this your little fur ball will probably be already out of surgery. My little old Tequila (17) had exactly the same (tumour in the ankle region/ back leg, think they call it hind hog or so) and it was a choice of either put her to sleep or amputation. I am so glad I went for the latter. Tequila is doing absolutely fine now and is milking it every little bit.. think minced steak, loads of TLC and being the Queen Bee amongst the other cats.
You’ll see your kitty will cope much, MUCH better than us.
Please keep us posted how things went.
Best,
Manuela & Tequila
Hi Manuela & Tequila,
Thank you for your kind words. I just dropped Trixie off and they are prepping her for surgery. Tequila sounds like an amazing cat and I am so glad she has lived such a successful life on three legs! It’s costly doing the surgery, but if I can keep Trixie around for another 10 years I don’t care! This discussion board has been very helpful. Thanks again!
Maribeth
Hi Maribeth,
Hang in there, we will keep all our fingers & paws crossed for you. Yes, it is a rather expensive surgery indeed but worth it.
Have you thought about having a tissue sample sent off to the lab for tests? My vet suggested it (think it costs about £60) but I wanted to know what type of cancer we were dealing with and whether it had spread past the lymph node, which had also been removed.
Our bad news was that it had spread, the good news is that we have decided to ignore the big, bad C and so far Tequila has been doing well (her appetite has strangely increased, which is good as she is such a skinny thing anyway).
Keep us posted,
Manuela & Tequila
Hi guys,
I spoke to the vet this morning about sending off the tissue sample. We’re going to have it analyzed to determine if we need to proceed with chemo. My problem is I don’t know if I could deal watching my kitty go through chemotherapy. It’s hard enough with a person! For some reason watching sick pets is a million times worse. My vet said the cost would be about $11o (I live in the US).
I’m sorry to hear that Tequila’s spread. Keep giving her lots of hugs and kisses! Deli meat helps, too!
Thanks,
Maribeth
She made it! I went to visit her last night but she was still pretty sedate. The surgery was late afternoon. I’m going to see her at noon today and hopefully they’ll let me take her home this evening. Thanks for being so supportive!
Hi, well my little pipkins come home today after having his operation yesterday afternoon.
Other than feeling very sorry for himself things seem to be fine.still feeling upset by it all and with the area been shaved for the op is prob making it look worse than what it is!
But am trying to look on the bright side- at least he’s still with us.
Can anyone give me an idea of how long it might take for the fur to start growing back?
Hi Pipkin and Owner! I hope you’re feeling better today. My kitty, Trixie, is coming home from the vet this afternoon after her surgery. You two can share survival stories.
Hi Pipkin & Owner,
It’s mainly the scar that makes it look even worse, doesn’t it. I actually had to put a towel of Tequila’s scar during the first couple of days because it was freaking me out. Her op was 4 weeks ago and her fur (half Siamese, half Heinz57 mix) has already started to grow back nicely. The best thing is though the actual scar, which was almost invisible by the end of the 2nd week. I honestly couldn’t tell now where the cut was.
I was a bit worried that Tequila was feeling the cold at first so I used those microwavable wheat/ cheery stone cushions wrapped in a towel for extra comfort. The things we do for our little ones ;o)
Manuela & Tequila
Yes it does look very strange and although i dont want to look at it i keep finding myself staring!!I think he will be okay, has already been trying to rip open the cat flap and wondering why hes not allowed out, but because he’s wearing one of those big collars he’s not getting very far! 🙂
The scar does take some getting used to but I work in a hospital so had an idea how awfully raw scars and stitches can look, all pink and puckered. A month post-operation and Jj’s scar scab has dropped off although I did bathe it in saline solution to help soften the scabs about week two as one or two stitches had gone septic. I found Manuka honey ointment on the scar helped to heal it also. There is just a fine line now and very neat and tidy looking.
The fur (light grey) is growing back nicely too where he was shaved (mid torso to tail and under his belly) and the hip joint is starting to blend in well. JJ does have a very saggy belly on which the fur is growing back more slowly so he looks a bit strange but I am sure it will catch up with the rest.
