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.
Hi all,
What beautiful, inspiring stories. I just adopted a tripod kitty (Tony) 2 days ago. He is 10/11 months old and had one of his back legs removed about a month ago. He is adjusting his mobility very well and can move fast when he wants to.
Since bringing him home he has remained mostly behind the couch and it is worring me. He will come out a little to get rubbed & scratched but then disappears back behind it. He is eating well and when we go off to bed he sneaks out to the litter tray. I just want him to be happy here.
Any tips on how to help him feel safe here?
Thanks all xx
Give Tony some time to adjust, 2 days isn’t very long and since you can’t tell him he’s safe in a language he understands, you’ll just have to let him adjust and come to that conclusion on his own. I have a cat that is very scared, of everything. After her surgery, 6 months ago, she would not come out of the closet, I had to physically take her out to be with me for a few minutes & then put her back in her safe place. Now, she’s out and about all the time, usually sleeps on the bed but you never know where you’ll find her. Apparently Tony feels safe behind the couch. Just give him some time. He’s still adjusting to being a tripod and now he has the stress of new surroundings. He’ll be fine, just love him, talk to him and be patient. He’ll come around, you’ll see. Bless you for adopting him, I’m sure that he’s a lucky boy for having you.
Hugs from Sonja & Tre’pod
Hello, just got back from the vets 2nite after getting my cats x ray results. He injured his back, right leg last week (we don’t know how)Apparently he has a badly torn ligament which they could try to repair and pin in place but the vet say’s that the op isn’t forced to work and the leg could go again immediately or six months down the line! He has advised that the leg be amputated and my darling Oscar is due to have his op tomorrow morning. I am reeling and haven’t stopped crying for the last three hours. I am tormented if we have made the right decision and am terrified how he will cope with only three legs. Have we taken the easy option? I feel so guilty and am scared to death that he will suffer further and from a selfish point of view, how i will feel seeing him with only three legs. I want to curl up and hide but it isn’t going to go away. Questions are flooding my mind, what if this, that or the other happens?. I can’t believe this is really happening and am beside myself. Obviously i would rather have him with three legs than not have him at all but i am so scared for him. He is such a happy, loving cat and i am scared this will change him and that he will hate me. How will he cope? If he can’t, i can hardly stick his leg back on. What if he hurts himself? i would never forgive myself. I just cannot get my head round it all.
I hear every word and thought that I had in the words here. I felt so guilty for doing this to my poor baby but I couldn’t face the alternative because my baby had cancer and if I didn’t do it, I would lose her. I was sure that she’d never be the same or that she’d hate me forever or that I was doing this because I was selfish. First, please take a deep breath and try to relax. I cried for 2 weeks before & two weeks after. My emotions affected my cat, they feel what you feel, they are like little extentions of us so you really need to be as positive as possible when you are around your baby. If you are scared, then he’ll be scared. I had to learn this the hard way, when my attitude changed so did Tre’s. Second, your baby will do fine, read the stories here and take courage from them because they are true. My Tre’ is so happy and so herself, actually better because we give her double the attention because she’s “handicapped” but no one has told her she is so she just thinks that she’s even more special and that’s why we’re giving her the extra attention. It took her 6 months to come back to what I would call completely normal but some recover much quicker. Your Oscar may be in pain and to be honest when the constant pain is gone he may just be so relieved that his recovery time will amaze you. Make life as easy as possible for him. My Tre’ had a front leg removed which makes it harder for her to get down but we’ve put steps around to make it easier for her. Oscar may have a harder time getting up on things and if you have to put steps around for him, do it, but you never know, he may seem like his old self and not need the help. Dry your eyes, realize that this is probably best, you’ll still be upset when he wobbles or loses his balance but you’ll just have to let him be sometimes and learn. Tre’ is amazing and that is not a big enough word for her. Oscar will also be amazing and then you will be the mom of a truly amazing and wonderful animal. He will still love you and you’ll love him even more. Please keep us posted on his progress. Great big hug from Sonja & Tre’
I was just as scared as you were. I cried the night before the surgery and prayed. My Frida just got her right leg amputated on Monday, Oct 3rd, 2011 at the Humane Society. Frida is a adjusting nicely but struggling with balancing on her left leg. I cried when I picked her up because we tried everything to prevent Frida from biting into her leg. The entire leg is removed. I adopted Frida with a big infection on her leg that the shelter was not managing well. For the last 2 years, I have been taking care of it(Accupuncture, Holistic Meds, Steroids, Anxiety Medicine, and etc.).
She is currently lying in my living room floor (on a towel) sleeping. She follows me into every room (hopping) and still insists to sleep on my bed. It’s not an easy decision to make and I felt was I being selfish but truthfully, my cat was suffering with adhesions on her right leg. It is truly amazing how much she is allowing me to pamper her. She normally allows me to caress her (w/a couple of strokes) and walks away. She is actually demanding my attention and I give it to her with a smile and Love.
You found the perfect site to share. Other more experienced parents, will add on to this link. Good luck with your decision. I actually did some research on cats and dogs adapting without limbs. They are not like us humans. We go through a psychological change. Animals, just figure it out. They are so instinctual!
You are so right Belinda, we humans go through a grieveing process when we lose a part of our body, like losing a family member. I didn’t understand that until I went through this with my Tre’ (now knows as Tre’pod). My girl is a very fearful cat but the surgery has actually make her a little more social. She loves being oooh’d and aaaah’d over, she just sucks it up like a sponge. I hope that Frida is doing well and will probably amaze you as the pain of the sores will be gone. Sounds to me like she’s a lucky girl to have you and anyone that is blessed with a tripod is lucky to have them because they teach us so much about just rolling with the flow. Hugs from Sonja & Tre’pod.
Hi.
I just thought I’d share my experience with you guys. We adopted a little 3 legged fella about 4 weeks ago who had been abandoned by a busy road and was paralysed when found by the rescue centre. The vets unfortunately had no choice other than to remove his front left leg. He is only around 8/9 months old and honestly, even though we got him only about 10 days after his operation he has been hopping around all over, and doesn’t let his ‘handicap’ get in his way at all. We have 2 other (4legged) cats, who he chases around, plays and fights with without any bother. A neighbour spotted him at the other end of the road a couple of days ago and was amazed by the speed he can get up to! He loves exploring, and if he can’t get up on his first go, he tries again! He seems to be very resilient despite his quite traumatic start! We have been able to see an improvement in his mobility every day and his remaining front leg seems to be getting stronger the more he uses it. He also falls down less now that he’s learned how to be a tripod!
I just wanted to let you guys who have to go through the awful decision making know that cats are strong, and they can get through most things! Give them time and love, and don’t beat yourself up – you will have made the right decision to not keep your cat in pain or discomfort!
