Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello all!
We have a Tripaw Cat (ThingyWingy). He lost his front leg 2 years ago after being shot with an airgun when a kitten. Has anyone got any experience of a missing front legged tripawed using a cat flap? is it possible? He is a very determined little blighter, but I need to make a few changes around the house due to a new door being fitted. Any help very much appreciated!
Woody
Hi Woody and ThingyWingy! Welcome!
So, dogs can use a doggie door without issues once they're recovered. It makes sense that a cat would be able to use a cat flap.
But I have to put this out there; as an outdoor cat, TW will be at a disadvantage when it comes to defending himself. Have you ever thought about building a catio? We had a recent discussion about indoor/outdoor Tripawd cats you might want to check out. I totally get it if TW is already an outdoor cat, but just wanted to offer that as a suggestion because lots of folks don't even know catios exist.
Have you had him since the time he was shot (poor guy!) or did you just adopt him?
@Jerry, I think it's interesting you assume the cat flap is for outside access. I always assume a cat flap is interior to give the cat access to their litter box and/or food while denying general access to that room. I have a cat flap in my basement door for that reason.
My Freek was used to a cat flap before he became a '3,5'-legged cat (partially paralyzed frontleg). He's 1,5 month a tripawd now and uses the cat flap. I''ve never precisly observed him using it, but he comes and goes, so I don't think its a real issue for him.
Although, he rather goes out of the front door (no catflap there), and wants his servant to open it for him. But this was also the case when he was fourlegged, purely because of territorial issues. The chance is bigger he crosses the path of the monster of the neighbours when he takes the catflap in the backdoor.
mischief said
@Jerry, I think it's interesting you assume the cat flap is for outside access. I always assume a cat flap is interior to give the cat access to their litter box and/or food while denying general access to that room. I have a cat flap in my basement door for that reason.
Ohhh that's a cat flap too! I didn't even think of that. Can you tell I'm not a cat mom? 
Thanks for your comments everyone. We have had TW since our dog found him abandoned in an old outhouse at about 6 weeks old, with about 2 hours of life left in him!
Re Catios, we have a small concrete yard. I put secure fencing all around it.
I have repeatedly blocked up new escape routes but his latest trick is to scale a 7ft vertical wall!! So I have now built him a purpose made ramp to get out as it is more dangerous trying to keep him in, lol.
The catflap is required because I have built a small lean to against my garage, and I want him to have access to that area. Mark
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