Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hey TriKitty parents, if you have multiple cats in the family in addition to your Tripawd, I have a question for you:
How did you prepare your four-legged kitties for the homecoming and recovery of your new TriKitty?
Please consider these questions:
- Did you modify your home? Create separate areas for them?
- If you separated the quadpawds, how long did that last?
- How did they react to your new TriKitty?
- What other methods did you try to help everyone adjust?
- Do you those methods helped your TriKitty have a better recovery?
- What would you do differently?
I would love to hear about your experiences in a multi-cat household. Feel free to post here or if you've covered this topic in your TriKitty blog, point me that way and I'll check it out.
Thank you so much!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
•Did you modify your home? Create separate areas for them?
Started using multi cat diffuser weeks before surgery
When I brought Purrkins home before going into our recovery room & while Purrkins was in his carrier I let Saxton smell Purrkins to see Purrkins was home ! HISS
We created a separate space a spare room with a door closed for Purrkins to recover in.
We allowed Saxton in everyday and monitored very closely if it upset or agitated either one of them the visit was over.
• If you separated the quadpawds, how long did that last?
They were separated by the door until Purrkins was clear 14 days but allowed supervised visits whenever Saxton asked by pawing at he door.
We still had a few issues after Purrkins was free it took a good month before things were back to normal for us. We continued the multi cat diffuser and are still using it!!
• How did they react to your new TriKitty?
Saxton was Aggressive & curious at first! That is normal cat behavior in our multi household, They come home smelling differently and with cats that is huge! Purrkins was so doped he did not react but as recovery went on they both would react to each other. Purrkins being defensive and Saxton not knowing who that strange smelling animal is.
Always wipe the recovering kitty down when you get home that helps! A lot of times you need to treat & reintroduce cats as you would normally bringing a new cat home!
• Did those methods help your TriKitty have a better recovery?
Yes I know this helped everyone in the house with the separation & reintroduction slowly & multi-cat diffuser
• What would you do differently?
I would do it the exact same way
Cats and helpful tips on how to reintroduce kitties after surgery!
Aggression Between Cats After a Veterinary Visit
Non-Recognition Aggression in Cats: A Case of Forgotten Identity
Nonrecognition Aggression in Cats
The Do’s and Don’ts of Introducing Cats
UPDATED LINKS 11/10/23
This. Is. PAWESOME! Thank you so much Holly!
We look forward to hearing about others' experiences.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
- Did you modify your home? Create separate areas for them? - Since Tuxedo became a trikitty via trauma, not planned surgery, no special arrangements were made in advance. The entire situation happened in a matter of hours. Nor were any special adjustments made later to try & separate them. Though I did make some special accommodations for Tuxedo to assist in his getting on furniture, etc. Dazzle was there "helping" to fight off the dog which maimed his brother. So he knew Tudexo was gravely injured when it happened.
- If you separated the quadpawds, how long did that last? - No separation was used.
- How did they react to your new TriKitty? - Initially Dazzle was very happy to see Tuxedo. He loved on him and helped groom him. Once the hard plastic cone of shame went on though, things changed. Dazzle would hiss & whack Tuxedo on the head (cone) whenever he got near. Though they were the bop and run type of thing. Dazzle never hung around him for long while the cone was in place. But he was continually watching and every time Tuxedo moved or made any sound he would come in for another try. I really think he was trying to help Tuxedo get the cone off on his own way, because as soon as Tuxedo got out of the cone for good, it was instant peace.
- What other methods did you try to help everyone adjust? - I kept a water pistol near by in case it was needed. Dazzle hates being sprayed with water. Just reaching for the pistol would make Dazzle run. Tuxedo on the other hand just opens his mouth inviting more. Other than that I only watched, though I did make sure to have 2 food bowls, 2 water bowls, 2 litter boxes, etc. Of course, they both shared/emptied one then moved to the other though.
- Do you those methods helped your TriKitty have a better recovery? - Actually, even though most say it is better to isolate the trikitty, I think it was better for Tuxedo to be out with Dazzle. Note that due to post op infection, Tuxedo's recovery was considerably longer than usual. To have been isolated that entire time (~7 weeks) would be cruel in my opinion. Especially considering the only time they had ever been apart was when Tuxedo was being fixed up at the vet following the dog attack.
- What would you do differently? - With respect to the two cats cohabitating, nothing. With respect to Tuxedo's recovery, I would have blocked off the bed so he could not get under it & insisted on a plastic cone of shame from day one instead of one of the softer collars that a very determined cat can easily escape from.
You kitty Moms sure k ow your stuff! PURRKINS AND TUXEDO have traine dyou very well in the ways of CAT!
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!
How did you prepare your four-legged kitties for the homecoming and recovery of your new TriKitty?
Jet became a tripawd about 2 1/2 months before I got him, but I thought I'd chime in anyway.
Did you modify your home? Create separate areas for them?
I set up a spare room for Jet, door closed, and tried to slowly introduce him to Jery.
If you separated the quadpawds, how long did that last?
My plan was for a week, but after a day or so they were so anxious I just went ahead and let Jet out. I don't think it made much difference.
How did they react to your new TriKitty?
Mixed emotions for sure! Jery seemed happy to have a companion, but still very territorial.
What other methods did you try to help everyone adjust?
I separated their food bowl locations (Jery's on the kitchen table, his on the floor), put litterboxes in multiple locations (now they are both in bathtub in guest bathroom), tried to treat them the same, gave them catnip in same area at same time to hopefully get them comfortable with each other.
Do you those methods helped your TriKitty have a better recovery?