Wishing you and your little furries all the best,
George (& 3 legged Ron)
Hi to Sonja, Belinda, and George. Thank you all for taking the trouble to reply to me via the website. It is a great comfort at this horrendous time. I have just read what you have had to say with tears streaming down my face. I thought I was all cried out but there are still more to come. Oscar had his op this morning and we are told that the op well and he is recovering from the anaesthetic. The nurse said to ring again tonight before the phones close at the vets and then again in the morning to check he is on track to come home which, if all is well, will be tomorrow afternoon. I can’t wait to see him but I am also scared how I will react to seeing him minus his leg but you have all been there too. I haven’t slept or eaten properly but my mum says that I need to be strong for Oscars sake. I understand what you mean when you say that cats pick up on your feelings as I know how intuative they are, but I just cannot rid my self of the guilt that I feel. Oscar has been a week hobbling round on three legs as the injured one wouldn’t hold his weight and he was still determined to try and jump and chase our other cat around at break neck speed (even up and down the stairs), so my husband says that he had already adapted to life on three legs. I just hope that he is right. Glad that you set up this site Sonja. Good luck to your little one Belinda and I hope she recovers well and the same to George and your baby too. I will pray for you all along with Oscar. Love and best wishes from Elaine.
Elaine, i found this site when my cat was severely injured, facing loss of leg. It was such a comfort to me. he didnt have to have his leg amputated but hes a peg leg that gets along just fine. When he jumps from counter to table to counter sometimes he cant stop himself and goes over the side, but it doesnt slow him down one bit and hes happy in spite of his handicap. But I wanted to share what my vet said after my dog had spinal surgery which left her incontinent ( three years now…ugh) but I was feeling sorry for her one night and emailed my vet, and I said ” I’m not sure why we did this to her.” and he responded back and thats what I wanted to share with you, he said ” we didnt do this to her, we did this FOR her”….and you did this FOR your cat, he will adjust and be pain free. Will say a prayer for a quick adjustment for all of you.
Hi Elaine,
What Beth said is so right, we didn’t do it to them, it just happened, what we do, we do for them. You will be fine, the shock that we go through when we see them can be painful but remember that wounds heal, and that when they do they leave a scar but if there was no scar, we would probably not have our furr baby at all. I cried so many tears over this, I thought I’d never stop crying, but Tre’ makes me smile every day now. Yesterday, we were playing on the bed and something scared her and she ended up on the floor. She realized she didn’t need to be scared, ran around the bed, came up the steps and did a face plant instead of sliding under the blanket as she had planned. It was so funny! She is happier than she was before, she is well adjusted, she is fiesty, she gets around just fine, something I never thought would happen again. She is still the best mouse catcher in the house (we have 4 cats), she still races around the house like her butt is on fire, she still loves to be outside, she is an amazing furr child. Your Oscar was in pain for a week, enough to want the pain to be gone. And while there is pain associated with the surgery, it will go away fairly quickly. Just give him time and room to adapt and before you know it he will be racing around the house again like his butts on fire. It will be okay, I promise, cross my heart. Listen to your husband, he’s right, take comfort in that and just believe that you all will get through this and every thing will be wonderful. Hugs from Sonja & Tre’pod
hi to everyone who took the time to reply to my moaning and thank you all so very much for your words of comfort at this horrible time. I just thought that i’d let you all know how Oscar is doing. We collected him from the vets at 3.50pm this afternoon. I had extremely mixed feelings as although I wanted him home with us, I was terrified of seeing him for the first time after his op and I didn’t know how I would react. The vet for warned us as to what to expect on seeing him and I waited with my heart pounding. I don’t know if elation is quite the right word under the circumstances but I was astounded at how he looked. He was laid in his pet carrier looking for all the world as if nothing had happened and on seeing us he rubbed his head on the door and purred loudly. He is now laid on the living room floor, totally chilled out (except for the collar being on, which he isn’t too keen on). He has explored the hall and kitchen and seems incredibly balanced whilst doing so. I cannot believe it at all. I know we still have a long way to go and I don’t want to ‘count my chickens’, as they say, but this is more than I could have hoped for. I just can’t believe how brave he is and he still seems so happy. The vet said that they examined the knee after they had amputated the leg and it didn’t look good at all, so we had done the right thing. I only hope that Oscar continues to recover well and I am beginning to relax a little now. Thank you all once again and I will keep you posted. Love from Elaine and Oscar (My little soldier)xxx
Congrats to Elaine and Oscar!!!! I’m happy for your soldier!!!
When I picked up Frida at the hospital on Tuesday no one forewarned me on her appearance. Terrific Vet you have! They did call me to inform me that Frida has not eaten after the surgery and that when I come by to pick her up maybe she will take eat for me. Frida reacted the say way Oscar did. She got excited and wanted to stand up when she saw me and started purring. I was the one in excruating pain while I watching her trying to get up for the first time. I was very happy at the same time for efforts but sad about what I did. My mood changed quickly when she ate the food from my hands, which meant I can take her home.
Elaine, you are being a Mom and I understand your feelings. I am so grateful that this site was created! What a genius!! I don’t feel alone here. Everyone can identify with you and we are fortunate to have this site so we can share our stories. It’s an awesome Support Group!
I’m a worrid mom as well and rightfully so!!!!!! I visited the Vet Thursday because I was concerned with the fact that Frida has not defecated since the surgery (Oct 3rd). I told them it was 3 days already and I’m wondering if she is okay or did the surgery mess up her internal plumbping. They checked her and said she was fine. They told me to keep her on wet food for now because I was switching to moist in the morning and dry at night. I was ecstactic the next day because Frida defecated at 6:30 a.m. on this morning (Friday). It doesn’t stop there because I decided to go back to the Vet that morning (today). When they saw me, they said with a smile on their faces “What is it this time.” Lol! I told them her sutures are a little loose because Frida is using her e-coller to satisfy an itch. It wasn’t an issue for them so they just added some glue to those loose stitches. Frida stitches will dissolve within 7-14 days. It is Frida’s 5th day of recovering and she is curretly in the linen closet climbing on to one of the shelves. It’s her favorite spot. I just checked her and she fell asleep in the linen closet. Puuurrrr!
Awesome news Elaine! And I salute you Oscar (soldier)!
To all the new tripods and their carers – I am so pleased you are using this site and wish you all well with your special cats. It was a godsend to me last July 2010 when JJ my oriental lilac, now aged ten, had his hind leg amputated after three weeks in plaster with a severed tendon that didn’t knit back together causing the leg to die. I was absolutely devastated, more so than JJ who took it (literally) in his stride. The first few weeks were the worst waiting for the collar to come off, the stitches to heal, the balancing act in the litter tray, the undignified scrabbling up on to the bed via a footstool, the fur growing back.
He has been an absolute star, he runs faster than my other two cats, still the boss – but a much calmer cat who no longer goes wandering.
Still as beautiful as ever and I love him to bits.
