So day 3 since Leven has been home since his amputation. He seems to be coping quite well physically Getting around fairly well, though unsteady and a little unsure of himself at times. Not a great appetite yet and definitely not drinking as much, but I am told this is normal. It seems his biggest problem is dealing with with the changes to his routine. I’m keeping him isolated in a spare bedroom when i’m at work(I have 3 other cats) and he is not a happy camper. lol Every day I have come home I find him burrowed underneath the covers on the air mattress I set up to sleep with him every night. He also doesn’t seem to care for the Yesterday’s News in the litter box that was recommended. Took him into the basement to regular boxes with clay litter and he hopped right in. I carried him down the stairs to the boxes. Am I being too cautious? Or am I right to be concerned about him navigating steps at this point? ( they are not carpeted) Overall he doesn’the appear to be in any pain, and often lays on the affected side.
Along with Levoon being stressed and trying to deal with these new changes, my other cats are having to try to adjust as well. One (Molly 12yr old female) is pretty indifferent to the whole situation and seems totally unaffected. My other female cat (Sabbath, 7yrs old and Levons favorite playmate) is a bit apprehensive and will growl for a second occasionally, but then just wanders away and goes about her business. The real problem is Cliff, my 3yr old male, who is by far the smallest of the four at 8lbs but is the undeniable ruler of the roost. He starts growling and hissing and will carry on once he starts even when he’s no longer in the same room with Levon. And anyone who comes near him may be subject to a couple swats (including me). I know part of it is jealousy because he is not getting quite as much attention since this happened. But he is a bully when the mood strikes him and everyone has been subjected to to being antagonized, even Levons who is over twice his size at 19lbs. I know it has been a very short amount of time since this all happened, but I can’t help but think how things are going to play out when Levon no longer needs to be isolated and has to deal with Cliff again.
My cat Mona didn’t like Yesterday’s News either. You aren’t being too cautious carrying your cat downstairs. I think it’s best they don’t do stairs until after the stitches are out. Perhaps you can use the regular litter in the spare room for convenience.
I didn’t have any troubles between my cats. Eli was protective of Mona who had the amputation. Of course he was curious as to what was happening in the room where she was recovering and had to come in to hang out with her. I’m sure it will work out in time but others who’ve had hissy cats will probably let you know how they managed.
Kerren and Tripawd Kitty Mona
I did put regular litter in his box upstairs. No stitches to come out though, they’re all internal. But since yesterday he has randomly started growling here and there. Today was a little worse, lasted about 30min and I could tell he just couldn’t get comfortable but he’s resting now. I worry about his pain. Hasn’t really been eating or drinking much but his respiration are in normal range. Tried to get on a forum yesterday but was a little confusing. lol Gonna try again…
My goodness, you have your hands full!! 🙂 What a feisty pack! 🙂
Yeah, being cautious is a plus during the recovery period. You’re doing an excellent job!
The paxk will work through this recovery stuff in their own way. Everything will be back to normal soon!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
I am also new to tripawds. The compassion I have received here is like none other. I haven’t had time to make my blog in here, but “feral amputee to be” is where I share my experience, seek help, and totally relate with people who have experienced the same, and even more intense of experiences. I am so fortunate now to be able to say that my little guy did not have cancer. He was a feral kitty that started adopting us when he was about nine months old, give or take. About a year after we fed him when he came, gave him shelter and a bed (outside) in the bad weather, he would never allow us to get too close, as hard as we tried. He disappeared for almost a month. We had plans on trap, neuter, release, then continue to care for him. Wasn’t in the cards for us. Longest story short(er) he was in a bad way. Trapped him, doc that neutered him didn’t look at his leg like i asked, it was broken in two, just below the pelvis. Amputation was the only viable option. He’s about 3 weeks post surgery now and doing well.
From this side of the grass… make sure you have good pain prevention, insist upon it for at least 2 weeks. Carrying him up and down for now is awesome! Let him heal, don’t make him do too much for at least a few weeks. Separate him from his pride for a little while now, and any time he goes to the vet. The funky smells from the animal hospital can create unnecessary tension. Every time I take Huck in, I isolate him for the rest of the day. Even without an amputation the different smells can put them off and make enemies out of friends, i have lived this first hand. Make sure he eats, drinks, can use his litter box, and rests. Mine has been crated, would not wear an e- collar (feral). He has his own room, and his company has been monitored and limited sometimes. One day at a time, you will see a lot of progress in the next few weeks. I know I’m long winded (sorry) I wish you well and would be happy to help in any way that i can.
Jackie, David, and Prince bad boy Huckleberry
thanks for the comment. I did read Huckleberrys story in the forum. Levon is definitely experiencing some pain as he only received a shot that lasted for 3 days and that means he’s had no pain controlled for last 2 days. calling the doc tomorrow so something is ready on my way home from work. I also liked hearing about the gabapentin to help with the nerve pain. As this whole situation happened so suddenly I had no time to do any research and am learning on the fly. I definitely am armed with some info now.