How is Pipkin getting on with the collar? After 2 days I took JJ’s off as he was freaking out and bashing his head on everything as he couldn’t adjust. I crossed my fingers and prayed he wouldn’t start pulling his stitches but he never did although I bought a soft inflatable collar with velcro fasteners just in case. Comfy Collar made by petproject.co.uk. but I am sure there are similar ones in the States.
He Really is not that impressed with the collar.He tries to snuggle in and rub his head on you, but can’t. i may try the website you suggested Anne as i’m in the uk.they sound better than what he is wearing now and i dont think i trust him enough to take it off altogether.
All,
Weirdly enough, Tequila didn’t have to wear a collar. The vet thought that it would freak some cats out too much and just adds unnecessarily to the stress. He suggested to use an old T-Shirt/ Camisole if needed. Tequila has only tried once or twice to nibble on her stitches but that was it.
Have there been any other cases of “sans” collar after the op or was it just us?
Hello everyone
This site has been quiet lately. Maybe because it is the holiday season?
Just wanted to touch base and see how everyone is getting on.
JJ is six weeks after amputation. The fur has grown back, the scar almost invisible and sometimes I forget he only has three legs. (So does JJ)
He is adjusting well and has stopped trying to climb the trees and fences in the garden, just sits on the garden bench looking wistfully at the top of the high wall he used to tiptoe along. I am at work during the day but he sleeps lots and the back door into the garden is open when I come home so he can go in and out. He has realised his limitations and I can relax knowing he can’t escape easily.
He has become a lap cat and enjoys sitting in the garden on my knee in the evening when it has gone dark, listening to the rustlings in the shrubbery and watching the wild geese flying over the house now it is nearly autumn. He has put on a little weight so I will have to cut back on his food now he is less active.
I go on holiday late September and he will be in the cattery but they assure me they can cope with all sorts of infirmities so I am happy he will be ok.
The other two cats have got used to the cat flap being locked and they don’t venture far either. Seems they have all adjusted fine too.
Have just finished reading everyones chat and felt in such good company. Our lovely Ragdoll boy, Dougal, has just had his rear left leg removed today and I could so relate to everyones comments. We only discovered he had cancer on Friday, he went in for tests today, xrays and the like, to make sure it hadn’t spread, but then the call from the vet came…what a choice…no Dougal or no leg. After bucket loads of tears, the family conference call, more tears with the vet the decision was made. He isn’t a young boy, 13 (we rescued him so that is just a rough guess) but like your comments, he is such a fantastic personality we had to give him this chance. I’ve been so worried about seeing him, how will he cope? Will he still sleep under the covers with me?… Will he still love me?
I’ll let you know, but safe to say I’m racked with guilt and only hearing his purrs will ease my own pain.
Hi Julia
See also the Life with a 3 legged cat page….welcome to the club
I am sure that if you have read all these comments you will gather that there is a lot of practical advice and emotional support around here.
Wait and see how Dougal copes. It’s difficult to predict but would be crass of me to say ‘oh he’ll be fine’. Chances are he will be so pleased to get back home and once he’s over the convalescent period he will be learning how to adjust into a new routine. His personality won’t change and may even help him cope.
JJ seemed to cope a lot better than I did – I was on an adrenaline high for a week getting over the shock then completely went to pieces. But nearly 2 months on all is settling down.
He is more affectionate than he was before. Yes he still sleeps under the covers with me though he needs a step up to the bed. He can’t jump on to my lap but digs his front claws in my leg and hauls himself up with a bit of lift under his rear end from me.
He still beats up his huge squeaky toy duck by kicking it furiously with one back leg. He is like Jake the Peg when walking but runs like a greyhound when I call him in from the garden. He tries to scratch his ear with his missing leg but if I say ‘Scratch’ he runs to me for a good scratching session.
If you can bear it, have a look on Youtube at some pics of amputee cats immediately post surgery – I did and it helped prepare me when I saw JJ after the op – having got that out of the way, I didn’t bother looking at the scar, I could just concentrate on being leapt on by a very talkative wobbly cat who was so pleased to see his mum!
Let us know how you get on.
Hello everyone, hope everything is okay?