Hi Belinda and Anne. Boy, what an emotional rollercoaster this is turning out to be.I am exhausted from it all over the last few days, as I guess you both were. Oscar is finally asleep in his bed and I am going to try to get some sleep on the settee beside him. Since coming home he has been making regular bursts into the kitchen for food. I’m sure he is pulling a fast one already, as, as soon as I roll the collar back so that he can eat, he has a go at the dressing, trying to pull it off with his teeth! Not daft, are they? He seems to have been a bit hyper at first, probably the drugs, but has tired himself (and me),out now. I will bid you goodnight and hope that Frida is still continuing to do well. Take care. Elaine and Oscar x
YAY for Frida & Oscar! I’m smiling while I read this because having been through this, I remember the relief when I finally got my Tre’ home. I slept on the floor with her the first night (my body is way to old to do that anymore) then I spent a week on the air mattress with her and then I had to quit being so protective. At this moment she is laying on the patio in the sun just watching nature. I’m so happy that your babies are doing well. It will be a long road back to “normal” and it may be a new normal but they will get there and be the same loving, sweet babies they were before surgery. My Tre’ is more affectionate than she was and she seems to be a little more relaxed than before. They teach us not to be so worried, so up tight, to take things for what they are and to just go with the flow. Love & hugs to you all from Sonja & Tre’pod.
hi everyone, just thought I’d give you all an update on Oscar’s progress. Touch wood he seems to be doing well. He can manage the stairs in both directions and also get on and off the bed. He goes to the conservatory door and meows to go out, not understanding why he can’t! He is also eating well. This is where I am waiting for the big kick in the teeth, I just dare not relax. The vet said to change his dressings regularly and if he would let us, to bathe his wound with dilute salt water. My parents came over this afternoon and my mum helped me with this. Although we were ever so gentle he still cried bless him. Three dressings later and a dose of his painkiller, he settled. He is due at the vets for a check up tomorrow. When he is wandering round, I worry he is doing too much, too soon. When he sleeps, which he has most of today, I still worry. Just when I think I am getting my head round it all I break down again. This is why I find this site such a comfort, people who have shared the same experience and emotions. Thank you all for helping me through this. I hope Frida is continuing to do well also. Love and purrs. Elaine and Oscar xxx
Hi Elaine, Glad to know that I’m not the only worrier in the group. Tre’ is 6 months post surgery & I still worry everyday, not as much as when it happened, but what kind of a furr baby mamas would we be if we didn’t worry. I don’t think that he’ll over due if you keep him inside. They are very smart and know their limits most of the time. If he is wanting out he must be feeling fairly well. So happy that he is getting around & okay with the steps. Let him wander and explore, try to keep his life as normal as possible so he doesn’t get depressed and he’ll be just fine, as for you, it’s gonna take a little longer but it does get better. Hugs from Sonja & Tre’pod.
Thank you Sonja and Elaine! Frida is doing well. She is still limping …of course!!! But, a lot better (a little faster). She want’s to play with Diego, my 3 yeard old cat but he is not confortable with her condition yet. What empathy!!! 🙂 I’m a little concern with Frida mainly because she defecated the 2nd time this week. This morning (Sunday). I noticed some blood. I believe it may have something to do with the pain killers. I believe she may be constipated. She normally goes everyday but due to the surgery and pain killers, it has changed. The pain killers are finished. I’m so happy! I’m going to call the vet and let them know about the blood. Most likely, I may have to show up at the vet on Monday. She seems to be active but I don’t want to take any chances of any internal bleeding. Oh God, I’m getting nervous just writing this down! Okay Belinda, Stay Positive!!!!
Elaine, The soldier sounds like he recuperating nicely. Hey, you have a terrific support system with your family. Awesome!!! I’m doing it alone and I’m stressed. I live on my own. My father wanted me to put her asleep. My mother is allergic to cats. Awesome for you that they are willing to help! I have to admit, I have terrific neighbors. They’ve baby sat Frida in my apartment along with Diego when I have to run errands during this crisis week to get food and some more litter. They normally take care of my babies when I go on vacation. Thank God for them! We have angels helping us all the time.
I have to remember that it is a slow process based on everyone else’s responses. I have to continue reminding myself. I’m working with Patience and please believe me that my Frida is teaching it to me.
I look forward to your up dates. Thank you Elaine!
Frida – Meow…..puuurrrr!!!
Hi Belinda,
The pain relievers do cause constipation. My Tre’ really struggled the first week. She didn’t even want to go in the litter box. I think that she thought it was the box causing pain and was just afraid of it. Give Frida moist food and if you can add some juice of some kind, I used tuna juice, that will help with the constipation and they look at it as a treat. Hang in there, it does get better. My heart goes out to you, doing this all alone, scary enough with someone else to go through it with you but all alone must be terrible. If I was closer, I’d gladly help but thank goodness for your neighbors. Keep us posted on Frida. Hugs from Sonja & Tre’pod.
Hi all
Have loved reading your updates, glad to know your little ones are doing well. I think I was quite lucky getting Ron after he had already had the operation, not having to deal with dressing changes etc, but I understand how hard it must be for you all.
They all sound very resilient like my little Ron, running about and jumping on everything. Their balance and abilities will get much better, it just takes time. Ron has been going outside for the first time this week and he loves it – we struggle to get him back in for dinner!
Keep us posted on how the little soldiers are doing!
Love and purrs x
Me again. Lovely to hear from you all and glad that everyone seems to be doing well. So sorry to hear you are going solo on this Belinda, but we are all here to help you if we can. This site is getting to be like a daily fix! quite addictive isn’t it? Oscar went for his check up this morning. The vet was very pleased with him. The dressing is off but the collar has to stay on constantly and he isn’t a happy bunny!! He has been very grumpy today and I am not his favourite person at the moment. Try as I might I cannot seem to win him round. He lays looking at me through narrowed eyes, yet earlier this evening he climbed onto my husbands knee and settled on him. I think he is getting bored with himself and angry with the collar. I have been quite good today and remained quite determined not to beat myself up about this.(bet it doesn’t last though). I have been cleaning the house like someone with OCD!I hope it was good news at the vets for Frida and the blood was nothing to worry about. Lovely to hear that Ron has been out and about, no wonder he loves it. Sonja, you are the matriarch of the group, been there, done that. Nice to know there is someone out there who is able to guide us all through this. Take care everyone. Thinking of you and your babies.Love Elaine and Oscar xxx
Hi everybody… my poor cat Dexter will undergo surgery tomorrow, his right foreleg must be amputated after a car accident that cut the nerve. He’s been developing wounds and sores for over a month, until I finally convinced myself that the situation is hopeless (as several vets already told me) and that the risk of infection is too high to delay the operation any further. Of course I cried for days… and now I worry that something may go wrong or that the cat will hate me (the vet promises that the trauma, for him, was the loss of sensibility after the accident, while the operation will only mean less useless weight to carry around). Will you have any advice for me for the next few days? Did your cats seems to be angry at you, or felt betrayed? Also, the cat was used to go out, even now I let him go to the garden for a couple of hours every now and then, but now he will need to stay at home for some 10-15 days to avoid any infection risk… this is going to be a huge task since the cat goes crazy (literally) when I keep him inside. Any suggestion? Shall I get him some anti-anxiety product?
Dexter is a young, tough ginger cat and he’s got a very strong personality – I’m sure he will recover fully eventually but I just worry a lot about this first phase. Any suggestion and advice is welcome… I’ll keep you posted… good luck little Dekie!
