A loss of limb for a pet, and especially a cat may sound like a devastation (especially when it is your favourite out of the bunch). But surprisingly, animals are much more adaptive to changes than humans. Cats with missing legs and amputated legs actually move the same and can go about their normal activities to an extent. But constant care is a must until your pet manages to get to its new movement patterns. So here are some ideas on caring for your pet and help it adjust to its new routine.

Post-Op care

Whether your cat loses its limbs due to an accident or a long term injury, an operation is needed for the limb to be taken off properly. Without a surgical operation the cat will most likely get infections and other health issues. So even after the operation, proper post-op care is essential for your cat to get back on its remaining limbs. Post-op care will consist of making sure that your kitty does not run around too much, that the stitches and operated areas are always clean and that your cat is in a sanitary area. Your vet will let you know what kind of specific activities need to be taken to make sure that there will not be any issues. Usually antibiotics and painkillers are prescribed as well and try to use respite care services assisting you in maintaining the lifestyle if you are leaving the cat alone for a long period of time.

Time spent missing a limb

The first few weeks or months after the operation and following the stitched removal will become painful to watch. Your cat will try his or her regular routines and end up failing miserably. During the time spent while your cat regains his or her balance, you must be prepared with lots of first aid for the cat and Kleenex for yourself. Usually younger cats reset their balancing systems and will have no trouble adjusting to the new ways. But older cats are not so spunky so will most likely require a prosthetic limbs or a wheelchair and check here for disability support.

Losing a forelimb versus a hind limb

Cats use their hind limbs mostly for propulsion and use their forelimbs for catching their fall when they jump. As cats tend to jump around a lot to move and catch their, losing their forelimb would be more damaging than losing a hind limb. If the cat jumps down from a high place, without a fore limb to balance their fall the cat would most likely get injured.

Cats are famous for their balancing skills, and even without limbs a cat would regain their sense of balance and move with the remaining limbs. So if you give your pet the proper care and loving, losing a limb will not hinder them.