Pipkin has been doing amazingly well. its been 5 weeks since his amputation, his fur is growing back gradually. (He is more black than grey now!!!) He is going out although he is a lot more nervous than what he used to be. ( maybe something to do with how he got injured? i dont no) He is actually still managing to claw his way up our tall fence posts in the garden and stalking our guinea pigs ( i think its the other way round sometimes!) i just want to say a big thank you to everyone on here for all the comments and support. it was hard at first but does and has got easier.
Hi Pipkin’s owner
Ah yes but what does he do when he gets to the top of the fence posts? What a brilliant recovery! The vision of the guinea pigs stalking him made me laugh – they can be quite ferocious in their enthusiasm at times can’t they?
JJ is putting on quite a bit of weight with having his former roaming restricted to a brief potter round the garden. The vet warned me that extra weight could put a strain on the remaining hind leg and lead to arthritis so I have put him (and the other two) o a restricted diet now he’s recovered and stopped squawking for food and TLC all the time.
Thanks for the advice, the pictures and videos really did help prepare me for seeing Dougal.
Well he’s had his first day at home. As soon as we took him out of his rather large carrier he was off, spaced out from the drugs, falling over, going round in circles, generally very confused. He then rested on his bed, prepared especially for him, but not for long, he wanted up in his usual space at the foot of our bed. That done he purred himself to sleep under our loving strokes.
When he awoke food was the order of the day, favorite on hand. He didn’t manage standing to eat so was served lying, on his now dining bed. Then negotiating the litter tray, a very messy affair, but finally after much manovering…job done.
His eyes returned to their normal size by late afternoon, and he took some interest in his wound, but no stitch pulling thank goodness.
I’ve had loads of kisses and cuddles, he’s used the wall to get round room, and I can see how with a little practice he’ll get used to 3 legs, like learning to ride a bike for us, finding a new centre of balance and sense of equilibrium.
The vet wants him back on Friday, results as well. We’re keeping everything crossed that he is now clear completely.
I’ll update with his progress, although I must say I had no idea how much care he would need during this time, seems like our love for them is a huge part of their healing…am I wrong?
Hi everyone, hope all is fairing well in the feline world.
Just to say Dougal has had the all clear from the vet, so the removal of his leg will have saved his life.
Dougal is 13 and pretty stuck in his ways, he really does not want to do things differently. He will eat happily as long as it served to him in bed! He has always disliked heights, so carrying him is not an option in his books, and yes he has always been lazy to the extreme so now he hops to the loo and that’s about it. This is worse than when my husband had flu!
Down for Dougal is a doddle, it was his hind leg that was amputated, but up is hard. He used the wall on the two occasions he came up stairs on his own, and somehow he got up on the bed when I wasn’t around….that remains a mystery.
He gets the shakes every now and then, has any other feline friends had this? Plus he seems a little down today, have others experienced this as well? You know, no interest in toys or fuss, when he was better in himself yesterday. Perhaps post op. blues?
I take hope and possitivity from Pipkins owner saying that it does and has got easier, nice to have that to focus on.
Hi everyone. JJ is two months after amputation and I just wanted to check if others have been having the same issues.
I took JJ to the vet today as the inside of his ears are filthy and I suspected earmites. No earmites, just dirty and I have been given some Cleanaural ear cleanser solution to clean them out The vet said that as he is unable to scratch due to missing right leg he cannot dislodge earwax as in the past.
JJ was also weighed – he is just a few grammes short of his pre operation weight which is bad news and I have to cut down on his food intake. He was weighed just after his amputation and I was advised of his future optimum weight. Problems can arise with arthritis and obesity due to excess weight strain being put on remaining back leg and also he is not as active as he was so he isn’t burning off the calories.
So all those little extra treats I gave him for being such a brave little soldier will have to stop! Already he is in a sulk about it and trying to make me feel guilty…..
Poor JJ, diets are bad news and those kitty treats must be so addictive, great way to get the antibiotics down though!
Dougal was back at the vet, she said a good massage under the ear, of the one he can’t reach, and an occasional wipe with damp cottonwool should help keep it clean.