Hi Valentina, Dexter won’t hate you, I promise, he’ll be so happy to have the chronic pain gone that he will be up and around before you know it. Try to keep his life as normal as possible, short of letting him go outside at least until his stitches are out. Keep a positive attitude around him and he’ll do better because they take on our emotions and if you are sad he will be too. My Tre’ had cancer 6 months ago and we had to have the right front leg removed. Her biggest challenge was to regain her balance. She struggled and didn’t want to move much the first couple of weeks but then started to get the hang of it. She has no problems getting up on things unless they are really high but getting down is a trick so we have made steps out of anything we can find for her to be able to get down. We have a set of built steps on one side of the bed and a couple lugs & a chest on the other side of the bed. But she still jumps up on the furniture in the living room and has learned to go slow getting down. I found that rugs help at first because they slip & slide on wood. We have removed a lot of the rugs now that she has the hang of it, but they do make for a softer landing. We are now 6 months post-op and our Tre’ is better than ever, more spoiled and more affectionate. One other thing, if Dexter is on pain medication it may cause constipation, give him soft food and extra juice if you can. I used tuna juice. Helps with the constipation which can be painful & scary for them. Once the pain meds are gone, things will come back to normal bowel wise. I was so worried about doing this “to” Tre’ but discovered through the wisdom of another tripod mama that we are doing it “for” them. Dexter will be so greatful that the chronic pain is gone that he will be thankful that you did it for him. He’ll be the same loving, happy boy you know and maybe even a little more affectionate. Hang in there, it will be okay. Hugs from Sonja & Tre’
Hi Valentina
Poor Dexter – and poor you! My sympathies.
I was compelled to reply to your email as you were concerned whether Dexter would hate you and whether cats seem angry or betrayed.
My only remorse for the whole business with JJ’s amputation was -WHY didn’t I get it done sooner! He had severed a tendon in his back leg after being attacked by a tom cat. He had had surgery to attempt to stitch it back again and was heavily bandaged with dressings and manuka honey applied by the vet daily. Three weeks later, it was obvious he was in pain and distress – and then I could SMELL that the leg had died before he even had the dressings off. It was a no-brainer.
So I think if JJ felt angry and betrayed it may have been why had I not sorted things out for him sooner instead of unknowingly letting him suffer. He was a totally different cat immediately after the surgery (trying to jump all over me purring loudly 2 hours afterwards when I saw him at the vet’s). And has been absolutely fine ever since although yes the first few weeks of convalescence are a bit scary for us humans – JJ just got on with it. I have repeatedly said on this forum that to him it was getting rid of a nuisance – if it had been me having the amputation I would have needed trauma counselling and a bucket of tranquillisers!! LOL.
Hope all goes well for you and Dexter.
Hi Everyone,
I just found out yesterday that my sweet girl Roxie,8 yrs old cat, has fibrosarcoma on her right hind paw. She had her toe amputated today in hopes of reading her of cancer. If it does return, which it often does, I googled it, I will have to make the decision of amputation of her leg or putting her down. As of today I didn’t think I could live through the guilt of putting her through that procedure and the trauma that would follow in her recovery and the quality of life she would be left with. But after reading everyones messages, I feel a little better about the amputation process and her adapting to a new way of life. I hope I don’t have to make the decision but my feeling have been swade. She is a sweet, gentle and loving cat. She has also been very tolerant for the past 7 1/2 years of my chldren who are triplets and adore her very much. After I leave work tonight I will be picking her up from the vets and bring her home. Thank you, Kim
Hi Kim, Please don’t take the putting her down option. My Tre’ had cancer as well, a cancer that if you don’t get it all, it comes back with a vengence. I really didn’t have any other option besides amputation because of where the cancer was located. So my 12 year had her right front leg amputated 6 months ago. I struggled with the decision because I didn’t know anyone with a tripod cat. This site saved me so much worry and fear. Roxie is only 8, cats & dogs do not morn the loss of a limb like humans. They say “hey somethings missing, well better get on with life”, truly. Tre’ is a very fearful cat, I worried that this would totally destroy her quality of life but it did the opposite. While the first few weeks were hard and she stubled and fell at times, now, 6 months later she is better than ever. She still does everything that she did before surgery and when she runs, you’d never know she’s a tripod. If Roxies is healthy otherwise and you can afford it and you have to make the decision, please do the amputation. Roxie will adapt and adjust so much better than you’d believe right now. I hope that you don’t have to make the decision but if you do, know that amputation is not the end for a cat, they are so resiliant and adaptable and they don’t hold grudges. Good luck, please keep up posted. Hugs from Tre’pod & Sonja
Mine is a message many have heard on this forum from me…if amputation is necessary understand this: you are not doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her… my vets message to me on another animal but very appropriate to these decisions. Love her and help her through it. YOU didnt cause cancer, and she can adapt and probably would love to show you how well she can adapt.
Hi Valentina and Dexter, welcome to the group! It’s getting to be quite a large one! My sympathies are with you for tomorrow. I only went through this a week ago with my cat Oscar. As I have no children, my two cats are my substitute babies and I love them to bits. Making the decision is the first hurdle already out of the way and Dexter will be in good hands at the vets. I won’t pretend that when you see him for the first time it won’t be a shock but I tried to prepare myself for this by going online and searching websites on the subject. That was how I found this site and it has been a real godsend. Other people who have already been through this have had exactly the same thoughts and feelings as you are having right now. I cried each time I read someones reply, but it helped me enormously with questions I had about things. Theory is one thing but you cannot beat talking to someone who has already been through the same thing with their cat. Each cat is individual in how they cope with things but if Dexter is anything like Oscar, you will be amazed at how they cope. They certainly put us humans to shame. As I write this, Oscar is sat at the side of me and if it weren’t for his wound and his collar you wouldn’t know anything was wrong and this is only four days after his operation. I still haven’t got my head round this, but now, each time I want to cry, I remind myself how brave Oscar is and it helps. I promise you that you have done the right thing and I will be thinking of you both tomorrow. My prayers are with you and let us all know how it goes.Take care. Love Elaine and Oscar.xxx.
Hello Kim and rosie. I have just read your message and I would just like to say that if the worst does come to the worst, please don’t have any hesitation in going for the amputation option. As you will probably have seen from my witterings, I have just gone through this with my cat, Oscar. It certainly isn’t easy but I am sure that the cat copes better than we do. As humans we are too emotional. My philosophy is that I would rather have Oscar with three legs, than not at all..Cross the bridge if and when you get to it and in the meantime, as long as Rosie is well and painfree, try not to worry and just enjoy having her. Good luck to you both and keep us posted. Love Elaine and Oscar xxx.
Hi everybody, here’s an update from Dexter after the operation: now I can’t but agree with what my vets told me and what I read on this forum… under some circumstance, the cat is actually THANKFUL for the operation… amazing to say, but regardless of all us humans’ guilt feeling that’s the way animals are… let me explain better since this sad story finally seems to have had a happy ending!
