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.
Hey, I’m coming back to this page after about a month and a half from my lovely Dexter’s operation. His right foreleg was amputed after a car accident… by the way, Emma… very similar story: this cat had been abandoned and was sent from a home to another for a year before I got him, and then… car accident as well. Definitely he’s not very lucky. But at least he’s very strong… and at least we love them so much!
However, the operation went good, Dex actually seemed pretty happy to have that useless weight removed. After a couple of weeks I let him out again, he’s still fighting with other cats (and winning! I saw him actually CHASING after another cat to keep on beating him… he’s indeed an evil, serial killer Dexter ginger cat 🙂 so I’m confident he’ll regain a normal life. But now, with the winter coming, he doesn’t want to go out that much, and I’m concerned because he would want to eat all the time, so he puts on weight, he moves less, he goes out less, he puts on more weight… I’m afraid of him becoming very fat because that would be very bad for the new balance on 3 legs, and for his back.
Any advice? He also seems very nervous, he cries to get in, then cries to get out, then again to get in (all this in like 10 minutes) I mean, to use a “human” term I would say he’s in a slight post-traumatic stress condition (the stress still being the accident and the hospitalisation, more than the operation itself). I try to give him massages on his back – but sometimes he’s in such a bad mood that he destroys me if I dare touching the Lion King Cat, he’s always been very aggressive 🙂 – and I am desperately trying to keep him on diet, but I feel so sorry for him, it’s gonna be a shitty time until some spring comes back.
Did yor cats have similar reactions? What can i do to make him feel a little better? Thanks!!
Valentina, I do think that they calm down some as the recovery process continues. My Tre’ had a front leg removed and seemed very nervous at first but after 8 months has clamed down tremendously. I believe in natural medicines for myself and for my furr babies. Here is a link for a Bach flower that might help. http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/Only-Natural-Pet-Lets-Be-Friends-Flower-Essences/999202.aspx
it is a drop that you can put in their water that just helps to calm the anxiety that they feel, this one was specifically for healing, just happened to be the one I found. Your boy might have some post-traumatic stress from all that he has been through. Fortunately for us, Tre’ seems calmer than before her surgery, more affectionate. But when all else fails, return to nature to see how it can help, do a little research and see what you can find. You never know, it might help and you might be able to get him to a point where you don’t need anything to help with his aggression. Hang in there. Hugs from Sonja and Tre’pod
Hi Valentina,
My tripod didn’t like the winter weather, especially if it was windy.
He still ran around inside, so he was getting some exercise, but not as much as going outside. I didn’t restrict his food, he ate what he wanted and soon settled down to a sensible weight.
Emma – good luck, I hope everything goes well!
Best wishes,
Lois
I’m glad you found this site. The comments and support got me through two very tough nights last week when Ella Catticus was in the hospital for an amputation from an accident
It’s been ten days and she is back to normal and then some.
Like your cat, she was a rescue and I am still wondering how cats can keep taking so much suffering only to come out even better than they were, not to mention cuter than ever!
It will be hard first couple days, but believe what you read here, before long Tux will be running away from his antibiotic syringe 🙂
Keep positive and well and best wishes to you both
Sarah and Ella Catticus
Hi everyone,
Thanks for all your positive thoughts are words of encouragement. We went to see Tux this evening, just a few hours after his op and he was already very fidgety and wriggly which is a great sign. The vet has said hes not quite out of the woods yet, we have to see how he gets on over the next couple of weeks as it was a blood clot that caused him to loose his leg, which is very unusual in cats apparently.
So we’re just staying positive, hoping to have him home at the weekend but hes got to be in a cage as his other back leg is still healing 🙂
Thanks so much for the advice… I’ll definitely try those bach flowers!
It’s been two weeks since Ella’s amputation
Her staples were removed and the surgeon says she is good to go
And another bit that made me feel much better, the vet said three legged cats live long healthy lives just like 4 leggers 🙂
Ella is all but normal again, jumping, flipping and resting in the window
I can only hope others will be able to find this site and your wonderful encouraging and comforting words if ever faced with a similar situation
Thank you again!
Sarah and Ella Catticus
Way to go, both of you! Cats are really amazingly tough, hard to keep them down. I’m so happy that Ella is doing so well and it sounds like you’re doing pretty well too Sarah. Am happy for you both. my tripod is almost 13 and she is happier than ever and just as active as before, I expect her to be around for years. Congrats on a great recovery. Hugs from Sonja & Tre’pod
Sarah, I’m so happy to hear the good news. Way to go Ella. She is one tough kitten…..just like Moma, Sarah!
Hi everyone,
Just to give you an update on Tux. We got him home last Friday and he had a check up with our super vet yesterday. Vet is really pleased with his progress. He really is doing fabulously well. I think hes enjoying the fuss and being back home. He still has to stay ina cage for another three weeks whilst his other leg continues to heal but he spends most of his time purringly happy on his fleecey bed on our sofa. Actually starting to relax about him now I know he will be ok. He’s had such a hard life so far, so we are going to make sure that his first Christmas with us, he’s going to be spoilt (like he’s not already!) rotten!!!
