While my family is in the process of adopting a new cat who has only one eye, I can’t help but to be absorbed by the news about the two legged cat, Caffery, who lives with a family in the England. Caffery lost his back left leg after being hit by a car several years ago. Then recently the front left leg was diagnosed to have a cancerous tumor. Against the advice from the veterinarian, the family decided to amputate the front left leg instead of euthanizing the cat. The results have been amazing – the cat with only two right legs was up and walking around within a couple of days of the surgery, and appears to be recovering well.
[youtube height=”HEIGHT” width=”WIDTH”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFi-Je8KO7k[/youtube]
Pets can be incredibly resilient. I’ve seen it over and over through my experience volunteering at pet rescue organizations. Pets who have come from extreme neglect, or with disabilities, can bounce back with appropriate medical attention and care.
Dr. Robin Downing, an AAHA veterinarian in Windsor, Colorado, travels around the world and speaks about how to care for disabled pets. Pets with disabilities can live a fulfilling life as long as they are given some additional attention. As he points out, “As people learn how to care for their disabled pets and see everything that pets with disabilities can accomplish, they can begin to realize that the most unusual part of these animals is not their limitations, but rather their abilities.”
It’s easy for us – as people – to notice a pet with a missing limb. However, most pets adapt to just fine and don’t appear to be held back by their situation. For cat’s, their balance may be inhibited some when going using the litter box. Also, they lose some ability to protect themselves if allowed to go outdoors. Otherwise, when it comes to running and jumping they can usually do as well as cats with all fours.