Ok, even the vet congratulated on how strong and tough this ginger cat is – my little lion! 🙂 – 2 hours after the operation he was aleady completely awake and able to sit properly! As soon as we got home he started walking all over, like experimenting his new abilities… he looked very pissed off so I was worried, then I realised it was just because he couldn’t eat for 12 hours! Straight after I fed him, he immediately started purring and playing… and I had the feeling that, instead of living a loss, he looked at me purring and all happy as to say: “how did you manage to make all that pain go away?”. Now of course he will need some time to find the right balance, but already he walks much better than before, he jumps up and down all over and sits with his remaining foreleg perfectly simmetric, right in the center, super elegant as usual! 🙂 Cats are astounding animals indeed!
Now I don’t want to sound extreme, I cried for days like everybody else in this forum when I had to take this decision, and of course it’s a solution to consider only when there are no other options… but at the same time, now I think that had I known that there were no hopes for his leg right after the accident, I would have spared him a month of torture of all kinds (wound, medications, antibiotics, vets…). So I definitely advice everybody to take this decision without drama, if there is no other choice. Thanks everybody for the support from me & lovely Dexter!
Thank you everyone for the words of support. Roxie is doing very well after her toe amputation, happy as can be. Even though she can’t bend her leg because the bandage won’t allow it, she still gets around to where ever she wants. Up the stairs, down the stairs and up onto our bed. I’ll be bring her to the vets Monday morning to have the bandage removed, and we’ll see how things go. I didn’t get a chance to speak to the vet, but one of the vet tech told me they believe the ca had started to go into the next toe, but that he had removed as much as he could. 🙁 I hope I am not forced to make the decision of leg amputation, but I am trying to prepare myself for the possibility. My husband has no idea where my thinking process is with this issue, but he did say it was going to have to be my decision. He knows how much she means to me, and(he)is smart enough not to have an opinion on the matter, nor question the money. I have no ideas the time frame it takes to find out if it has been removed or when it might return. So until next time I post take care.
Thank you, Kim
Hello everyone, my cat Frankie was diagnosed with fibrosarcoma in his left rear foot and we will be amputating his leg on Monday. I have all the feelings and worries that you do/did. Thank you SO much for posting all of your stories and oitcomes. It helps to know I’m not alone.
Sherry
Hi Sherry, It is harder for us humans than it is for the kitties. They just get on with life and figure it out. Sending positive thoughts for you and Frankie and praying that he does well and recovers quickly. My Tre’ also had cancer and 6 1/2 months after surgery she is doing so well, more spoiled than ever. Please keep us posted on your progress. Hugs from Sonja & Tre’pod.
glad to hear that Dexter and Rosie are doing well. It’s not so bad in the end after all, is it. I marvel at how they just seem to get on with it. Oscar is still doing well. The collar is off and he goes to have his stitches out this afternoon. He has been outside a little towards the end of last week and over the weekend but I dare not let him out of my sight. He tries to get into next doors garden and tries to climb the fence but I have stopped him before he gets any further. He doesn’t seem very pleased with me at all! Before he was very much a mummy’s boy and used to climb onto me and snuzzle his head, purring loudly, now he doesn’t seem to want much to do with me at all and has even taken to hissing at me and tapping me with his leg as I walk past. I guess he is letting me know who is boss and he will get over it in time. I hope so. How long was it before you let your cats out unattended? Hi to Sherry and Frankie. I hope that everything goes well for you on monday. I will be thinking of you both.Take care everyone. Love Elaine and Mr Grumps!! xxx
Oscar will get over his “anger” they always do. He’s just letting you know that he’s not completely happy and you are the one that is gonna pay at the moment. Probably more that you aren’t letting him roam like he wants to more than anything else. My Tre’ told me when she wanted to go out but I wouldn’t let her out till after the stitches came out and she isn’t a wanderer. She’s my little home body and I don’t worry that she is going to go to far. I still keep a very close eye on my Tre’ even after 6 1/2 months. But I’m a worrier as my husband would tell you. My worry would be that when he jumps down he might hurt himself depending on the height of the fence. Sounds to me that he is quite a spunky guy and the he isn’t going to be held back by anything. You’ll know when you can leave him unattended, you’ll know when he’s ready. Hang in there. Hugs to you and Oscar from Sonja and Tre’pod
Hello everyone! Frida is finally off her meds and antibiotics. Yippee!!! She had gone to the litter after 5 days (defecation) without any blood in it. When she urinated it wasn’t an issue. She is no longer is constipated. Her stitches are supposed dissolve on their own. Some of them have but not all (14 days passed). I don’t want to remove the e-coller until her hair is finally grown in. I’m afraid that she may obsess with that area where the leg was removed. Prior to the surgery that was the issue. She used to bite into her right leg due to a wound that never really healed properly (adhesions).
Now, I can’t wait until her hair grows in. By the way, she is jumping all over the place.
Go Frida, Go!!!
Belinda
P.S. Want to send out love to all the kitties that just recently had surgery and the ones that are recuperating. Also, the kitties that are being are powerful examples, that cats can adapt without a limb. They are more positive then we are…. or should I say for myself.
Hi again all…took me awhile to find this site again but it’s bookmarked now!! I never knew there would be so many Tripod Kitties out there. I hope you all are coping ok with watching your beloved pets adjust to their loss. I sometimes think it is harder on us to adapt 🙂
My Tony is doing so much better!! He is such a funny fella…the slightest thing sends him running for his bed but if we have food out (human food or cat food) he will jump up on the couch and climb over us totally fearless!! He is no longer going behind the couch and sees his bed as his ‘safe spot’ now which has made me very happy!!
He loves getting rubs but we have to let him come to us and he still won’t really settle down for a full cuddle but….He sat on the couch with us for a full 10 minutes today getting rubs and purring a bit. We were so happy!! Every time i come in the front door he gets out of bed and gives me a little mew.
He is also getting a LOT better at running and jumping and I think it is more to do with his shyness/fear than any issues with mobility that keep him from running and playing too much.
I hope all those kiities who recently had their ops are recovering well…and I look forward to reading their updates here!
=^.^=
Dear all
This site has been a huge help to us over the last couple of years since Brie had his rear leg amputated. I have posted a few times and followed all your kitties progress keenly. I now have a MASSIVE problem and write in the hope that some of you may have advice:
His missing leg has never impaired him – he leaps over 6 foot fences and is as active and adventurous as ever. A completely healthy 4 year old puss. However, we now face 2 problems. 1. Emily our baby is showing signs of being allergic to cats. 2. Brie is not getting as much attention as before (although we still spoil them, fuss over them). Now when we get into work there is a baby to bath and put to bed etc etc and he is clearly resenting this massively and has now started attacking his brother. Every morning Cesar has another bald patch and is scared of him now – the worst of the fights seem to take place at night. A bit of monitoring has shown that any scrap is always instigated by Brie.
We just cant have this, Emily’s suspected allergy aside it would appear that my precious little 3 leggy needs more time and attention, probably a home where people are in during the day (whereas my husband and I both work). Any advice would be gratefully received, at this point in time the only solution seems to be to rehome him. xx
Hi again 2 everyone,
Got an update on my now 8 month old Daisy who sadly had her front leg ripped right off from a car accident about a month ago, seems ages since it actually happened now as we only got her back the end of last week because of complications and infection after the operation 2 patch her up.