This site has really helped to reassure me about Tuxs future, big thanks and hugs to all, love Emma and Tux xx
So happy for you Emma. Tux will be his old self before you know it and since he had such a rough start, I think he should be spoiled rotten at Christmas and every other day. Hugs from Sonja & Tre’pod
Hi all,
I just wanted to reassure those of you facing the decision of having an amputation – they will be fine. JUST FINE! 🙂 I have a little guy, Tangle (he was named Tangle by the Animal Control officer who rescued him as a kitten. He was found tangled in a shredded tarp, razor wire, and a throrny rose bush – hanging by his left hind leg in the dead hot of summer. He’d been there for a few days and unfortunately, with his leg having lost circulation, his leg started to become necrotic and flies and maggots started settling in. Graphic I know, but it is what happened. The doctors did as best they could to save his leg, but ended up having to amputate it entirely.) I adopted him just days after his surgery at just 8 weeks old. He is 3 1/2 now, and has always done well – with a little help and coaxing, he’s figured out how to get up high on stuff, and LOVES to chase around the laser light and plays rough and tumble with our new kitten.
I know it is a tough choice to make, but you will be surprised at how resilient your kitties really are 🙂
Hi, just found this website. Tommy our cat is nearly two years old. Last year he had to have his left eye removed due to an accident and recovered quickly. Left with one eye he still enjoyed playing outside in the local area and would always come back daily. About 10 days ago he didn’t come home for 5 days. I called all the local vets and checked with neighbours etc. He came back on the 5th day covered in ticks and was limping. Apart from the limping he seemed normal. I took him to the vet and was told he has a fracture to his front leg. Currently he is with the RSPCA in Putney. They told us last night that the fracture cannot be fixed with internal screws. Our only option is to have external screws and poles to hold the bone in place or have the leg removed. We are all in shock and do not know what to do. The nurse at the RSPCA told me that, if it was her cat she would opt for the removal of his front leg. Painful decision…any advice please?
Hi Saroja,
I too have a cat called Tommy and he too went missing for 5 days !
He was found with a very bad leg and had to have his front right leg removed in the spring of this year.
This site was a real help to me.
All I can say is that our Tommy Tripod is a very happy energetic and cheeky boy who dashes about everywhere on his 3 legs. He lives outdoors most of the time, he is semi feral and is full of beans. We had no decision to make as his leg had started to develop gangreen and so it had to come off.
The first few weeks were a bit upsetting, but more so for us than Tommy. He just agreed to be carried around and thoroughly spolit. It was amazing how quickly he learnt to balance and adapt. He fell over alot initially when using his grit tray but allowed us to wipe his bottom with good old wet wipes.
Good luck with whatever you decide, do keep us posted.
Juley
I’ve never had a cat with a broken leg, my cat came home with most of his leg missing, so amputating the rest was the only option.
No cat with a broken leg, but recently Mr MTM has spent 5 months with pins & external frames holding his broken leg together. (I was tempted to rename this site One-Legged Man.) It wasn’t fun, and wasn’t easy to keep the pin sites clean. Several of his fellow patients had to deal with nasty infections – we managed to avoid that. I can’t imagine how we’d have managed with something similar on a cat.
I’d agree with your veterinary nurse, cats adapt remarkably well to being three-legged. It’s not an easy thing to agree to and the first couple of weeks will be unpleasant if you do go down that route, but I was amazed at how quickly my cat recovered – even though his remaining back leg was injured.
Whatever you decide, good luck. I hope things go well for you.
Thanks Lois & Juley,
I’ve spent hours this morning reading about the experiences of others who have had a smiliar situation and feel so much better knowing Tommy has a good change of being normal again with 3 legs.
I’ve just come off the phone with the RSPCA and we (hubby and kids) are getting our heads around having it amputated. The external rods option seems so much more daunting. Aftercare, infections, confined to a cage for 2 months seem more difficult for us and Tommy to cope with. He loves his freedom and we are worried what this might do to his state of mind and general being.
At least with an amputation, Tommy can recover quickly. This is such an emotional time. I respect the staff at the RSPCA but wish they could make the decision for us….in the best case for Tommy.
Thanks for the support and will keep you all posted. Tears wiped away and will try to stay strong for Tommy.
Saroja, It is your baby so you guys have to make the decision and it sounds like a good one to me. My Frida has gotten her left leg amputated due to inflamation on Oct 3rd this year. In the past, she literally would eat into the area where the inflamation was. She would rib off her skin. I tried everything to save the leg (Accupuncture, Holistic Vets, Dermatologist…you name it). After visiting my vet at the Humane Society, they mentioned a site to reference regarding Tripods and also showed me some cats that are tripods at their clinic. They were bouncing all over the place. Adorable.
I made the decision after my research but I still felt so guilty. I think that goes with the territory of loving your animal and being a Mom cat. After her surgery, Frida wasn’t eating at the Hospital but when I arrived there, she ate the food from my hands. Frida was scared and wanter her mom. Then I realized, she was going to be okay.