So Dougal now has a bucket on his head. He started on the stitches last night so when unsupervised…on goes the buster collar.
He has also had a reaction to the painkiller, which I have now stopped. The vet said it is quite common around 5 days post op. He was sick, shaking, and odd looking stools. He is now on special food, given by the vet, chicken and rice for sensitivity. She asked if I wanted to cook it myself??? Luckily he loves it. He is restricted to 1 sachet a day regarding his weight.
His stitches are out Friday, but sadly the lump on his remaining hind leg has to be removed, ( not something I was aware of prior to the amputation.) This means another operation in a few days, but they don’t want to leave it in case it too turns nasty.
Are there any ways we can encourage our tripods to be a bit more active as Dougal, like JJ won’t burn of any extra calories with his new, and resticted lifestyle.
Hi Julia. Your post of 11th Sept was quite prophetic mentioning Dougal’s down in the dumps and shakes – it must have been the painkillers – well spotted. Poor old Dougal with his buster collar….he will feel better once the stitches are out, but then he will have his next lot – hope it all goes ok.
(Goodness, I’ve just had a look – there were so many pills and potions JJ had to have his own medicine chest. He also has asthma so he’s on an aerokat with ventolin and flixotide/flovent inhalers which cost me around £80 a month plus the bricanyl syrup and prednisolone tablets for emergencies. It used to be ‘I’ve got to get home to relieve the babysitter’ but now it’s I’ve got to get home to give the cat his medication’!)
Thankfully he is now off the antibiotics.
Food – I’ve put JJ on James Wellbeloved Senior Light dried food but as my other two cats are 9 and 10 they can all go on a diet as they too have decided to be couch potatoes. It’s good for the kidneys also as that’ll probably be the next thing the boys get problems with. Thank goodness for pet insurance.
They have Royal Canin chicken and rice sensitivity sachets too since they all had pancreatitis last year. I’m going to investigate if RC do a wet food for inactive kitties who cannot afford to get tubby. Hope I don’t get thrown off the forum for advertising!
I’ve tried putting dried food in those toys that cats are supposed to play with to get the food out of – ha ha. JJ just looks at me stupid.
I suppose I could put him at the end of the garden then yell ‘supper’ a few times every week to encourage him to walk about a bit. From being a cat who wandered the whole neighbourhood it’s all he can do to roll on his back and tap at a bit of ribbon…
Thank you so much for this bit of insight. Our 3 year old male cat, Marlowe, just had his rear right leg removed. He was hit by a car. He will be coming home from the vet hospital tomorrow. I have been trolling the net for advice. This piece has cheered me a bit.
Hi Jocasta
First the disbelief, grief and shock, then the recovery period and finally the black humour……..what helped me most was the fact that everyone’s cat generally got over their amputation in their own way – us humans seem to take longer to recover LOL!
Hope Marlowe makes a good recovery. If you haven’t already found it try the Life with a three legged cat blog. Scroll up to the pic of the black cat and click on find out more, there you will find “Life’ and other sections.
Thanks. I will check it out. I am so glad that I have found this little group. I know it will go a long way with helping Marlowe and his friends.
To give a little background on Marlowe’s family. We found him a little short of about a year in our garden with horrible earmites. He is an amazing sweet loving cat, especially for being a stray. Even with everything he has gone through (3 surgeries, the surgeon did his best to save the leg) the vet assistances are so amaze at how sweet he is. Our other two cats Cubie (short for Hecuba) and Jo (short for Jocasta, hence my screen name) are 16 yrs old and sisters. They are pretty cranky and aren’t too fond of the young male intruder. I’m sure we are going to have some family adjustment once he gets home. Marlowe is a very adapt bird and mouse/rat hunter. I’m hoping that the bird hunting will be curbed. We also hope his wandering days are over and plan to try to keep him in the garden. It is enclosed with 5 to 7 foot fences though the front gate is wrought iron with about a foot span between posts. We plan on trying to put something along there to block that pathway. The old girls and Marlowe live with my husband, 4 yr old son and me. We have been talking with our 4 yr old about how extra special care will be needed for Marlowe now. I see this as a good growing experience for him. And yes, when he gets older he can talk about having a three legged cat.