She has spent 3 weeks in a specialist unit at cambridge university on the intensive care unit trying 2 clear up all the infections that got in from it being such an open wound but is finally home 4 good now and boy have we and Duke missed her!
She is as good as new now minus the leg of course, happy as ever, running about, play fighting with her brother and lapping up all the attention she gets after her lucky escape, every vet that met her fell in love with her and cambridge vets got emotional seeing her leave, we even had offers from 2 of them 2 take her off our hands if we couldn’t cope, she was the perfect patient and that’s why we love her and are so happy 2 have her home, everyone with concerns about their pet losing a limb, don’t worry about it cos if it’s best 4 them then that’s what u should do as they don’t ponder on it half as much as us stupid humans do!
Onwards on upwards as Daisy is proving,
Richard, Gemma, Daisy & Duke xx
P.s thank god 4 insurance!!!
Hi – I adopted a 10 month old cat I have named Betty just last night. Her previous owner’s dog mauled her leg and then said she did not want her when her front leg was amputated on tuesday because she would not be pretty. I think she is beautiful and my main worry was that my three male cats would hate her – day one and it is the other way around. Each time I bring one of them into the room, she growls and spits at them. I hope this will stop in time – she has been through so much. Even though it is a pain keeping her in a seperate room so she can’t use the cat flap, I feel a bit bad that my boys are being ‘neglected’. One of my boys just ignores her growling but the other two are scared. I couldn’t bear the thought that she would have been put to sleep yesterday if I hadn’t stepped in. I just hope she will settle. Physically she is doing so well – she went up and down the stairs once – when she escaped. She is jumping onto the sofa and coffee table as if she has always had just the three legs. Brill to read all the posts. Go Tripod cat owners!!!
Jo… just give them some time! they take a while to adjust and my peg-leg ( defied vet and odds by not being a tripod) became a house cat rather than an outdoor cat and one of my house cats is still adjusting… ie growls when he comes in the room and its been months..but Casper just ignores her completely and she will either quit or go in other room…i ignore it all…( but I try to give all separate attention) I also just moved two nine month old barn cats down to my house barn due to coyotes…they too are adjusting to new surroundings new horses that are quite wary of them and two dogs. What i do is keep them in tack room then when I am home and can check in I am letting them out to adjust ( the same house cat that dislikes Casper is going to have a cow when she sees that her domain has yet again been encroached upon…but she will just have to adjust. The barn cats are doing great, arent quite as fearful as I would like but I go up there with the bull mastiff that would like to eat them and have her on shock collar tie her to a tree then pull weeds…it will take weeks for all adjustments to be made it they just dont get stepped on by horse ( yesterday one was standing between the large horses hind legs swatting at his tail…yeeks!) but what i am saying is a period of adjustment is to be expected and if they dont love each other they will still learn to get along enough to live together.
This is a normal process for a cat being in an environment it’s not familar with. She sounds just as scared of your cats (3 especially.. Lol!). Give her some time. It only has been 1 day. I recall when I got my second cat (Frida), it took some time for them to adjust to each other. When I wasn’t around to monitor them, I would leave Frida in a closed room but when I got home I allowed her to be loose around the house. She, Frida, would hiss at Diego but I had to allow her to get used to him being around as well. I allowed her to hide when needed. Diego, wasn’t afraid of her but he learned to just ignore her constant hissing. He used to walk around her and then get bored with her nagging. Once she became comfortable in her environment and with Diego, the hissing subsided. They love each other immensensley.
You are awesome for adopting. It says a lot about you! I can’t believe the response of the prior owner!!!!
By the way, it took Frida a full 7 days to get adjusted.
Belinda
Hello, update on my Frankie who’s surgery was last Monday. He’s doing great! He was eating right away and hopped out of the carrier when I brought him home. He’s able to get down off the bed and back up the little kitty stairs back onto the bed after eating or using the cat box. He’s been purring up a storm and sleeping in between me and my husband every night. The scar looks pretty good, the stitches are dissolving pretty fast and we were told by the vet that we can take the cone off next Wed. night. I can’t wait for that time to come. Frankie hates that cone with a passion. I’m sure that once that cone comes off he will be hopping around the house and getting his balance with 3 legs. The biopsy of the lymph node from the amputated leg came back all clean which means the cancer hasn’t spread, thank the Lord. And thank all of you for sharing your stories and updates. I enjoy reading them.
Sherry
As I write this my cat Dotty is in surgery having her front leg amputated after we think she was hit by a car. Thank you for all the posts here as they have put my mind at rest that she can live with three legs.
Hi Paula,
Sending positive thoughts to you and Dotty. She’ll be fine before you know it. My Tre’ (now known as Tre’pod) lost her front right leg 7 months ago due to cancer. She is now the sweetest, most spoiled, but greatly appreciative cat I own. She is also still the best mouser in the house, in fact she’s the only one that gets the mice and I have 4 cats total. They adapt & adjust so well and just get on with life. Hang in there and please keep us posted on Dotty’s progress. Hugs from Sonja & Tre’pod.
Congrats to Sherry(her little Frankie).
Paula, Dotty will be just fine. The two weeks can be challenging but you and Dotty will get through it. Definitely stay positive and give Dotty all the attentions she needs with Love. 😉 It is truly amazing how quick they adapts…you’ll see.
My Frida (feline) is now jumping and running all over the place. Please believe me that Frida thinks twice about climbing and jumping. She tries to find an easier way with 3 legs (right hind leg removed). How cunning!!!
It will be a month after her surgery on Nov 3rd. I am so proud and happy. I can’t wait until hair grows back.
Hi Paula,
Just to wish Dotty well.
My Jasper lost his right front leg in August through a road accident. He can jump onto an eight foot wall now! He is not quite the same cat as he also had a knock on the head but he can move just as fast as before and has got used to the extra attention!!!! He really uses this to his advantage and sleeps in between me and my husband every night! I’m sure being a tripod doesnt bother him one bit. The accident is distressing for you at this moment but your little girl will be fine. Best wishes Jude & Jasper
Hi, I just wanted to thank you for your site. My little Zero has been battling injection site sarcoma for a little over a year now. We were hopeful after every surgery that it wouldn’t come back, but to no avail. The vet is going to have to amputate his left hind leg next week. I’ve been feeling all out of sorts about it, but I know I have no other option. Thank you for making me feel better through your own stories. I can only hope my little Z does as well as all of your cats.