I think Jet was mostly recovered from amp when I got him, but I think it helped.
What would you do differently?
If Jet had his amp after I got him, I think I would have kept him in isolation a lot longer.
I'm not sure Jery would have treated Jet any differently if he was a quadpawd. Except for maybe one thing - his tail! His tail moves wildly (I assume because of his missing back leg), and that really seems to get her attention and make her more aggressive towards him.
Holly, that's interesting about possibly having to re-introduce them. I haven't encountered that yet, but I've only taken them for short vet visits. But good to know if it happens in future.
Mommatux, LOL at the cone story - I can definitely picture your other cat trying to swat it off him! Also, Jery hates water spray, but not Jet. Cats are interesting!
Brad
I too am very impressed at the steps taken and conscientious approach to managing your TriKittys' recoveries! You all seem to be so well connected with your kitties and know exactly what they need for harmony in the home. Very impressive folks! Thank you for sharing.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I’ve usually had two or more cats in the house and have never separated them, even when introducing a new cat, so my experience with Mona, my tripawd, may be different than others. Mona, although smaller than my male Eli, tends to bonk Eli on his head if she thinks he’s getting too close. She does not cuddle with him although he would like to snuggle with her. Eli is very tolerant.
Did you modify your home? Create separate areas for them? I put Mona in my office where there is no bed to crawl under. I allowed Eli in the room when he wanted in. He does not like to be excluded and is very curious.
If you separated the quadpawds, how long did that last? There was no official separation. I would let Eli in and out of the room whenever he wanted. I tried keeping Mona in the room for about 1 week but she kept escaping.
How did they react to your new TriKitty? Eli was curious and sniffed her. While she slept he would sit or sleep a couple of feet away from her. My cats always sniff each other's noses when they have been away from each other for awhile.
Did those methods help your TriKitty have a better recovery? Mona wasn’t fussed about having Eli around so it might have felt somewhat “normal”. They both slept with me on a mattress in the room.
What would you do differently? I wouldn’t do anything any differently but I would always consider the cats and their relationship. One thing that has changed since the amputation is that Mona is now more protective of Eli.
Kerren THANK YOU this is pawesome information for people to consider. Mona and Eli are a great pair.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just bumping this up to see if new members would like to offer input.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
- Did you modify your home? Create separate areas for them? Yes, Huckleberry came in as a stray, and is feral. Weather was nice so we quarantined him to a large dog crate for the first few days in our attached garage. He was trapped, neutered, vaccinated, ear tipped, and treated for fleas and parasites all in one day, we kept them separated for about 3 days after the first surgery.
- If you separated the quadpawds, how long did that last? After 3 days of isolation, we moved the whole crate to our sunroom. After another day alone, Huck stayed crated but we let the other 2 in one at a time to introduce them. He and his crate were relocated to the kitchen until the day of his surgery and the three of them slowly got used to each other. Any time he goes to the vet I keep them totally separated until the next day. So far this has stopped any negative behavior.
- How did they react to your new TriKitty? Huckleberry didn't become a TriKitty until about a month after his capture. While he was crated awaiting surgery, Andy and Oscar visited frequently and played paws with each other through the crate bars.
- What other methods did you try to help everyone adjust? After surgery, Huckleberry earned his own bedroom. He remained crated until after staples were removed, but i let the others visit him after the first several days. After staple removal, i slowly let him have freedom in the closed off room and they played footsies under the door. I re- introduced them one at a time for the first time without him crated and they have done well. Huckleberry is still in his own room and does not have free run of the house yet.
- Do you think those methods helped your TriKitty have a better recovery? Oh yes, he adores Andy and Oscar. They have also learned how to befriend him and they are showing him the ropes in his transition to becoming domesticated. Going very slowly through this transition has payed off.
- What would you do differently? I would have taken the bed frame out before we moved him into the bedroom. He has become a lot more social and playful after losing the option to hide under the bed.
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
Online
Just bumping this up. Anyone else have tips to share about preparing your other cats for the new Tripawd in your home?
I am new to this group and going through this now so looking for advice
My tripawd Pollux was formerly an outdoor kitty that I've cared for since he was a kitten born in my backyard. His amputation was the result of a trauma, so no advance planning and now I'm trying to integrate him into my indoor family of three cats.
Poli is recovering well from the surgery but having difficulties adjusting to life with my indoor cats. He is very friendly with me, loves me and wants constant attention but becomes defensive and aggressive when my other cats get too close. However, he is very happy if I bring his siblings (outdoor cats) in to visit with him. I am using Felliway, calming spray and a calming collar which helps with his neuroligical recovery.
Surgery was 11 weeks ago.
Hi c
C Pete said
I am new to this group and going through this now so looking for adviceMy tripawd Pollux was formerly an outdoor kitty that I've cared for since he was a kitten born in my backyard. His amputation was the result of a trauma, so no advance planning and now I'm trying to integrate him into my indoor family of three cats.
Poli is recovering well from the surgery but having difficulties adjusting to life with my indoor cats. He is very friendly with me, loves me and wants constant attention but becomes defensive and aggressive when my other cats get too close. However, he is very happy if I bring his siblings (outdoor cats) in to visit with him. I am using Felliway, calming spray and a calming collar which helps with his neuroligical recovery.
Surgery was 11 weeks ago.
Hi there! Sorry to hear about Pollux. That's a tough transition for everyone!
Please do start a new topic so we can help you better OK? Meanwhile, here's a post we wrote about siblings:
When Can New Tripawd Cats Mix with Other Family Felines?
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