It was a tough couple of weeks but I got through it with the help of Frida’s determination. They adapt so quickly! Frida is faster than Diego (male cat) and she thinks twice where she is going to climb next. Lol!!! 🙂
Good look to you and your family and Tommy.
Diego and Frida are sending out their Meows!
Hi, my name is jaya, Saroja is my mum and tommy is my cat too…When I found out that tommy might have to have his arm ammputated, I was in shock. I have read all of your commments and they have helped so much. Thank you for making it so much eaier for my mum, Tommy and I….
Amputation was the best decision I made for my JJ – he is now 18 months of being a tripod and I only wish that when he first came home with severed back leg tendons after a scrap with a feral tom, I had it done sooner. He was so ill with a back leg in plaster and all the time the leg was getting infected. We tried everything, manuka honey bandages, daily dressings. He was so freaked out by the experience of being an invalid that going for amputation was taken out of my hands two weeks later when the leg started to die off (the smell was terrible )and poor JJ was so sick and depressed. When I saw him at the vets the afternoon of the surgery he literally launched himself at me, drips, collar and all, he was so happy to get rid of the offending limb.
It is bad enough for humans being laid up with broken limbs but we can rationalise and see there is an end. I don’t think a cat can do that, they sicken and fade away.
Go for it, your cat will be eternally grateful! The convalescence period is rough, sure, but they learn to adapt so well. JJ is still boss cat and can run faster than my other two cats.
Saroja
My cat had to have a front limb amputation a month ago due to an injury
I like most of the others was devistated while my kitten was ready to get back on all threes within hours of surgery
It is very tough to watch but they get better so quickly, one month later Ella Catticus is faster than ever and is thrilled at the ease of a front summersalt with her new accommodation 🙂
The worst part now is waiting for the fur to grow back
Once that is in the missing leg will be much less obvious
You are going to go through some emotions but let the process happen and just keep giving your cat love and post often, it really does help!
Best wishes
Sarah and Ella Catticus
Sarah, I’m glad to hear the goodnews on Ella. Your spirit sounds amazing. I’m happy for you both and glad you are sharing the news with us. Frida’s hair finally grew in within 2 months. Yippee!!!
I couldn’t wait either! 😉
Way to go Ella!!!!!
Hi All,
Thanks again for all your support. Tommy is having his operation tomorrow or Tuesday. Fingers crossed and we are looking forward to seeing him soon. Will keep you all posted on his recover.
best wishes to you all and your pets.
Hi Saroja, My Tre’ kitty is 12+ years old and in March of this year she had her right front leg removed because of cancer. It was the most horrible decision I’ve ever had to make and I cried for weeks about it. But right now, she is the happiest cat I have (I have 4) and she still runs around the house in the morning like her butt is on fire. She is completely spoiled and truly wonderful to have around. I’ve learned a lot from her about being resiliant and adapting to what life hands you. Here is my advise, take a deep breath and tell yourself everything is going to be okay. Tommy sounds like he’s pretty tough already and he is going to do better than you when it comes to recovery. Stay positive around him, don’t be sad or cry if at all possible. Cats are very perseptive and the take on our emotions so if you are positive he will be positive, if you are sad he will be sad so try to always be positive and up around him. I had to learn this lesson the on my own. My attitude made a huge difference in how my cat acted in her recovery. Also, Tommy is gonna have some problems with balance and getting around and using the litter box at first, give him time and some space and he’ll figure it out and fairly quickly. It is going to be hard watching but words of encouragment and praise will go a long way in helping him find his new normal. He may also need some steps to get up or down from places that he used to go. I have one set of steps that my husband built so Tre’ can get off the bed easier and I also used large plastic containers & boxes, anything I can find to make her life easier. Watch Tommy to see where he needs help and just put things there, he’ll figure out how to use them. And finally, know that he will be okay. Cats are amazing, wonderful animals that just learn to adapt and go with what life gives them. They don’t complain or mourn, they just get on with it. Remember, as one of the other people here said a few posts back, you aren’t doing this to him, you are doing this for him, he’ll be so much happier and because he won’t be in pain anymore he’ll bounce back really quickly. Hang in there and keep us posted. Hugs from Sonja & Tre’pod
Hi,
Tommy had his operation earlier this evening, and he is fine. We are going to see him today for the first time in 2 weeks…Thank-you for all of your support!
That’s great news. Hope he recovers quickly!
Our 5yo boy Chompers went missing on Thursday 22nd and after frantic searches at the RSPCA and local vets as well as doorknocking neighbours we were beginning to think the worst because he is microchipped. Yesterday, a week later, I got a call from the RSPCA saying that someone had brought him in but he had a severe injury to his right hind leg.
We are not sure but it appears he had been hit by a car and the neighbour a couple of doors up and across the road (who I had never met until yesterday but am now eternally grateful to) had found him hiding in a little space down the side of her house.
I was advised by the vet at the RSPCA that the wound is extremely dirty and there is a serious fracture and that the best course of action is amputuation.