Hi All,
Just a quick update on good old Tequila. It’s now been 3 months since the amputation and despite her 17+ years, she is doing amazingly well; the scar is completely healed and the fur grown back completely. Unfortunately old age seems to be slowly catching up with her, the eyesight is going and so does the hearing (although I am still not convinced that it is not SELECTIVE hearing in her case). These days she leaves the running around to the younger ones and snoozes all day long on her beloved garden bench.
All and all she is her grumpy-PrimaDonna self and demands that we drop everything to give her a scratch. If us minions fail, she reverts back to her howling. Also, she still refuses to use cat loo if she is inside and so it’s Poo pads (nappy pads to you and me…) all the way.
Basically it’s like living with your old grumpy auntie but of course, I wouldn’t have it any other way ;o)
She has been put on 3ml METACAM painkiller daily and I am back at the vets tomorrow afternoon for a check-up. She has also got a very fast heart rate (probably due to Hyperthyroid) and a Vet friend of mine has recommended FELIMAZOLE.
My question to you all now: are your cats still on METACAM? Has anybody else got experience with FELIMAZOLE?
X Manuela & Tequila aka TRIPOD
My three-legged cat took felimazole for thyroid problems, as did his four-legged brother. George (the four-legged one) took both felimazole and metacam for 4+ years and lived a full and active life as a result. Old age finally caught up with him a few months ago, but he was 18.
Getting the right dose of felimazole is tricky at first. The metacam caused no problems at all. My vet told me that if there were going to be any problems from that it was likely to be sickness & we’d see it straight away, so if your cat is OK after a few days, they should be fine with it.
Hi Lois,
Thanks for the advice. Just got back from the Vet with Tequila. Her heart rate was 204! so they’ve opted to put her on VIDALTA for 30 days, apparently it’s better re- dosage plus another bottle of Metacam, mainly for the arthritis. The vet pointed out that she didn’t want her heart rate to come down too much as a lower blood pressure might have a negative impact on flushing her kidneys and lead to Renal failure. Mhhhh.
I will try and smuggle the first pill in with some minced meat tonight and hope for the best.
Hi Manuela
Good to read your update on Tequila
Felimazole – is it for thyroid problems? No experience sorry. A friend’s cat was on it and seemed to do ok.
Metacam – JJ was on metacam syrup for a while but I tapered it off (painkiller)
Occasionally he appears to experience discomfort in the stump around his hip. I think it is like a sharp stabbing pain as he jumps upright if he has been lying down and starts licking the area. Thought it was fleas at first LOL! He seems ok if I give him a stroke though but he does look accusingly at me as though it is my fault.
The colder weather in the UK has arrived and JJ does seem a bit stiff in the mornings but it hasn’t stopped him going out. I am watching out for arthritic pain- he is 9 but as an oriental his lifespan won’t be as long as other breeds. He looks older and more grizzled too, spends a lot of time either sleeping or sitting in his favourite spot on the garden bench looking wistfully at the high garden wall….
Dear All
It’s been a few months (I have been busy having a baby girl!!) since I posted about our lovely 3 legged boy Brie so thought I would send a quick update. Brie is over 6 months post op now and I can honestly say that the missing limb barely impacts upon his life. He and his brother run around just as fast and he jumps over our 6 foot fence to go and visit the neighbours numerous times a day.
Every now and then I watch his hip wiggle as he tries to itch a scratch at which point I step in and give his ear a good rub but he has obviously found other means when we are not there.
Everyone is amazed at how well our little one does and mummy and daddy are hugely proud of him. He has even adapted well to having a new baby in the house (although they both seem a little stroppy at times that they get far less attention). I know we were lucky as he is only 3 and it was a rear leg but regardless I hope that our story helps show that amputation really isn’t the end of the world.
This website gave me huge strength when we were trying to decide the way forward and I hope that others find it the same.
Kate
Thanks for this insight. I get to pick up Marlowe today from the vet hospital to begin his new life as a three legged cat. Marlowe too is 3 years and lost a rear leg. I have to say I’m hoping my guy isn’t still able to jump so high. I really don’t want him wandering outside our garden anymore.
