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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We are 4 days into this life change. Would like to know when my tripawd can go up stairs. By accident, he FLEW down but I think going back up will be too much 4 days after surgery. I carried him up in a bag, as not sure how to pick him up with comfort. Any ideas?
Would like to talk to a tripawd cat person on a one on one basis simply because cats are different than dogs. Have tried chat, but seems rate that anyone is there.
kitkatcjb said
...stairs. By accident, he FLEW down...
Which leg is missing? Front-leggers will have a harder time going down, while those missing a rear will have it harder going up.
Regardless, stairs and climbing should be off-limits or moderated at least until all stitches are healed. There are also various exercises you can then do to rebuild strength and liit the chance of injury. Consider downloading Cool Tips for Tripawd Cats or checking out the many tips for tri-kitties while you wait for other feline members to chime in.
And welcome! What's your cat's name? Why the amputation? And how old is he? Clearly more than four days... 
Please keep us posted. Your future forum posts will not require moderation.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
The avatar picture pf Skipper is so darn cute!
The Admin Guy has given you some good links, as well as asking good questions. And yes, stairs, jumping up and down off thing are off limits for now.
Thw links he gave are chock full of insight from kitty members who have been where you are.
Should try and confine him to a small "recovery area" for now where he can't jump up on things or do any running around.
How is Skipper doing as far as potty? Using his litter box?
What kind of pain meds is he on?
We do have some really well informed kitty members who will chime in and give you great first hand advice as well as invaluable tips on how ro deal with recovery.
Keep us posted! We'll help in any way we can!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie 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!
Hi and welcome! Love the avatar, your kitty is so handsome! What is his name? How old is he and what leg did he have surgery on? Would love to hear more about his story.
Huck had his right rear leg removed due to traumatic injury when he was a feral outdoor kitty. Surgery, rehab, and domestication made it about a month before he started using steps, but a lot of them do ok after around 3 weeks. Once the sutures/staples are out we often keep them quiet still until the incision heals and they have a chance to get their bearings on three.
Some do fine after about 2 weeks, but most of us will safely tell you that the first few jaunts up and down are usually well monitored to make sure they don't face plant.
Looking forward to hearing more about your kitty.
Jackie and Huck 
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
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