I am very happy to read the positive messages here. My only concern is that he is one of two boys we have who are litter mates. I am just wondering if anyone can tell me how their other cat(s) reacted to their tripods? I am not anticipating any difficulty but could really use some advice (we also have a small dog but he is the biggest sweetheart in the world, I don’t think he’ll even notice, he’ll just be happy to have his brother home.)
In March of this year my Tre’, 1 of 4 cats in our pack, had her right front let amputated due to cancer. When she came home I kept her seperated, which now I regret, because I believe that the rest of the cats would have benefitted from seeing her in pain. They usually all get along. Tre’ is 12 1/2 and we have one that is 5 and wants a playmate so sometimes goes after Tre’ but not in a mean way, Tre’ just doesn’t want to play. So I don’t think that you’ll have any problems at all. If they were friends before the accident, they’ll still be friends. Also, Chompers will do fine, they adjust amazingly well and quickly to his new circumstances. And since the pain of the injured leg will be gone and it will be such a relief, he’ll be up and around before you know it. Lots of love and encouragment will keep him from getting depressed. Hang in there, everything will be okay. Hugs from Sonja & Tre’pod.
Hello Natasha,
My Frida had her right hind leg amputated as well. It was on Oct 3rd. Diego is her partner in crime and the male dominant cat. He was so sensitive to Frida, which schocked me. He is normally a brute with her but not after her surgery. When she came home, he was so concerned and scared for her. He walked up to her and looked her over (smelling) more than once. He seemed to say to himself “You were just gone one day. What the hell did they do to you?” He was afraid to touch her and he knew that something wasn’t right. I also think Diego realized she was in pain. He didn’t bother her much. He would just lye beside her.
Now, Frida is back to herself again and more affectionate as ever. Diego is back to his old self, which is a being a brute with Frida. Truthfully, she can handle him regarless the fact that she is a Tripod! 😉
Hello everyone,
Reading all the posts gives me hope. I found a little 5 month old kitty outside of some apartments dragging its bloody paw. Its paw was turned sideways and it was using its mangled paw to hop along. Just recently I brought him to the vet, of course I knew from looking at the leg that it would need to be amputated. The vet checked the leg and paw out and said it had nerve damage. He said that the little kitty probably had been having this injury for a while, at least two months. I cant save the leg, so they will be amputating on Tuesday of next week. I am a little discouraged but am happy to read all the posts that the little kitty will recover and be happier not dragging the dead weight around plus he has an infection and that will be cleared up and help him to feel better. I haven’t named him yet, I am still thinking of a name. I am taking him in and giving him a second chance in life, he will be loved and cared for. I am excited, yet at the same time worried about the adaptation. I have an older cat Kalvin, who is 17, and he is very aggressive, so not sure how the introduction will be between the two cats. I am hoping that Kalvin will sense that the new kitty is disadvantaged and be ok, but he has never been ok with any cat before. I would love to hear any advice from anyone.
I wouldn’t call him disadvantaged so quickly 🙂
As an owner of a recent amputee cat I can tell you they recover quick, especially when they are young, and fully!
He’ll be giving your 17 year old a run for his money in no time, enjoy your new TLC!
Oh thanks for the response, yes, I am certainly looking forward to seeing him progress and see him in a loving home. He did not have such a great outlook on life but now he has his whole life ahead of him even if there are stumbling blocks along the way.
Hi Analeah,
Wow, what a lucky little guy to find someone with such a good heart to take him in!! I have a lovely tabby TLC and she has adapted really well. It’s more than 12 months since she lost her right back leg in an accident and I can honestly say she is just the same sweet little puss she was before.
I responded to your post because by coincidence, we have adopted another female (4 legged cat) in the last few days so I have some understanding of your situation. All the advice tells you to keep the two cats in seperate parts of the house/apartment for a while and let them get used to each others scent before beginning a gradual process of introduction…that’s what we have done and there has been plenty of hissing and giving each other a wide berth, what you would expect really!
If you need specific advice about how to deal with a new TLC well I think the advice is the same, let the new and established cat get used to each other gradually, take it slowly and trust that your good intentions will pay off.
On a practical level, Tess (my TLC) did not require any help with the litter tray etc and she still enjoys some outdoor time. Try to treat your little TLC as you would any other cat (he’s young, he will adapt). You don’t say whether it is his front or back leg he has lost. If it’s the front, he may well be able to leap up to high places, but may struggle to get down and if it’s his back leg he won’t be able to leap up so high but will have no trouble getting down!! It’s common sense really and I feel sure that he will be so happy to have found a loving new home that he will count himself blessed indeed, regardless of the number of legs he has.