Congrats on the new baby. It is all wonderful. It gets better everyday. Enjoy that precious new person.
Hi Lois, Anne & All,
I just read through some of the old post from Kate & Brie, Anne & JJ etc. and is so brilliant to see how we were all so very anxious at first and thought life stopped for our beloved furballs but thanks to this amazing website, we all found strength and encouragement and got through it. And then all the success stories.Lois, can I just say you have done a most wonderful job! Big, big THANK YOU :o)
Also thank you all for your advise on Metacam and Felimazole, which is for Tequila’s Thyroid/ Heart Problem (her heart is going at 100mph, even when she rests). This is the main reason why the vet didn’t actually want to operate on her but I am glad I insisted to give her a chance. Tequila eats for 2 and even without exercise she is so very, very thin. I hope this will fix it and we get the dose right soon. I will also ask about weaning her off the Metacam; it’s so very difficult to tell when they are in pain or just sitting/ lying in an uncomfortable position.
Not sure whether it is old age or balancing out the missing leg but Tequila’s front legs are very O-shaped now and when she sits, she looks like a little Ballerina with her front paws and he shoulders are in a weird angle. Also, because she doesn’t run around like she used to, I now need her claws clipped regularly.
Thanks again for all your success stories, they truly cheered me up. I will also recommend this website to the vet this afternoon; it truly is a life line for all cat owners out there.
X Manuela & Tequila
Hi Manuela
How are things with Tequila?
Good Morning Anne & JJ,
Tequila is doing fine considering all that she has been through lately. The Vet has put her on 15mg Vidalta tablets daily (her heat rate was around 185); she completely went off her food for a few days but is back to normal appetite (not as ferocious as before). Her heart rate doesn’t seem to have gone down and I will have to go back to the next week for check-up. I haven’t found any more lumps so hopefully the dreaded cancer has slowed down. I am glad that we went ahead with the amputation though as this has given her at least another 3 months and she has turned into a real climber, nothing is out of her reach if she sets her mind to it.
Tequila does sleep a lot and when she is awake, she howls (sorry, only way to describe that voice) when she wants to be let out to her bench/ given food/ have her ear scratched etc. I also found her very restless but that is probably her thyroid. As she is part Siamese, she is also very thin and bony and needs something very soft to be comfortable.
All in all I think my girl is just getting very old and tired with it all and I dread the day when she won’t wake up (although that is still better than having to make the decision). But thank you again for asking :o)
PS. How is JJ though?
X Manuela & Tequila
JJ is battling his way through the catflap as I write. It is 10pm, pouring with rain and freezing cold here in the North of England. As if the loss of a leg would stop him….!
Pleased to hear Tequila is coping reasonably ok with old age and all the accompanying physical problems.
Anne
My lovely little tabby girl Tess had her right hind leg amputated last Wednesday and before it happened I knew it was a possibility. With this in mind and so I could prepare myself, I searched online and came across these pages I have read all the stories and comments and it has helped enormously.
Tess was hit by a car 4 weeks ago and sustained a degloving injury to her right rear leg and deep lacerations to the other leg and groin. On top of this she was concussed and very shocked (unsurprisingly). The vet did a great job of stitching her up and for a while it looked like her leg injuries would heal but that it would take a long time.. Unfortunately, he eventually concluded that the paw was unlikely to heal properly and that the leg would need to be removed. Like everyone else I was really shocked and upset about it and think that I would have been a lot worse had I not had the benefit of all your comments about the adaptability of cats following the loss of a leg. So far Tess is doing well although, 5 days on, she is keeping herself to herself -maybe post op blues- but I feel confident that she will adapt and go on to live a full and active life. It doesn’t have to be a calamity after all 🙂
Hi All,
Just thought I let you know that sadly my little old Tequila passed away this morning :o(.
