Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Oh my gosh Benny is a sweetie! Those eyes! Thanks for joining. I can't wait to see more photos. Here's a link for adding images to the Forums, let us know if you'd like help.
Have you seen Dr. Elsey's cat litter? You would probably have to order online but it seems well worth it:
Dr. Elsey’s Senior Litter helps prevent bacterial contamination of the genital area because the litter absorbs urine odor and bacteria on contact, traps it inside the silica crystals, and wicks it away from the cat’s body. It won’t stick to the cat’s long hair and there’s no other formula like it.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
jerry said
Oh my gosh Benny is a sweetie! Those eyes! Thanks for joining. I can't wait to see more photos. Here's a link for adding images to the Forums, let us know if you'd like help.Have you seen Dr. Elsey's cat litter? You would probably have to order online but it seems well worth it:
Dr. Elsey’s Senior Litter helps prevent bacterial contamination of the genital area because the litter absorbs urine odor and bacteria on contact, traps it inside the silica crystals, and wicks it away from the cat’s body. It won’t stick to the cat’s long hair and there’s no other formula like it.
I was just about to post asking if anyone else had experience with Dr. Elsey's. Our foster tripawd is 8 months old, hind-leg amp, and is long-haired. The vet appt is Thursday and they may say he can move from the Yesterdays' News litter to a different one. Any experience with this?
I use World's Best Cat Litter (lightly scented with lavender) It is corn based, no odor, clumps hard, flushable, and it does not stick to them. I get my best deals on Chewy.com, and since I started using it the cats like it, it is easy to scoop, and you don't smell cat box.
I never see litter stuck to their paws anymore, and there is absolutely no dust.
I hope this helps.
Jackie and Huck 
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
lmflak said
I was just about to post asking if anyone else had experience with Dr. Elsey's. Our foster tripawd is 8 months old, hind-leg amp, and is long-haired. The vet appt is Thursday and they may say he can move from the Yesterdays' News litter to a different one. Any experience with this?
I haven’t tried either of those cat litters but I have 2 long hair cats and 2 short hair cats. When I used clay litter I noticed it would get stuck to the long hair cats belly’s/feet I decided to try something else as cat litter and a friend had suggested wood stove pellets for litter.(at the time none of my cats where Tripawd but now one of the short hair cats are). It works great, doesn’t stick, it absorbs, doesn’t stink, and I’m actually really happy I switched to stove pellets especially since my senior cat became a Tripawd. (It keeps him and his incision clean because even if his incision is on the pellets the urine goes to the bottom of the litter tray then absorbs from the bottom up leaving enough time for kitty to do his thing before the litter soaks and gets him/his incision wet). Not sure if that makes sense? But I highly recommend it it’s very cheap (where I am a 40lb bag is $7) and very easy to clean.
I am totally loving this litterbox mod tip from Lyla's people:
The litter box situation has still been somewhat of a disaster. Kinda like Goldilocks, one is too short and small and one is too tall. So amazingly enough I have found an awesome replacement at Home Depot in the masonary area for $6. Here is the link just in case anyone else has issues. She is doing quite well with this size and depth. This one measures 27”l x 20”d x 6”h. READ MORE
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I haven't seen it posted yet, so here's my hack: Dollar Tree aluminum roasting pans. They're only about 3" tall to start with, and super easy to fold down the sides more as needed. I have two set up for Binx while he's recovering, one on each end of the kitchen he's confined in, and they're really easy for him to get in and out of. They're a little small for him (he's a big dude), but they'll work for a few weeks while he's healing, and will give me time to figure out what I'm going to do as a permanent solution for his box. And if they get too mangled in the meantime, then they're easy to replace. 😀
Before Molly's front right leg amputation surgery a month ago, I was on this site a lot and reading many helpful tips posted by other tripawd parents. They were incredibly helpful!! Molly's story with the litter box is a little different. Long story short - she preferred her old ways of doing things over new ways that I thought would benefit her. Molly used a top-entry box all her life. When we found she was going to be amputated because of an osteosarcoma on her right front leg, we switched to a regular litter box called Catit Hooded Litter Jumbo box. She liked it - easy to step in and out, roomy, and enclosed. After reading other's suggestion about a low entry litter box to help with post-surgery, I bought So Phresh Open litter box. She hated it. She went in, sat for a minute while staring at her Catit litter box that was placed a few steps away, jumped right out of it, and hopped right in her Catit litter box. I knew right away she didn't like the open litter box. It was probably because the sides were low. I still wanted to search high sides litter box with a lower entry than the Catit box. Seeing another suggestion about Nature's Miracle High Sided Cat litter box, I went to the store and bought it. She tolerated and used this box, but still went to the the Catit box that she was used to. She needed more space to move around since it was bigger. We also kept the same litter that she has used all her life, Precious Cat Ultra litter. We now have two litter boxes for her, one on each level. We keep the litter door open, and she does her business inside her box consistently. Every cat's preference is unique and sometimes you think you are doing something good for them but it's not always what they want. It's all about trial and error 🙂
molmol said
Before Molly's front right leg amputation surgery a month ago, I was on this site a lot and reading many helpful tips posted by other tripawd parents. They were incredibly helpful!! Molly's story with the litter box is a little different.