Please let me know how you get on…I wish you luck, love Sharon x
Thank you for the advice. It is actually his front right leg. The vet said they could not save the leg altogether. He undergoes his operation next Tuesday. He is lucky to have a warm bed, plenty of food, and toys, and certainly all the love that surrounds him. I will be able to visit him on Tuesday after the procedure hopefully. I assume he will be sleeping a lot due to the pain killers. I am not sure how long recovery time is and how he will deal with the pain of missing his leg, do you have any clue? As far as introducing him to the rest of my cats, well it is certainly something I am going to do and just hope that my male cat Kalvin can get along with him.
analeah, I found this site when my 12 year old ( Casper) was caught in a trap and came home with a mangled front leg. His leg wasnt amputated though, they thought it would have to be due to nerve damage he had two surgeries and is missing part of it and its very crooked, so hes more of a “peg leg” anyway. He had been an outdoor cat but had to come inside with two cats that dislike him..After six months they still growl at each other but thats about it. Just let each other know how they feel but he will hop on bed with one growling and just ignore the growling and go about his business. They will all adapt. I was worried the 3 year old bull mastiff would chase and catch him ( she loves to chase our calico) even with a bandage on the mangled leg Casper jumped on the bull mastiffs face with us sitting there twice even..total respect now from the dog. It was amazing to see. Cats are amazing!!!Your will amaze you. Casper jumps on the counters, across the counters, to the table ( sometimes sliding across table and to floor ( ouch), everything he did before…I’m convinced he was the one who caught and partially ate the rat on the porch the other day…. they are tough creatures!!!!!
Analeah, My Tre’ lost her right front leg 9 months ago and she is as good as new now. It actually took about 6 weeks for her to really start doing all the things she did before but she is 12+ years old. I would think that a kitten would be up and around much sooner than that. He has been in pain with an injured foot and the infection is probably making him feel bad so when the leg comes off, the chronic pain will be gone and he will feel better instantly. I gave pain meds for about 1 week, just one word of caution, the pain meds cause constipation so get him to take in as much fluid as possible, chicken stock, tuna juice anything that will get the extra moisture into his system. Other than that, I expect that he’ll be zooming around before you know it. Give him some steps to help him get down. My girl gets up on things well enough, getting down is a challange so we made a set of steps for the bed and I use containers and chairs and anything I can find to help her get down from higher places. You’ll be amazed at his progress, keep us posted and let us know what you decide to name him. Hugs from Sonja and Tre’pod.
Analeah, I agree with Sonja and Beth. Every cat is different on how they adapt. Frida and Diego, it took just 1 week to be fully friends. They loved each other very quickly. They were also close in age (3-4 months difference). I would only allow Diego around Frida when I was home. He would smell her and then walk away. She would just ignore him. I didn’t experience any growling but I have with past cats years ago that I raised. Whenever, I left my apartment, Frida was kept in my bedroom alone. It was after a full week, I felt comfortable leaving them together. You have to transition them slowly. You will notice when the growling stops and they just lye beside one another without a fuss. I also suggest to watch them play together because that satisfied me as well.
Regarding recuperating, Frida’s right hind leg was amputated three months ago. It took her a full 2 weeks to start moving around and climbing (actually sooner 1 & 1/2 weeks). I had to get a smaller cat litter that was 2-3 inches high. I didn’t want her to share the cat litter with Diego after the surgery, plus the original litter box was much higher so it was going to be difficult for her to leap into. I also provided a step stool for her beside my bed, which she still uses today. Her leaps are not as high compared to having 2 hind legs.
Definitely, make sure she is drinking fluid. My Frida became constipated due to the pain killers. It scared the hell out of me. I showed up 3 times at the Vet’s office panacking in one week. Very funny now but wasn’t at the time I thought! 😉 Moist food has up to 80% of water so that can help too. I had to force Frida to drink water with a syringe every 3 hours mainly because she preferred drinking from the faucet rather than a bowl. This part was hell for me because she couldn’t climb on to the sink to get to the faucet anymore. I bought her a drinkwell but the e-collar was a hinderance (kept e-collar on for 2 weeks). The water kept on spilling on to the floor.
Now that is all history and she drinks from her drinkwell, runs, bounces, and leaps but needs support with the stools I leave around the house. Give your baby plenty of Love and positive feedback.
Good luck and you sound like a terrific Mom!
Diego and Frida send their meows!
Ella was up and about in 5 days but she’s a kitten
6 weeks later there is no stopping her
She falls every now and again but I’m pretty sure that behavior isn’t new either 🙂
Sarah and Ella Catticus
Thanks Sonja, Beth, Sarah and Belinda, all lovely advice!!!!! I finally named him today, his name is Ian, it means god gift. I figured he is from god. It all started many months ago, I started seeing black cats cross my path, then about two weeks ago we saw a black cat get hit by a car, we were unable to save him, he was killed instantly. It was so sad. Anyway, then recently I found Ian, struggling in the cold dragging his mangled paw around. I feel like life was trying to tell me something about all the other cats I saw. I dont know but he is truly a gift. I am lucky to have found him. I am waiting for the vets office to contact me to let me know when I can pick him up. I am excited but again I must say that my cat Kalvin has never been able to get along with any cat, so very scared he may not adapt well. I mean he is the alpha cat and always has been. I love him so much and dont want to bring him extra stress in his life as he is older and he doesnt need it. I hope things go well. Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. : )
Hi Analeah, Introduce them slowly, let them see each other, let Kalvin sniff Ian’s tail and back area so they aren’t eye to eye, let them eat near each other, food is served in the kitchen here and it seems to be a neutral area. Give Kalvin all the love that you always have but also let him see you with Ian. It may take a while but hopefully Kalvin will see a “handicapped” kitten and be sensitive. Although, Ian will never see himself as handicapped, they don’t know that they aren’t supposed to be anything but the way they are. Good luck, please keep us posted. If it’s meant to be, then it will work out fine. Hugs from Sonja & Tre’pod.
