Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Well the title says it all. I've never seen anything like this in my life. I am house-sitting for a friend who has a cat and sadly, I don't think I can safely stay there. Aside from being allergic to cats (some are worse than others and this one is bad), Jasper would NOT quit. ALL NIGHT! From the second we got there, the whining, the crying, the barking. This cat is 'dog-friendly' but NOT 'Jasper-friendly'.
Finally that poor cat was able to escape from under the bed (where I kept having to pull Jasper out of). I tried leashing Jasper, but knew I wouldn't be able to leash Jasper all night. But still, cry, whine, bark.
At bed time, the cat out of the room and hiding, I locked Jasper in the bedroom w/me. Ask me how much we slept? Like 3 hours. Jasper paced, whined, was manic.
Even Shelby - who would chase kitties - let it go eventually. Of course Jasper is sleeping/resting now and I have a full day of things to do so more coffee for me.
I feel bad for the cat since she will be alone most of the week (I'll go check on her w/out the dog) but I don't see how we can stay there. I really believed, as did my friend, that Jasper would get it out of her system. It must be something in her breed - cats bring out the worst in her. I've never seen anything like this in my life.
Any ideas? As I make MORE coffee!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Alison,
Sadly I have no words of wisdom to help with Jasper's dislike of cats. I feel bad for you and the night that all 3 of you had with little sleep. All I can say is keep the coffee coming to get through today.
Hugs
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Hi, it sounds like Jasper really wants to "check out" this cat. I've mostly had dogs visit who respond well to "leave it". If the dog doesn't leave cat then the dog's nose gets clawed (by the cat, not me) and then everything ends up peaceful.
It sounds like Jasper is too curious and energetic for this cat. I think the cat would be happiest if you visited and fed and cuddled without Jasper. I have a cat sitter come in once a day in the morning when I'm away and they just love her.
Enjoy your time with the kitty and make sure you wash your hands and don't rub your eyes to control the allergies. When petting my cats I had a friend with allergies pet the cat with a warm, wet washcloth to keep the dander down. My cats especially like this on their cheeks and head (it's like grooming by mama cat).
Kerren
I've got nothing to add either. I've always heard that eventually, with time, dogs and cats can learn to tolerate and sometimes live together. But how much time it would take for Jasper could be a lot.
And to be allergic as well??? Bless your heart. You are truly a good friend!
Pam
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
Nothing to offer here, either, as Murphy hates cats. When he was younger, I kept hoping for an encounter with a feisty old cat like we used to have. Getting his ears boxed soundly would have been the best thing for him. Now we just have the neighbor's cats who run under the fence when they see him. If it is something to chase, Murphy is right on it, which is what landed him here in the first place.
Cats are pretty independent critters, so probably a daily visit without Jasper would be the best solution to your problem.
Kathi and Murphy
Murphy is a five year old Lab/Chessie cross. He was hit by a car on 10/29/12 and became a Tripawd on 11/24/12. On 2/5/13, he had a total hip replacement on his remaining back leg. He has absolutely no idea that he has only three legs!
UPDATE: Murphy lived his life to the fullest, right up until an aggressive bone lesion took him across the Rainbow Bridge on April 9, 2015 and he gained his membership in the April Angels. Run free, my love. You deserve it!
kazann said
Enjoy your time with the kitty and make sure you wash your hands and don't rub your eyes to control the allergies. When petting my cats I had a friend with allergies pet the cat with a warm, wet washcloth to keep the dander down. My cats especially like this on their cheeks and head (it's like grooming by mama cat).
Kerren
Great tip! Thank you!!! Some cats I am fine with - this one, miserable allergies. And I don't own an asthma inhaler anymore! 
Thank you all - it's good to know that the little brat is in good company! Of course she's content napping on my couch right now (I so want to keep waking her up so she knows how it feels) but I'll let her rest.
I know the kitty will be fine ... I was looking forward to a little beach-getaway (yes, I live at the beach but this is a different beach) but honestly, the stress of it all - allergies, chasing the cat, would totally ruin any zen I might have!
