Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Smore has been post-op 4.5 months or so now. She has been living in our attached garage but she will be moving to our basement/lower level of the house. She can't have full access to the house because of our dog. I keep hearing cats are resistant to change and can hold grudges. Any suggestions on making the move from one part of the house to another smoother or is it usually just big moves that cause stress?
Tina and Smore
(with the spirit of Pebbles watching from the Rainbow Bridge)
Smore is my tripawd kitty who adopted me one summer evening. She had an injury to her front left leg and had to have her leg removed July 17th. She was only 3 or 4 months old at the time. Now she moves faster than some four legged cats!
Hi Smore's Mom,
I picked up my two cats the same day from the shelter. When I brought them home Eli snuggled and cried in my arms for hours and Mona happily explored and opened every closet door then went to sleep in the middle of my bed. The next day Eli was cautious and somewhat afraid of Mona because she was pounding on his head and Mona continued to open every closet door. They adapted quickly and found their favourite spots.
Smore will happily adapt too. All I can suggest is to move in her favourite chair with her blanket and toys. I'd only be concerned with males who like to spray. Also, put the litter box in the place you expect it to remain so Smore doesn't get confused as to where it is.
This should be fun!
Kerren & Tri-kitty Mona
To add to Mona's great advice, if Smore isn't familiar with the basement at all, I would first put her in there for brief moments. Do something with her she likes dkwn there, especially if it involves her favorite treats. Just make it a fun place...a place she'll want to be in.
Sounds like Smore is doing very well! Good job!!
Hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Most cats don't like sudden change, but it depends on their personality. I have one that thinks moving is an adventure, while Sebastian is a giant wimp.
If possible give her a small cornered off space in the basement at first so that she is not overwhelmed. Let her explore on her own terms. Make it smell as much like her as possible - her blankets, her toys, her food, her litter. Sally's idea for putting her in the room for brief moments is an interesting one too. And I agree with Kerren about the litter box, especially if you have ever had litter box problems.
If you're really worried, you can get a phermone spray called Feliway. It's pricey but a godsend if you have a nervous cat. Sebastian goes from lunatic to somewhat calm & happy pretty fast with that stuff.
However you end up doing it, Smore might react poorly at first but she will definitely adapt!
Jenn & Sebastian
Boy I wish I could help with this one but not having this kind of experience with a kitty I'm pretty useless. My guess though is that a bigger move is more upsetting to a cat than a smaller one like this. I'll bet that Smore will be fine. Take things day by day and see how it goes. And keep us posted so we know how it went.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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