It has been great reading all the stories, information and advice about three legged cats. Whilst on holiday in Cyprus in November a young cat came running up to us meowing with what seemed like a deformed right front leg. She was very hungry, but seemed to get around OK. We managed to catch her and take her to the vet who said that her leg had been broken and the best thing to do was to remove it. We only had two more days of our holiday but left her at the vet to have the operation and arranged for some friends to visit her. She is very friendly and loves to be stroked. We have called her Lexi and she now has her pet passport and is coming to the UK on Wednesday. Not sure how she’ll get on with our other three cats or the British winter weather (good job it’s mild this year), but better than a life on the streets in pain. I was very worried about how she would get on with only three legs, but what have read here has really reassured me. I’m looking forward to seeing her again and hope that she’ll soon settle in with us. I’ll keep you updated!
What an incredibly lucky cat to have found, probably, the only people that would have done for her what you did! Since you already have 3 cats, I’m sure that you introduce them and let them get to know each other slowly, the ones you have now may sense that she is “handicapped” and may be nicer to her. But to Lexi, this will not be a handicap, believe me. My Tre’ lost her right front due to cancer 9 months ago and she’s almost as good as new now. Lexi may have problems with jumping down off things. Balance as well as less strength in the front may make this difficult. We have steps & stools and containers placed around so she can still get down off things without hurting hurself. Other than that, Lexi will amaze you with how well she will get around. Cats don’t worry about things like missing legs, they just get on with life. Please do keep us posted, I love to hear how quickly these wonderful animals adapt to being the special tripods that they are. Hugs from Sonja & Tre’pod.
Is there any way to post pictures of our three legged cats?
That’s a good question. I’m sure it’s possible, but I’m not sure what the best/simplest way to organise that would be.
I’ll do some investigating and get back to you.
I would love Frida and Diego to be my image or maybe just Frida, who is my Tripod. Good question!
Great
I’m thinking a photo of Ella Catticus jumping 8 inches off the ground to catch a bell after just two months recovery would offer some of the readers more comfort post-op 🙂
Very Nice! 🙂
If you want a photo next to your image (like my black cat picture), that’s fairly easy to do. This site uses WordPress, which automatically pulls in profile pictures from a site called http://www.gravatar.com. The profile picture is linked to the email address which you use when you leave a comment. The email address doesn’t get published, but the WordPress software can “see” it and will fetch the correct profile picture to go with it.
If you go to http://www.gravatar.com and follow the instructions to upload a picture, it will appear here next to your comments. It will also appear on any other WordPress sites (and a few other websites) where you leave comments, provided you use the same email address.
I think the idea of sharing photos is a great idea. I’m having a look at possible methods for uploading pictures. You could email them to me and I’ll publish them, but there might be an easier way to do that.
I am replying to see if it worked when I put my Tre’pod’s pic in. Hope so, thanks for the info Lois. Here goes.
Nice photo – hello Tre’pod!
Hopefully here is a photo of my three legged oriental lilac JJ (with his brother Jaspurr, havana oriental)
..as you can see, missing his back right leg hasn’t stopped him from working out how to climb on to the cat tree, along with his favourite toy – a length of gold ribbon!
Hi everyone! Being able to add a picture is very exciting! I hope more people do it:) I am enjoying all of the photos added thus far. Thanks for sharing! Our tripods are amazing! This is my Fitchy. I cannot believe it has already been one year. I hope all of your babies are doing well. Fitchy continues to amaze us everyday. He is approaching 11 yrs old and having only three legs doesn’t stop him. In fact, I wish he would stop jumping on and off counters. etc., but … … I suppose he would only do what he felt he was up to! Anyway, to all newcomers to the site, please continue to use the site for support. It is amazing and truly helped me get through those tough nights. Thanks again guys!
ok we are technically a peg leg but love this site, the compassion and love is just overwhelming..found it when i thought Casper would be a tripod but after two surgeries hes a peg leg but just love you guys and your love of your animals always remember my vet’s comment.. we do this FOR them, not TO them!
Finally, I updated my profile. I hope you can see my Tripod, Frida. It’s been 3 months since her surgery and she is a typical cat. I’m so happy, I made the decision to remove her right hind leg and very fortunate to have this forum to support me. My poor cat wore a collar since she was 5 months old due to a womb that never healed properly. Frida, would always go back to that spot and bite into it. She is now 3 years old and loves her freedom.
Thank you for creating this forum! I couldn’t do it without you all.
What an amazing group of animals are represented here! I’ve looked at the pictures that have been added and they are all so beautiful and quite a diverse group, including our sweet little peg leg. WOW! Please keep adding pictures, it is still so amazing to me how adaptable our babies are. My little Tre’pod amazes and amuses me everyday. I also have 3 more 4-leggers that amaze me everyday as well including my almost 17 year old who just came back from the brink of death just before Christmas to be his old self. In fact, he’s sitting on my lap as I type this. Feeling truly blessed to have all my babies with me.
