When your cat has to have a leg amputated, suffers paralysis in its hind legs, or goes blind without anything being done to prevent it, it's a truly difficult time. Many doubts and fears arise: if he will be able to have quality of lifeWill he ever get used to his new situation? What will become of him from now on? Will you be able to meet all his special needs?
Worrying about our beloved furry friend is completely normal; in fact, It is a sign of responsibility that everyone who lives with cats should have. The good news is that, with some changes at home, consistency, and veterinary support, A disabled cat can be happy, play, explore, and have a fulfilling life., very similar to that of any other cat.
Therefore, I will explain to you below. how to care for a disabled cat (blind, amputee, paralyzed or with mobility problems) and how to adapt your home to make it safe and peaceful.
Do not change any place
This is one of the most important things to keep in mind, especially for blind or visually impaired cats: their food, their water bowl, their bed, their litter box… Everything always has to be in the same placeThis way, it will be much easier for you to find what you are looking for or need at that moment, based on your memory and the mental map you are creating of the house.
Blind cats orient themselves primarily using their senses of smell, hearing, and touch (whiskers and paw pads), which is why creating a safe and nurturing environment is key. clear and predictable routesAvoid rearranging furniture frequently, don't leave boxes or objects lying around in the way, and make sure the hallways your cat uses daily are clear.
A very useful trick is use different textures So that your cat knows which area it's in: for example, a different rug near the litter box, another in the resting area, and another in the feeding area. This way, even though it can't see, it will be able to recognize each space with its paws.
Try to leave the doors open
Except for the front door, of course. The rest of the doors in the house it is better that they are open so that the cat can go wherever it wants without encountering unexpected barriers. For a blind or paralyzed cat, constantly bumping into closed doors generates frustration, fear, and insecurity.
Of course, it is important that put away all objects that could be dangeroussuch as glass items that could break, cleaning products, or cables that it could chew or get tangled in. You should also:
- Protect stairs, balconies and terraces with nets or barriers to prevent falls from heights.
- Close access to full bathtubs, open toilets, swimming pools or pondsbecause a blind cat could accidentally fall.
- Remove sharp or fragile objects from the areas where your cat spends the most time.
If you have other animals at home, consider placing them a bell on the collar so that the blind cat can locate them better and not be frightened when they suddenly approach.
Put his bed on the floor
If you're like me, and your cat's bed is on tables, shelves, or other tall furniture, when a cat is disabled the ideal is to put it on the groundThis reduces the risk of falls and bumps if you try to jump and misjudge the distance.
If the bed model you have now won't protect your pet from the cold floor, you should know that pet stores have models that do. There are beds with good padding and high sides. They insulate against the cold and allow him to curl up and feel protected. They are somewhat more expensive (one cost me 35 euros, while a rug-like bed with hardly any backrest cost me 10 euros), but they are very, very comfortable, and for a cat with reduced mobility, that comfort makes all the difference.
In every room your cat uses, it is recommended that there be a small “safe haven”A padded bed, cave, or box where no one will disturb him, no noise, no children playing on him, and no other pets interrupting his rest. For a disabled cat, having a place to lie down without fear of someone tripping over him greatly reduces his stress.
Get a sandbox that isn't too tall
In pet stores you will find trays that are more suitable for kittens. These are fine if your cat is small, but if it is medium in size, the ideal is that you look in a bazaar for low and wide plastic traysThe important thing is that it has a very low front edge so that it can be inserted effortlessly.
For cats with paralysis or weakness in their hind legs, it helps a lot to place a non-slip mat under the sandbox so that it does not move and, if possible, some support on the sides (for example, a wall or nearby piece of furniture) so that it can lean against it.
For paraplegic cats that don't have good control of their sphincters, a litter box may not be enough. Many need help urinating and, sometimes, defecating. Your veterinarian or an experienced professional will show you how. “express” the bladder with the handsBy gently pressing on the belly in the correct area. Once you get the hang of it, it only takes one or two minutes each time.
Keep in mind that, since it never empties completely, These cats are at higher risk of urinary tract infectionsTherefore, you should be alert for changes in urine odor, blood, malaise, or fever, and consult your veterinarian if you suspect an infection. In cases of persistent incontinence, special cat diapers can be used, along with a gentle daily cleansing of the genital area to avoid skin irritations.
Use Feliway to help you adjust
When a cat loses a leg, suffers paralysis, or goes blind, it will feel very confused and may even lose its appetite for the first few days. This is completely normal; however, you can help it with products like Feliway, that It is a product made with synthetic pheromones that calm the animal and give them a sense of security in their environment.
In addition to Feliway, the following are essential:
- Don't overprotect him constantlyHelp him when he needs it, but let him explore and learn to move around on his own.
- Keep a stable daily routine of meals, games and rest, since predictability greatly reduces anxiety.
- Always speak to him before touching him, especially if he is blind, so Don't scare him with unexpected caresses.
It is also important brush it and check it regularly (Look for chafing, wounds, inflamed areas, or damp patches), and be vigilant to prevent injury. Hygiene and skin monitoring facilitate early detection of problems and prevent complications. Your presence, your voice, and your affection will be one of your greatest sources of comfort.
Dedicate time to adapted play (toys with bells, feathers that make noise, balls that make noise) so that he can continue to stimulate his other senses and maintain a good quality of mental life.
Do not let it out
Under no circumstances. If he used to go out for a walk, now he won't be able to for obvious reasons: whether he's lame, blind, or paraplegic, The chances of something very serious happening to him are extremely high.It might not detect a car, a dog, a dangerous drop-off, or find its way back.
Even if you have a garden, I recommend putting him on a harness and leash (for cats) to keep him under control and offer him supervised and safe walksThis way you can sunbathe, smell plants and listen to sounds from outside without exposing yourself to dangers such as falls, other animals or the road.
Put an identification collar on him and always have it microchipped It's also essential in case it accidentally escapes. A disabled cat that gets lost has a much harder time surviving on the street and getting back home.
I hope it has been useful to you . And, much encouragementCats are much more resilient than we think and have an enormous capacity for adaptation. With patience, affection, and good organization at home, your cat will most likely end up living a full life, and in time, their disability will cease to be the focus of their life and will simply become another characteristic of their wonderful personality.