I honestly think the cat will probably be MUCH happier alone than having to hide from Jasper. The cat was totally over it - puffy, growling, hissing ... never swiped at Jasper but it was getting ugly under that bed!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
R U kidding? I have the PURRFECT getaway for you and JASPER LILY and MURPHY!!! They can chase cats all day long here at "Drop Your Cats Off At My House You Irresponsible A**h***s Sanctuary For Not Neurtered and Not Spayed Cats"! And they are even allowed to catch them!!!!! 
What Ive found isn0 if a cat "stands his ground" (which can be very risky) and does not take "flight mode",, there is a slight chance that the cat and dog can eventually work things out. Merry Myrtle loves to chase them if one runs, cupircle them, bark at them, etc. If one doesn't run, like Stoner, and just acts like he owns the place and starts rubbing all up against her, then she just ignores them. Stoner is like no other Ive seen.....nothing phrases him...Id love to know what type of weed he is eating around here!!
Yeah, I agree with everyone, ther e is no need to stay 24/7...the will be much happier...and so will you!!
HOWEVER.......just one more trip with Jasper Lily...AND VIDEO!!!! The kitty has to take ine for the team just for one short photo session!!
VIIIIIIDDDDDDEEEEEEEOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Okay.....just kidding about allowing Murph and Jasper to catch the cats
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!
benny55 said
R U kidding? I have the PURRFECT getaway for you and JASPER LILY and MURPHY!!! They can chase cats all day long here at "Drop Your Cats Off At My House You Irresponsible A**h***s Sanctuary For Not Neurtered and Not Spayed Cats"! And they are even allowed to catch them!!!!!
Sally,
I LOVED this...you had me LMAO over here!!!! I think Lucian would have fun chasing kitties but our little menaces don't come out till the dead of the night to poop all over the place. Lucian loves chasing birds out of the yard and he's also chased after the Canadian geese that are flying over head to land in the pond across the road. Believe me that is a hilarious site...thankfully Lucian hasn't run into a tree yet while looking up at the geese.
Thanks for the laugh...I needed it!! 
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Oh lordy, that sounds like a miserable night. They told us Tanner chased cats but I had fallen in love with him before I had even met him so I wanted to give it a shot. Our quietest, sweetest, most loving cat Baby got chased a few times before she went bat shit crazy on him. He has been running from her ever since hehe. I bet the kitty will be just as happy if you just come over and visit for a little bit....cat's don't really need us much anyway, they are kings of their own universe.
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
Thank you cat owners for weighing in! I talked w/the kitty's mom and she said if it's too much (JL not the cat) then just check on the cat and leave some food out so I feel better. I went to check on little kitty earlier today and she was happy to see JUST me! Jasper was in the car and she knew where she was and was bat crazy in the car!!! It's unreal. I almost wish the cat had smacked her but under the bed, I wasn't sure someone wouldn't get seriously injured.
Sally - I'll happily send Jasper out there to take care of the kitties.... she'd LOVE to help you out.
The good thing is that I don't have any desire to own a cat (no offense to the kitties out there but they make me too itchy) and now I can safely say I really cannot have one!
Oh and the neighbor lady who has a million cats ... she's moving but one of her cats brought home a bird in the carport. Good times. I am hoping some other critter removes it before morning!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Alison! Give me that lady's address! I have a big box I want to send her for her move......it'll have plenty of air holes in it!
Sahana, we've got to jave video of Lucian trying to catch the geese...and chase birds too! Glad he hasn't bumped into any trees either! LOL!
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!
NO help here. Not very many cats around this area (and no Sally don't send any) I am too afraid these ones would chase them and the crazy people around here would run my dogs over
I am glad your friend is just letting you check on the kitty
Hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
OK - for Sally .... don't worry, no kitties were hurt in the making of this video: Imagine this going on for about 5 hours ... NON- STOP!
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And you cant' really see the kitty but you can hear her ... she sounds miserable. So no more cat-sitting for us:
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I definitely think the cat will be MUCH happier w/out us around.
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Oh man, I feel for you! Well yeah I agree, the kitty is much happier flying solo this week. As for dogs and cats...well, you just don't know until you try. The first time we put Wyatt Ray together with a kitty he got swatted for being a jerk. And now he would still try to eat one, he didn't learn anything (sorry Jill!).
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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