Hi Kara,
My Tre’ had cancer and the only option that would for sure remove the cancer was to take her leg, front right, and it just tore me up emotionally but little did I know that she would be such a wonder cat. Zero will surprise you with every new milestone that he hits in his recovery. They do so much better than any human ever could. Just stay positive when you are around him and he’ll be fine. Please keep us posted on his progress. Hugs to you from Sonja & Tre’
Kara and Sonja,
This is remarkable – I just returned from the vet a few hours ago with the exact same diagnosis for our Sammy – vaccine related fibrosarcoma, left hind leg, amputation recommended (if further tests show that it has not spread to his major organs). Sammy had a walnut sized tumor removed two years ago, and I always feared it would come back. At least I was keeping an eye on the area, so the tumor is only a pea-sized now. However, it will clearly return, and amputation is the only way to ensure that he will have a long(er), healthy life. I have been crying all afternoon, because he is a “delicate creature”. Our other cat is very easy going (and silly), but Sammy is the serious one – so smart, cautious, and he also has to be in charge, so I worry the amputation will be devastating for him. Reading the other posts has been therapeutic and has helped me so much! It’s wonderful to hear how the other cats have recovered and are happy again. I have also been crying for my 2 daughters, especially the one off at college for the first time who misses her kitties. I have not told her anything, yet (I will see her in person next week, and we should have test results by then), and I only told my younger daughter (age 13) the bare minimum – that the cancer may have returned and that he may have to have surgery again. I don’t want to worry her until I know it’s absolutely necessary. The worst case is losing him to the cancer, so after reading your site, I will be grateful if amputating his leg is a viable option. Perhaps he will be the ultimate cool cat with three legs! I am sure I will cry more (I feel it building), but the thought of spoiling Sammy every chance I get is comforting for now. And when I tell my daughters, I will let them read this web-site to cry, learn, cope and perhaps feel better. Thank you! I’ll keep you posted when we know more.
Sammy will be the ultimate cool cat with 3 legs and make no mistake he will still be in charge. Animals do not mourn the loss of a body part like we humans do. They realize that things have changed, that they have to figure out how to get around and balance but they just adjust, adapt & get on with life. My Tre’ lost her front right leg to cancer. I thought she’d be mad at me forever, but she is the coolest cat. It did change her but it was a change for the better, she is more outgoing than she was and seems more relaxed with who she is. And to say that she is spoiled completely rotten, is an understatement but I wouldn’t have it any other way. My only advise is to stay positive around Sammy. Cats are very perseptive and they pick up our emotions so when you are around him, be happy, comforting, upbeat and supportive. He’ll feel that and respond much better. I had to learn that the hard way. Sammy will be fine, he’ll adapt and be the same cool cat he’s always been. Please keep up posted on his progress. Hugs from Sonja & Tre’
Zero went into surgery today. The operation went fine but they are keeping him overnight so they can check the wound in the morning. His x-rays were clean too! So I guess all in all we are pretty lucky.
I am away at Grad school at the moment, but I am driving down tomorrow to help get him through the first few days. Wish us luck! I’ll keep you posted on his progress.
Thanks again!
-Kara
Wow! When Zero first got home yesterday it was hard to watch (poor kid kept falling over), but he’s doing so much better today! I think he finally (almost) figured out where to put his legs, you should see him scurry/wiggle/slide/hop up the stairs! He’s being very inventive about it. We’re all trying to keep in good spirits and have been celebrating and congratulating him on each of his mini victories.
The wound doesn’t look nearly as bad as I thought it would. The doc did a great job! Zero hasn’t even bruised that much! I think once his long fur grows back the missing leg will be barely noticeable (perfect for shocking unsuspecting house guests). My only worry is that the “Hopalong” nickname will stick.
Getting through this one step at a time,
Kara and Zero
WOO HOO for Zero! Sounds like you all are doing great and you will be amazed at how quickly he adapts and each victory should be celebrated. Hopalong Zero isn’t such a bad name. Our cat was named Tre’ from kittenhood and now, well, it’s the truth, but we call her Tre’pod. So happy that you all are recoving well and that Zero is getting around well and adjusting so quickly. Congrats to you all and hugs from Sonja & Tre’pod.
Thanks for this website my cat smokey was shot in his front left leg I look him to the vet and he said all his bones in his leg were completely shattered and he was lucky to be alive and the only choice would be amputation I was heart broken and terrified to see him but he is now at home and already adapted and doing well but what do I do for a easy assessable litter box
I read an earlier post months ago that someone used a coolie sheet as a litter box…you might try that.
cookie sheet….cant spell tonight
Felicia, When I first adopted my kitten Diego (12 weeks old), I bought a small litter box. Nothing fancy but practical. It was 2-3 inches high and it did not come with a cover. My Diego grew out of it but I kept it because I knew I was going to adopt another kitten later. Six months later, I adopted another kitten and reused the litter box for my Frida. She graduated to the big litter box with the cover that she shares with Diego. However, I still have the litter box and was able to use again. Frida’s left hind leg was amputated 2 months ago and it was going to be a struggle for her to use her grown up litter box mainly due to the surgery. Low and behold, I took out her old litter box just for Frida to use…until she was ready. It took Frida 3 weeks for her to graduate back to grown up litter box. I hope this doesn’t so silly.
Good luck!!!
Hi Felicia,
My Tre’ lost her front right leg almost 8 months ago to cancer. When she got home I just had a low sided box, proably 3-4″ that she used. But now she also uses the high sided box in the basement. They adapt and will eventually use what ever you have. The one thing that you boy may need is some steps to help him get down from things. They don’t have problems getting up but it is hard for them to get down and it is hard on the remaining front leg so we have steps from the bed, the chest under the window and her favorite shelf in the basement. We have one set of built steps but use large plastic containers in the other areas. Your boy will be fine. Stay positive around him and when he starts to do things, try not to be to over protective because he will learn his limits quickly but you’ll be amazed that he will probably do most of the things he always has because he doesn’t know he’s handicapped, he’ll just get on with living. Hugs from Sonja and Tre’pod
it’s 4 am in the morning in New Jersey, USA
Ella Catticus is my 6 month old silver spotted tabby who found her way into my life as a rescue
I suffer from depression and Ella has been the reason I get up some mornings
This morning will be especially hard.
It happened so fast, she got her front paw where it didn’t belong and became an instant amputee
I cried madly on the way to the vet, the rest I can’t post.
She will have most of her leg removed. I was told that I was in worse condition than the kitten which I didn’t believe until I saw her charming the vets, walking around and quickly coming to me for head rubs and kitten licks. All with an open wound. She is even eating.
Her surgery is tomorrow morning where they will decide if she will lose the whole leg.
I have an amazing friend, who thankfully, works for a vet, who has helped me with Ella since I rescued her from under a shed at eight weeks.
I know it was a freak accident, but the guilt is overwhelming. Should have, would have, could have…
Usually Ella would be consoling me, but tonight your stories have been my saving grace.
Thank you
Sarah, I am so very sorry you are having to go through this. But remember this, “it was an accident. that means no ones fault, no one did anything on purpose, thats why they call it an accident.” this was told to a friend of mine at a car accident by a police officer and it holds true here as well. accident= no fault. My Casper is not quite a tripod. His leg was caught in an animal trap where he was trapped for 18 days without food or water. It was a blessing and a miracle that he survived at all. We had thought he would lose his leg, it is is bent and missing toes but you would never know it by his running and jumping and most of all his purring. As everyone says on this site, we humans suffer far more than they do. Take strength from your kitty you will be amazed at how easily she adapts. Take strength and learn from her , our animals are so much stronger in every way than we are…. we are all saying prayers for you and Ella.