She had her last burst of energy on Sunday when she actually managed to catch AND eat a small mouse while she was outside in the garden – god know how she managed that from the comfort of her little bean bag. She then spent the last couple of days sleeping & purring next to me on my desk at home. It was only when I saw her this morning that I knew THE DREADED DAY had finally arrived. She went downhill so fast and it wasn’t very pleasant but at least it was fast and she died in my arm before I had the chance to call the vet. So in the end it had nothing to do with her just having 3 legs, I think it was simply her little heart giving in and her kidneys failing. I’d like to think she is now up there at the famous Rainbow Bridge with my other 4 cats, bouncing around with all of her 4 healthy legs and enjoying being young and without aches or pains.
A big, big Thank you to all of you for all your kind words & support during her “Tripod” days – we couldn’t have coped with out it.
X Manuela & Little Tequila *now in spirit*
Manuella and Tequila,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Tequila sounds like she was such a character and you will never forget her.
I didn’t get the chance to speak to you on the forum but when my own cat was facing amputation of her leg I read all the comments on these pages and felt a kind of bond with all who posted and in particular you and Tequila who I believe were dear to my heart because I have fond memories of two beautiful moggies who I was priveliged to know from kittenhood into old age. Both died at home at aged 17 and 18 respectively and whilst it was totally devastating to lose my old friends, I was so glad to have shared their lives and been present at their deaths. It’s so hard to let them go but the love and joy they bring us whilst they are with us makes up for the tears we shed when we have to say goodbye 🙂
They sure leave paw prints on our hearts don’t they?
Thank you for sharing Tequila’s story
Sharon
Dear Manuela
I was so sorry to hear of your loss of Tequila. I bet she’s chasing that last dratted mouse around up there somewhere……
It has been a pleasure knowing you and hearing about Tequila’s struggles which kept me going through my own bleak times with JJ.
Pop in now and again and say hello?
God bless
Anne x
I’m so sorry to hear that Manuela, that’s really sad news. I know you’ll miss Tequila, thanks for sharing all your stories with us – and I really hope you do pop in to say hello from time to time!
Lois x
I am new to this site, but was searching for some encouraging words as my kitty Fitchy is going in for front leg amputation tomorrow morning. I am so scared. He is such a lovey boy and I just pray that this doesn’t bring him down for long. I also worry because we have five other cats and a dog and I hope he doesn’t segregate himself for too long (although I know some hiding is to be expected).
Fitchy was diagnosed with osteosarcoma on his right scapula. He had the tumor removed two weeks ago. After they biopsied it we got the bad news. The cytology report stated the tumor was removed completely but narrowly and with the aggressive nature of the cancer, we are opting to have his limb removed to ensure it will not spread. X-rays and ultrasound confirm the organs are fine at this time. I am happy to hear these stories of others who care about their pets as much as I do. He is my baby and I am scared to death. However, I am hoping that it is a matter of me finding it more difficult to cope than he.
The photos shared helped me to visualize what he may look like afterward. So, thanks everyone! Keep the encouraging words coming:) I don’t know if I will sleep until he is resting back here at home.
Hi Leah
Hope all goes well with the operation and that you find all our stories will give you support and useful hints on how to get through the next few weeks. I found a cat/dog crate useful for segregating JJ from the other cats so he could recover without being pestered or sat on. The ‘Life with a TLC’ section is also helpful. Take care
Anne
Hi Leah & Fitchy,
We keep our fingers & paws crossed for you guys and hope everything goes well. You certainly are in the best hands on this website.
As you might have read from all our very own stories, it is a very scary experience and can be very overwhelming at first but on a good note, it seems to be more of a problem for us two legged owners than our beloved fur balls. They really can cope really well with just 3 legs and usually adjust so quickly that once the scars have healed, you sometimes really can’t tell. Looking back at my own experience, I was so worried about Tequila, I just wanted to wrap her in cottons balls afterwards. I know she really enjoyed the extra attention and little extra treats but was probably wondering what all the fuss is about.
Anyway, please let us know how you 2 are getting on.
x Manuela & Angel Tequila
Hi everyone! I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your support. I am very nervous. My husband has just left for the vet to pick him up. I cannot wait to see him and I hope you are all right that it is harder for us humans than our precious kitties. I will keep you posted on his condition in the coming days and weeks. I am sure I will need advice along the way. So thanks again for thinking of us:)