THIS is so helpful! Thank you so much for sharing the pawesom detail!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Adding Purrkins current litter box setup since it has changed. We all learn as we go here;)
We now have two boxes cut out placed side by side! Purrkins uses one to pee in and one to poop in. Purrkins is a front leg amp, and depending on where his business lands, whether he can adequately cover it or not. If he can't, he hops out and uses the other box.
We added the ramp because Purrkins stands on his back two legs to poop. No idea some cats do this & that has not changed on three. Being a tripawd, he only has the one front leg to balance on the lip (very little lip) of the litter box. The ramp provides a more prominent perch for that front leg to balance on. Purrkins uses the ramp afterward to get out w/o hopping over & out the side of the box after pooping.
We know all this because we have a camera set up to watch the boy's litter box. Purrkins brother (Saxton) has medical issues. We need to know the who, what, and when left a deposit;)
Holly, Purrkins & Saxton
💝💝💝
I bought Dr. Elsey’s Senior cat litter as it is supposed to be anti bacterial and Lucky was neutered at the same time as amputation. He does not like it. I had to add some of his regular litter so he would use the box more readily. He was getting in and walking around, scratching to make a spot then walk around some more over and over. He also likes a deeper box as he is a digger. I can’t wait for his recovery to be done so I can put his regular box back in the room. Our other cats use it too so it is downstairs right now. I like having a box on the main floor for him (we have a split level house - raised ranch) all other cat boxes are downstairs.
Long story short - He doesn’t want his litter changed! Waste of money. I’ll be donating it to our local cat shelter.
Barb, Doug, Lucky, Luna, Aurora, Rascal, Smokey & Ebby
Holly that is so helpful to see, thank you for sharing. I love that you give the boys options for doing their business.
Barb I'm so sorry that Lucky didn't like the new kitty litter. Many cats are so picky about any changes like that. Sounds like Lucky got a workout doing his business 😉
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks, Barb yep Lucky is not alone.
A LOT of cats do not like abrupt litter changes! Was it the crystal type litter? I think it must feel weird to the paws for some.
Both our guys are diggers - see how huge our boxes are. Plus, the litter matt is a must!
We were never asked to change our litter, and honestly, I would have inquired further if we were asked.
As we always say each kitty, is different; no one size fits all: excellent idea paying it forward and donating.
You guys are well on your way to your new normal at record speed.
Hugs & scratches to Lucky.
💝💝💝
My cat walks in, pees, and walk out the side. She doesn't go in far enough so the pee is right outside the entrance. I have puppy pads on the floor, but I can't keep buying them! What should I do?
Amy and Bella
Hi,
Hi Amy, if you would please start a new topic with more details, I would be able to assist you better. Such as,
Is Bella a front or rear leg tripawd? (from the avatar, if current, im guessing a back leg.)
What kind of litter box are you using?
Is the box big enough for Bella to comfortably walk in and turn around comfortably and easily?
Have any modifications been made?
Is it covered or uncovered?
Is the box clean when she goes in?
Assuming this is new since being a tripawd, right?
My cat walks in, pees, and walk out the side.She doesn't go in far enough so the pee is right outside the entrance.
Bella goes in and then pees out the entrance. Do you mean she goes in, her butt hangs out, and then pees? If so- It sounds like the box is not large enough for her.
Start a new topic with the above details, and I'll give you some ideas.
Thanks for posting here, though- It was my reminder I need to update this thread with a new HUGE litter box thats is out for seniors and purrfect for trikitties.
Holly, Purrkins & Saxton in the sky
💝💝💝
OUR newer litter box set up
Shirley K's Senior Cat Litter Box, X-Large
The largest litterbox that used to be made and we always purchased was the Petmate Giant Litter Pan; it was discontinued.
OLD SET UP
We had to find something close in size, and this is what I found the Shirley K's Senior Cat Litter Box, X-Large
It's a Cadillac of litter boxes and massive in size! This box was purrfect for both our boys, and I no longer have to cut and file the boxes down. Purrkins no longer needs the ramp.
It is not cheap, and I would have never considered or imagined a litter box at this price point.
We could not be happier with the quality, size, and ease of use for Purrkins.
Shirley K's Senior Cat Litter Box, X-Large
MEASURE YOUR SPACE TWICE ITS GIANT!!!
Size
| Size | Length | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| One Size | 30 inches | 30 inches | 9 inches |
Details
- Made in the USA.
- X-Large, spacious litter box with a low entry point that makes it easy to move around.
- Ideal for aging kitties, large cats, multiple cats, kittens, or cats with illnesses/injuries.
- Smooth non-porous plastic with a seamless rounded shape is a cinch to clean.
- Pleasantly oversized and stable for those moments when you need a little more space.
Make potty time easier and more convenient with the Shirley K's Senior Cat Litter Box. It's the paw-fect indoor spot for your feline friend to use the restroom due to its low entry point and spaciousness. As the optimal potty spot for older cats, this litter box is also pawfect for large cats, multiple cats, kittens, or cats with illnesses/injuries. Plus, you can clean its smooth, non-porous surfaces with ease!
IT IS THE PURRFECT DESIGN FOR TRIPAWD CATS, LARGE AND AGING, CATS!!
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