Sarah, I’m so sorry for you, but listen to beth, it was an accident, no fault on either part. I live in Michigan and feel your pain, believe me. My Tre’ got cancer and had to have her right front leg removed. I cried for weeks before and after and here is what I learned. Cats are amazingly resiliant and adapt so quickly that Ella will be her old self before you could even possibly believe. I learned that cats pick up our emotions very quickly so try to be positive when you are around her and save your tears for her for your private moments. When I cried around Tre’ she seemed depressed as well. I know you said you suffer from depression and she is your saving grace, you can be her saving grace through this tough time by giving her all the positive energy you can muster up. I learned that cats learn their limits very quickly and Ella may need some steps to help her get down off of higher furniture or shelves. I use plastic lugs, chests and have one set of built steps so she can get off the bed easier. I know how hard this is and wish that I could give you an actual hug rather than a virtual hug but Ella will be fine, sooner than you and she’ll be home recovering and adapting to her new circumstances and she won’t miss a beat, I promise. My Tre’ is now almost 8 moths post op and she is my most amazing, beautiful baby and I love her even more because she taught me that life goes on and we just have to get on with it. Hang in there, Ella will be fine and I’ll bet that she’ll live a long happy life with you. Hugs from Sonja and Tre’pod.
Sarah, hang in there lady. It is truly understanding on how you feel. I would be a total mess too but please be strong for your kitty. She needs you to be positive. They are so senstive to us. Sounds like Ella was reassuring you as well.
My Frida had her surgery on Oct 3rd (left hind leg amputated)and it was so hard for me but it was truly amazing how animal’s instincts kick in. They are unlike us human beings. When a limb is removed, they just adapt. Unless us humans, we go through so many changes. It is such a blessing to have our cats in our lives. You and your little Ella are going to be fine. It’s just the path is a little bumpy but you will both make it out smoothly. 🙂
I’m glad you found this site. I was so happy too when I was researching on Tripod cats before Frida’s surgery. I wanted to hear from Kitty parents and also the progression of the their cat’s surgery. It definitely comforted me reading everyone stories. I didn’t feel a lone.
I will send out a prayer for you both!
Love Belinda, Frida & Diego – Meow!
I spoke with the doctor and surgeon and Ella is scheduled for this afternoon. It will be a full amputation of the left foreleg. She was scheduled to be spayed on friday so hopefully they can do that today so she will get her hurt over all at once. The staff sounds confident she will be fine and adjust well since she is still a kitten. I will be anxiously awaiting the call that the surgery is over and she is awake.
Thank you for your words and prayers, they are needed and appreciated.
Sarah
Your little Ella is going to be well. The 1st couple of weeks are going to be a little challenging but you wait and see her bouncing back to her old self. Don’t be surprised it to be sooner. My Frida started climbing again in a week and I was the one making sure she was careful. Frida now thinks twice about climbing into and out certain areas. She is definitely faster than Diego, especially when he wants to chase her.
Thank you for the update.
A quick update from my mobile
Ella is out of surgery, well medicated and
Doing great, getting the staff to fall in love with her
A successful proceedure all around
They also let me hold her, it is amazing how much
a grown human can love 6 pounds of kitten 🙂
Next step, pay the bill 🙁 and take her home to heal
Sleep well, I know Ella is!
It is hard to believe how much we love them, you’re right. So glad that Ella is doing well, she’ll bounce back so fast it will amaze you, kittens have so much energy anyway. So happy for both of you. Keep up posted. Hugs from Sonja & Tre’pod
Hey Sarah, Awesome news!!!!:) I laughed out loud when you said paid the bill. Believe me that I understand completely. 🙁 I’m very happy for you and little Ella. It is truly amazing how much we love our cats. I laugh sometimes because they can do no wrong. Congrats to you both!
Frida & Diego send their love as well. Meow!
Ella is home!
What amazingly resilient creatures cats are.
Ella is now home and recovering
she has found places to nap in between attempts to run wild and climb around the house.
The doctor said to keep her quiet and calm, this is tough to do when Ella figures out which treats I hide her pain pills in. I am definitely suffering more than the cat, guilt is a tough emotion to deal with. I have only told a coulple of people about her, recounting the event only makes things worse.
Her staples come out on the 5th and I will also get to meet her surgeon. I can’t wait to get that cone off her! The worst is over but it will be tough these next weeks.
Thank you again for your posts
Sarah and Ella Catticus
Dear Sarah & Ella, I’m so happy that she is home and it sounds like she is doing very well. A 6 month old won’t want to be still for very long. Hang in there it will get better. I know that there is guilt, been there and still have my moments when I look at my little Tre’ and feel so bad but think of it this way, Ella is alive, it sounds like Ella is happy & active and even though there was an accident, you are very blessed to have her and she is blessed to have you, a mom to love & care for her. She didn’t have that when you found her. Cats may get mad at us for a moment but they don’t hold grudges like humans and personally, I think that they take care of us as much as we take care of them. If you hadn’t rescued her, she might not have had an opportunity to have a happy life, even if it is on 3 legs, she doen’t care, you’ll see, she’ll just get on with life, a happy, active life with you. Hugs from Sonja & Tre’
I agree Sarah, the first couple of weeks were quite stressfull for me. I live on my own and it is quite hard doing it on your own. I was fortunate to be unemployed when it all happend. Actually, still seeking for employment but I have faith I’ll find a job that needs me. Anyway, I was happy to give all my time to Frida. On top of stressing with her recuperation, I ended up catching a fever and a bad cold. I know it had to do with not sleeping and stressing myself over Frida worrying did I make the right choice. Overall, it turned out well once her stitches dissolved (2 weeks). I removed the collar on my own. She was so ecstatic but you have to understand that my cat had a collar on for 2 years because she used to eat into an old wound that never healed properly (adhesions under skin).
Frida lives a life without a bad leg and a collar that was her protection. She is now free and bouncing all over the place.
Thank you Sarah for the update. Guilt is the enemy trying to make us feel less of a person. I think you are an awesome Mom that reacted quickly to taking care of an accident that occurred. You were quick and positive, although you may not have felt that way at the moment.
Hooray to Ella!!!
Hello,
I have just come across this site as I was looking for advice for cats with three legs. My beautiful cat Tux is having his back leg amputated as I write this, due to complications after being hit by a car. I am absolutely deversated and feel awful for him. We have only had him for four months. He was a rescue cat we adopted through Cats Protection. He hasnt had the greatest start in life and now this has happened to him. I feel so guilty. I just desperately want him to get through this. The stories on here have made me feel more positive for him. thank you.
Emma, my only advice is stay positive. You can be sad when he isn’t around but when you are with him, try to be positive and happy. They fix on our emotions so easily and if you are positive, he will be too. This is not as much a life changer for him as you would think. They quickly learn how to get and keep their balance and to get into all the same mischief that they did before they lost a leg. They do not mourn the loss like humans do. They see that something has changed, they adapt and they get on with life, a good lesson for us humans. It is very painful for us to see them and to know that they have to do a lot on their own and it takes longer for us humans to recover than our furr children but he’ll do fine, I promise. My little tre’pod is the coolest cat and she came through beautifully and is now doing everything she used to including running through the house in the morning like her butts on fire. So stay positive and just go with it, Tux will astound and amaze you. Please keep us posted on his progress. Hugs from Sonja and Tre’