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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So I just got my newly tripod kitty home for the first day. He is surprisingly energetic, spunky and his typical self. He is getting around way more then I expected him to in the first days. But the cone...the cone...is AWFUL! It's getting caught on everything which must be adding more difficulty on top of learning how to get around with one less leg. It's getting stuck on his litter box and his food dish! So now he is getting food all over himself and then going in the kitty box and getting kitty litter stuck in his fur. Plus he gets pee all over his bottom and the kitty litter sticks to the wetness there too! I was wondering if anyone has any creative ways for me to keep him clean? I'm using baby wipes but he is getting stinky! Soft cat food is pretty strong smelling and urine doesn't smell too hot either. Any advice to freshen my tripod kitty right after surgery would be great!
Hi @lokipoki, welcome! We're so glad you joined, we'll do our bast to help make your kitty's recovery easier. Is his name Loki by any chance? What was the reason for his amputation?
The first week can definitely be a challenge, especially for kitties. They are not the best patients but you know what? They make the best Tripawds! Seriously! Don't tell the Tripawd doggies here I said that, but it's true. They do so well on 3 once the recovery is over, you will be amazed. Hold that thought in your heart as you face these ups and downs over the next couple of days.
So, I'm not a TriKitty parent but I can share some links with you that will help you get started with pointers for the things you've asked about:
- How to deal with the cone of shame
- Litter box woes
- and grooming / keeping him clean
These tips will help. And stay tuned, our TriKitty members will chime in shortly:
Tips for Three-legged Cats During and After Amputation Recovery
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Lokipoki and welcome!
When and where was the surgery? There are a lot of tips and tricks but some of it depends on where the incision is. If he is handleable, you can certainly try a warm damp facecloth wrung out really well first. The litter box may need adjustment. The collar may also. Looking forward to hearing from you with information and pictures 
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
Hi Lokipoki & Welcome
I’m glad to hear things are going well. Is your kitty a front leg amputee or back leg? Was this due to cancer or a accident ?
We used a baby onesie on Purrkins who is a front leg amp and we did not need to use the cone.
I agree with Jackie I would just use a warm wash cloth to get he pee off and clean him up. Purrkins came home pee soaked from the hospital and that is what I used and it did take care of the smell.
Jerry gave you great links please look around and if you have any questions post we can all try to help you thru with what has helped all of us.
Hugs
Holly & Purrkins ❤️
Hi. How are things going with your furbaby?
Rusty "The Bunnyman" adopted us in 2014. Aug/Sept 2017, back left leg amputated (HSA cancer). He remained cancer free over 900 days. Cancer returned as of emergency visit on day 931. 15 days later, he gained his wings 04/18/2020 due to congestive heart failure. He will always watch over his fellow tripawds and their hoomins with Head Scritches and Sand Paper Kisses.
Poki,
I feel your pain! Very recently been there, done that. And yes, the cone can be the worst part of the ordeal.
Cones: I think I've tried them all. It is highly individualistic re: what works best, but I found the VetOne collar to be the most lifestyle friendly because it was very flexible. Your mileage may vary...
Best Selling Cat Recovery Collars & Cones | Pet Meds Today
It may be worth your while to experiment with different brands.
Handicap litter access: I found some "Natures Miracle" cardboard litter boxes at the pet store. I cut them down to size with a carpet knife so the kitty could have easier access..
It doesn't clump well, but this litter will help prevent wound infection:
General messiness: First, maybe just accept the fact your cat will stink and make messes for a few days. Mine had a very annoying habit of just taking a break and laying down IN the litter box AFTER peeing, so I have some experience cleaning up Mt Dew + sprinkles off a cat. I concluded since she didn't mind living like a pig that I wouldn't stress over it too bad. We just cleaned her up a couple of times a day and called it good. She evolved out of being super messy after a few days. A few suggestions/products that might help..
Feeding: just take the cone off and let kitty have at it. Our routine was cone-off, feed, supervise for licking, clean cone, clean kitty once done eating, then reapply cone. Result: happy, clean kitty.
Dog pee pee pads: Handy! Good for lining kennels and putting litter boxes on. Disposable. Went through many of these..
Canvas paint drop cloth: Puts a barrier between stinky kitty and the carpet. Liquid will not penetrate. You can just shake the litter sprinkles out at the end of the day.
BTW, they make wipes specifically for pets. We used the unscented variety, because we thought the cat would be more accepting without the added odor. She seemed to enjoy the twice daily sponge baths since she couldn't lick herself..
Hang in there, and good luck. The cone-thing was a very big frustration for me too, but you might find a brand that will serve you better. They vary quite a bit. Experiment, adapt, and overcome. An Amazon prime membership will serve you well.
If you need encouragement, try reading the "My Cat Raven" thread. That guy did everything wrong, but his stinky cat still turned out ok. You'll get through this too. Hang in there!
Best,
Mark
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