Living With a Disabled Cat
Deaf, Blind, Three-Legged, and Arthritic Cats can Have a Good Life
Cats can lose a limb, or their sight or hearing, or become arthritic or incontinent. But with a little care, they can still have an excellent quality of life.
With cats living longer, more of them are likely to become disabled at some point than in the past. Concerned owners often consider euthanising these cats. But cats aren’t like people; they don’t fret about the way they used to be, and can adapt to most physical problems…especially if the owner helps a little.
One-Eyed and Blind Cats
Cats which lose an eye have no problem at all. In fact, many are still excellent hunters! Blindness is more difficult, and a cat which goes blind suddenly may be very distressed for a while. It will bump into things, and may mew constantly and lose confidence. Owners can help by confining the cat to one room initially, and showing it where the food bowls and litter tray are. Surprisingly quickly, the cat will adapt to its new situation, and probably want to go into other rooms. It will learn its way around, and may even want to go outside. This requires careful thought, as the outside world holds a number of dangers for blind cats. However, if the cat is used to being outside, it may be kinder to let it continue. One elderly blind cat insisted on going out, and managed well. The neighbours were alerted, and told if the cat appeared lost, to gently carry it to its own garden. After a house move, this particular cat coped well with finding its way round the new house, but had trouble out of doors. In this case the owner made a barricade out of garden trellis, so that the cat had a six foot square run. The trellis was only two feet high, but the cat didn’t know that!
Deaf Cats
Deaf cats are quite happy, and indeed often become more confident. In fact, one owner didn’t realise that her cat had lost its hearing until she realised that it was no longer scared of the vacuum cleaner! However, if a deaf cat goes outside it should be watched for a while, as it will no longer hear traffic or dogs. But it will adjust quite quickly and simply use its other senses more.
Three Legged Cats
Cats which have a leg amputated, or have a paralysed leg, rarely have problems. In the case of a back leg, there will appear to be little difference from before; they will often even climb trees (or the furniture). Loss of a front leg is more trouble, and initially the cat may find it difficult to walk. It will certainly have trouble climbing, and the owner may need to build ramps to anywhere high up – a favourite chair, a bed, or anywhere else where the cat really wants to go. But the cat will cope better with practice.
Arthritic Cats
Modern drugs can alleviate much of the pain of arthritis for cats, as for humans. However, as for cats with a missing limbs, climbing and jumping may be difficult, and ramps or steps will help the cat’s mobility…and its dignity.
Incontinent Cats
Incontinence is more of a problem for the owner than the cat! However, minor adjustments can make life more comfortable for both. If possible, it is best to confine the cat to areas of the house with hard floors, and if the cat goes outside as well, this will not usually be a problem. If the cat and owner both want the cat to have access to furniture such as sofas and the owner’s bed, then suitable covers will usually solve most difficulties – and there are chemicals which mask all but the worst smells. Most loving owners cope well after the initial shock, and consider their cat is worth the extra hassle. Some incontinent cats are prone to bladder infections, so the owner also needs to keep an eye on the cat’s general health.
Overall, most disabilities can be dealt with, and the disabled cat can continue to live a happy life. Only in a very few cases need euthanasia be considered.
Further Reading
