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Tuesday, July 12, 2011

White Wednesday features TLC for the Three Legged Cat

All about living with a 3 legged cat. Three Legged Cat...TLC


I found this article written by the owner of Bubba, a 3 legged cat to be very positive. If you are presently making the decision whether to adopt a 3 legged cat or TLC as they are fondly referred to, please read this article.



The role of the owner
Even though a cat's adaptation to a life on three legs will depend on the cat's personality, it is clear that it can be a very negative period in the cat's life. The pain and fear associated with many of the situations leading to limb loss can traumatise and distress the cat and it may become less adaptable. It is important for owners to help their cats to cope with their new situation.
Buba faced a number of practical problems following the amputation but his owner's support made a huge difference to his recovery. Jumping on to favourite furniture was difficult and he was inclined to give up. To aid him, Buba's owner moved pieces of furniture closer together enabling Buba to move from one to another. As his confidence and ability increased, so the furniture was moved apart until eventually it was returned to its normal location and Buba was able to go wherever he wanted. His owner initially gave him a step on to the bed and then encouraged him to pull himself up. Once he could do this, his confidence soared as his muscle tone improved.
The litter tray was another problem. Despite the removal of its cover and the provision of a step, Buba was reluctant to use it, but his owner perservered in putting him on the tray. By encouraging him, initially by helping him to cover and dig and ensuring that the litter was kept clean, Buba gradually relearned the habit. Cleaning himself after using the tray was initially difficult. His owner cleaned his bottom with damp cotton wool which stimulated Buba to try grooming himself. Once he had re-discovered his balance and didn't fall over while trying to turn around to wash, normal grooming and cleaning habits were re-established.
Buba's compulsion to over-eat was overcome by his owner distracting him with play when he entered the kitchen in search of food. Soon his natural desire to play overwhelmed his compulsion to eat.
A three-legged cat's body weight should be controlled subtly as the cat is in a delicate psychological state which may be aggravated by frustration caused by food removal. Low-calorie food should be offered and the amount of food provided slowly reduced. If the cat feeds many times a day, it is better to reduce the amount of food given each time, than to suddenly cut out feeding times.
In summary, the role of the owner during the adaptation of cats to a life on three (or two) legs is particularly important when the cat has lost adaptability. In these situations, cats may be unable to cope with the difficulties they encounter and may give up. Owners can motivate cats and help them re-learn, reshaping behaviours to help the cat adapt to his new condition. Adjustments and positive reinforcement will accelerate the process of adaptation to enable the cat to have a full and enjoyable life.



must show you this...I do brake for photo opps.
Beauty at its' best
(deer and fawn)
hugs, Deb

6 comments:

  1. That was a great article about TLC's. I think Custer looks like a sweetie!

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  2. We had a three-legged cat living at our vet clinic,he had been hit by a car and his owner wanted him euthanized.
    Doc got the owner to surrender him and he became our clinic cat.
    Willie was one of the sweetest cats I have ever known, it's as if he knew he had been given a second chance and he greeted patients and owners alike at the front door.
    I so hope that Custer finds his forever home, he looks like a sweet, sweet gentleman.
    ~Jo

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  3. Custer looks super-soft and sweet! I hope he finds a wonderful home soon!

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  4. We adopted our Jonah, a silver Persian, after he had had a rear leg removedat age 15. He was a fresh amputee when we brought him home, stitches still in place. He never let the missing leg bother him. The only thing we did is be sure all of his routes throughout the house were carpeted so as to reduce strain on the hip socket and knee (avoid sliding). He had the most marvelous personality. We chose him for who he was rather than how many legs he had. We now have Ginny (missing front leg) and Harry ( missing lower rear leg and foot). Again, we chose them for their vibrant and loving personalities. Wish we lived closer! Custer would fit right in.

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  5. I hope the sweety finds a loving home soon. Just look at the gorgeous face. The photo you stopped for is lovely and worth stopping for.. Hugs GJ xx

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  6. Love those tripods! Alex adapted to his amputation very quickly and does just fine. I would encourage anyone to adopt a tripod kitty. :)

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