Hi Everyone,
I first posted a comment back in the beginning of October about my 7 year old Roxie having a toe amputated due to cancer. Unfortunately it has come back. She is to have her right hind leg amputated next Thursday, the 26th. I, like everyone else, is very devastated about the choice I’ve had to make. I am just going through the motions(basically numb)in regards to getting ready for the surgery. I know, that when I see her for the first time to take her home, I’m going to cry my eyes out. I am thankful for all the comments everyone has posted about their cats, as it’s given me time to digest the possibility of leg amuptation. I know no one personally who has a three legged cat. Everyone who knows about this probably think I’m nuts for doing it, including my husband(he is being supportive,even though he knows how much this will cost). Any word of support are welcome. I kinda feel like I’m in a world of my own.
Thanks for listening to me.
Hey Kim, I cried so many tears over my Tre’s amputation that many, including my hubby thought I’d lost my mind. It is a devastating thing to have to go through for both you and your Roxie. But as one of the other ladies here said, you aren’t doing this to her, you are doing it for her. Our cats are our babies and it hurts to see them in pain. By removing the cancer, you’ll be removing the pain. I know it is hard to believe now, but Roxie will do a lot better than you could possibly imagine and she will astound & amaze you with her recovery. She may need help getting up on things so putting things around for steps will help her. Getting down probably won’t be a problem. She’ll have problems with balance for a while but she’ll get the hang of it quickly. She’ll have constipation problems from pain meds so LOTS of extra fluids, tuna juice, chicken or beef stock, water added to food, any way you can get her to intake more fluid will help. And, lots and lots of love and encouragement. Try to keep a positive attitude around her because they are so sensitive to our emotions that if you are sad, she will be too. When I finally figured that out and started being happy and smiling and only having positive vibes around my Tre’ she started to really bounce back. Don’t give to much help, she has to learn, it’s so hard but after the first week or so, let her try to do whatever she can. Tre’ now does most all the same things that she did before, she knows her limits but she is probably more balanced emotionally now than she was before, also more spoiled. Hang in there, it will be fine, you’ll see and your baby will be fine. Please keeps us posted and hugs from Tre’pod & Sonja
love all you people for loving your animals as much as I do all of mine, they are blessed to have such wonderful people in their lives!
Hey Kim, I’m sorry the disease came back. Based on what Sonja said, she hit right on the nail in regards to the recuperation period and “doing it for her.” And YES, please stay positive because Roxie, may come to you for comfort and reassurance.
Well as to my family and friends, they thought I was crazy to love Frida so much, especially trying to save her right hind leg for the past 2 years (financially). My father had no compassion. His comment was “put the cat to sleep, she is suffering!”. Obviously, I ignored him.
I did so much research before making the decision and that I found this site helped me feel secure prior to the surgery. It didn’t take away the emotions, I was experiencing but I didn’t feel alone. For your information, I too didn’t know any one that had a Tripod.
You are a wonderful mom looking out for your baby. You are doing the right thing. Who said the right decision is easy to make, especially this one. The good thing is that you have us if you need a sounding board or a support system. We are your friends.
Please keep me updated on Roxie or if you need some reassurance yourself, continue writing! 🙂
Frida, Diego and myself, Belinda send all love to you and Roxie!
Hi Kim!
Please do not feel alone! We are all here for you! Everyday, when my Fitchy snuggles up to me, I feel so blessed to have gone through with his surgery and to have him by my side. No matter what happens, you will never regret doing everything in your power for your baby, as we all have. Yes, it was expensive, but worth every penny in my book. It will be in yours too, I promise! Good luck! Keep us informed:)
Leah
Yes it is amazing how fast I drained my savings of a few thousand dollars to fix up my free kitten 🙂
But considering the therapy she offers me each day I think I’m ahead of the game!
Sarah and Ella Catticus
Here’s my up date on Roxie: She had her surgery on Thursday, and passed with flying colors. She did so well with it she was sitting up in the front her gage at the Vets office waiting for someone to let her out. This made the staff at the office laugh a little. I brought her home yesterday afternoon(friday). She is hopping around to the point where I have to stop her. I know part of it is she is just trying to get comfortable and when she finally does she rests nicely. Her incision looks great and she is eating well also. She is able to use her temporary kitty box nicely. I think the Ecollar is bothering her more than anything.
The staff at the vets love her and are thrilled with her progress. I’m thrilled I didn’t cry my eyes out when I first saw her. I’m also thrilled it was $400.00-$500.00 less than the estimate.
I will be bring her back to the vets on Monday to have her pain patch replaced, and again in a week or so the have the staples removed. Thanks to everyone for your words of support and comfort. I love this site and the loving parents who take care of their babies. When she is healed more I will share a picture of her.
Thanks,
Kim
P.S. Dear Abby, I hope this website is helpful to you.
WOO HOO for Roxie! She’ll do great, sounds like she is already on her way to finding her new normal. Lots ot love and affection and spoiling and she’ll be 100% before you know it. Keep us posted and if you can get a picture up we’d love to see it. I’m also happy that you weren’t as sad as you thought you’d be when you saw her. I think that we anticipate horrible things and when we see them we are just so relieved that they are alive and okay that a lot of that terrible anticipation just goes away.
Hugs from Sonja & Tre’pod
Hey Kim Congrats!
Way to go Roxie! She is one trooper. Wow! Frida was lying down waiting for me to pick her up. They tried feeding her but she didn’t respond. Once mom arrived at the Vet’s Clinic, she took food from my hands. She was excited that I was there and tried moving towards but it was relatively painful for her. She couldn’t sit up until 2 weeks.
I’m impressed that Roxie was sitting in her cage waiting for you. Sounds like Roxie is going to do be just fine! Thank you for keeping us updated. 🙂
Yippee!!!!!
Belinda, Frida and Diego
Thanks Belinda! She is still doing great! I’m happy to report, she has jumped onto the couch this weekend for some good cat ZZZZZs. She is still opting for some quite out of the way places to sleep on occasion, but also still loves to be around us when she’s in the mood! Off to the vets this afternoon for a new pain patch.
P.S. Roxie looks a little like your Frida, but with a few more pounds and a little bit of caramel color through out the grey, and some awesome copper colored eyes.
Can’t wait to get her collar of so I can post a picture of her!
Hi guys! Our 5-year old cat Aayla just had her hind leg amputated on Thursday this week (1/26)to remove a cancerous tumor. When we initially received the diagnosis a few weeks ago, my wife and I were pretty upset, but luckily, we found this site. I can’t tell you how much comfort it has brought knowing that even though things may be a little rough now, everything is going to be all right. Thanks for sharing your stories!
Hi Brad, This is a source of comfort for all of us who have been right where you are now. My Tre’ had a cancerous tumor on her right front leg which was removed last year March. She is an incredible cat who has adapted very well. Aayla will do great. I’m hoping she’s home by now and starting the recovery process. Steps will help with getting up on things, lots of love and affection and positive vibes will get her well and you will be amazed at the life lessons that these wonderful furry children can teach. Please keep us posted and post a picture when you can (directions for picture posting are farther back in the posts.) Hope all is well and the Aayla is doing well.
Hugs from Sonja & Tre’pod
Great to find this site; currently undergoing adoption of a five month old tortie barn kitten named Cora who lost her front left leg at eight weeks, unknown injury, vet determined blood flow was zero. Met her for the first time the other day and although she was initially nervous her three-leggedness really is not an issue for her at this time. I guess she doesn’t miss what she can barely recall.
If anyone has any experiences relative to a tripod who has always been one, let me know! She will be living with our adult orange tabby male, who is three and rather laid back.
I think that you are going to be doubly blessed for adopting this little fur baby. Since she lost her leg so young, she’ll never know what it’s like to have 4 because I doubt she’ll remember. My Tre’ lost her right front leg last year March at the age of 12 1/2 and she has done amazingly well. We have had to put some steps around to make it easier for her to get down off of things. Our bed is high and the chest under the window is high so there is steps there. Most of the furniture in the living room is okay or there are rugs/padding on the floor to soften the landing. Cora will know her limits. She may try things and decide the end result isn’t worth the effort & quit doing things. But I think that since she is so young, she’s still gonna be the happy, wild kitten that they usually are. Bless you for loving her. After having been through this I would adopt a handicapped cat (they don’t know they are handicapped) in a heart beat. I have 4 babies but I have to say that my little Tre’pod has taught me more about love & adaptability than the other 3 combines. Hugs to you and Cora from Sonja & Tre’pod. Keep up posted.
Hi Deb, I don’t think it would be any different in having a pet that has recently become a Tripod. I know some of the owners here made some adjustments due to their kitties surgery and comfort. I know for Frida, to this day, I keep little steps around the house to make it easier for her to climb/jump up because her hind right leg is removed. Frida doesn’t have a hard time jumping down because she has two front paws to land on, which all cats normally do. I’m not sure what adjustments people have make for a front paw missing. It is important to find out. I know there is some advice on this web site regarding a cat’s front paw being removed. If I find anything, I will forward on this site.
However, when Frida tries to jump up or climb up something, she is a little hesitant. Frida tries to calculate the situation before making the attempt.
Last but not least, You are a very special loving person to adopt Cora. She is one lucky kitten. Thank you for loving her for who she is.
Love Belinda, Frida and Diego.
Hi Deb
My cat Hushpad had her front right leg amputated. She is almost 14 now and is amazing. The going up is fantastic its the coming down. We have a padded footstool that acts as a step from the sofa the floor and we pop a cushion on a wooden chair that she uses to get off the windowledge as she lands but it can be a bit on the wobbly side and will often end up on her front. (Just makes it a bit comfier for her) We call it her slam dunk move! Very handy when you want that human pinning to the sofa while you have a sit on them (slam dunk on that recently eaten dinner and they go nowhere!!)
Hope this helps, other than than she manages wonderfully.
Take care
Jo and Hushpad x