Ally is injured! Need prayers!

lawguy · Mar 1, 2009

Is there anyways you can do something on the staircase for the time being? Put a screen on it, or cuts or carpet on the edges to prevent her from slipping?

I'm going to close it all off to her with chicken wire and PVC pipe until I and Ally are out of here.

It wasn't the staircase this time though. The house is divided into two sections upstairs. Connecting those sections is a bridge that goes over the living room. The bridge has a wood rail.

My mother had just gotten back from a business related trip and left her suitcase against the side of the bridge with the rail. Ally must have climbed up the suitcase and then hopped on the rail and walked along it only to slip and fall all the way down.

How's that for bad luck combined with bad timing and irresponsibility?

My poor little girl. Something tells me if she makes a full recovery, she's going to have a healthy fear of heights (I can only hope, but to be safe I'm not planning on living anywhere with a second story).

zoeysmom · Mar 1, 2009

Originally Posted by LawGuy

My poor little girl. Something tells me if she makes a full recovery, she's going to have a healthy fear of heights (I can only hope, but to be safe I'm not planning on living anywhere with a second story).

To be fair to multi-story houses, most of them that I've seen don't have bridges, open staircases, or 20 foot drops. An enclosed staircase or a regular staircase with fewer than 10 stairs and a railing with spindles spaced reasonably apart would probably be OK. It just doesn't sound like your current house is cat-friendly, given their tendency to climb to the highest point possible. It really is admirable that you will be taking Ally's needs into concern when looking for future accomodations.

I'm glad to hear she is OK and hope that she makes a full recovery. I'd take her to the specialist on Monday regardless, or at least the regular vet and ask that they take those neck x-rays (even if they have to sedate her). By the sounds of it, there is something wrong with her neck and it would be useful to know what it is, so that you can help her heal better.

Poor Ally. I wouldn't count on that fear of heights....cats seem to be a like children...they have short memories at times!

kittieshasme · Mar 1, 2009

Not again! Poor Ally. I agree that it would be best to take her to the
neurologist and for more x-rays of her neck and head.

Blocking her access to the railings would be wise if you can. I don't know the layout of your home so it may not be feasible. The lock on your door is a good idea, too. Your family doesn't seem very cat savvy at all.

My parents are the same way. If one of my pets gets sick or injured they always point out that it's cheaper to put them down. They do not and can not understand the bond pet owners have with their pets. I try to ignore them and go on. Sometimes that's the best way to handle family.

for Ally's recovery.

yosemite · Mar 1, 2009

Originally Posted by LawGuy

I have Ally.

Linda (TCS member and moderator "Yosemite"),

Unfortunately, it is tough to not take that kind of advice the wrong way and to not be somewhat offended.

I agree with you about my family - but it seemed like you are inferring that either I am a bad pet owner, or am incapable of taking care of Ally or another cat? Am I wrong and misread that?

I disagree with that. What I am - is stuck in a bad situation right now where I am living at home until I move out in a few months. I will agree that getting a second cat while still here is a bad idea. However, I don't think I'm a bad pet owner and I think one would be hard pressed to find somebody who cares more about their pets than me.

Once I'm out of this house however, and have 100% control over the environment of my pets, I don't anticipate having to deal with this type of issue again.

In the meantime, I've taken action to see to it that my family cannot jeopardize Ally's well-being anymore. If they want to play with Ally, they will have to do so under my supervision.

It's sad that it has had to come to this - but I can't change reality.

I didn't say YOU were a bad pet owner. I just said I have concerns for Ally being around your family because they obviously do not care for her as much as you do. I'm glad you are going to be moving soon and that in the meantime you are doing what you need to do to keep her safe.

Unfortunately for Ally, the damage may already be done to the poor wee thing. I'll pray with the rest of our members for Ally to fully recover.

ut0pia · Mar 1, 2009

After you described your house, it does sound like it's not very cat friendly. I was thinking there may be some kind of neurological problem with Ally if she throws herself from 20 ft heights...But it sounds like she most likely slipped on accident. About your family- mine is the same way. They do respect the fact that Jake makes me happy and if something happens to Jake I will be totally upset and depressed, so they do try to keep him healthy, but they just don't know much about cats, and never care to learn anything even if I try to tell them. I just had to explain to my dad not to give him chocolate, he wanted to. And they definitely would want him put to sleep if he has a major health problem because they don't think cats are worth that much money. I would never be able to keep my mouth shut if they told me in my face to put my cat put to sleep, so I admire you for that! There is really no point in unnecessary conflicts..

addiebee · Mar 1, 2009

Sigh.... that comment about putting Ally to sleep upsets me. Your folks have an elderly dog, right? Obviously that dog has been well cared for otherwise it would not have lived that long. Would they not go to the ends of the earth to save that dog if it got really sick and WAS fixable with some quality of life? Some people think dogs are valuable creatures, whereas cats are not. I have a feeling that is the situation in your home. And you are not going to change their minds.

I applaud your restraint with them; they apparently are clueless in some respects. And do whatever YOU feel is right to do the best for your little girl.

((((HUGS))))) for you, and ****KISSES***** for Ally!

lawguy · Mar 1, 2009

Would they not go to the ends of the earth to save that dog if it got really sick and WAS fixable with some quality of life? Some people think dogs are valuable creatures, whereas cats are not. I have a feeling that is the situation in your home.

Nope. I've had to push hard over the years to make sure my dog got the care he deserved.

Just the other day my brother suggested that it might be time to put the dog down. I asked why and his response was, "Well, he can't see or hear very well." To which I asked, "Do you think he wants to die? Do you not see him still loving affection and his time here?"

Unfortunately, my family is not pet friendly as you've gathered.

darlili · Mar 1, 2009

I've seen houses with those bridges and great-looking, if somewhat perilous, stair cases on some of the high end parade of homes they've had in my area. People are always saying the houses look wonderful, but don't seem designed for people with young children, senior family members, or pets. However, I live in a two bedroom, one story condo, and I can't tell you how often I've had my heart in my mouth since one of the cats jumped onto the refrigerator, the top of the china cabinet, or the fireplace mantel. And, Dewey, the library cat in the popular book, apparently loved going for walks on the library's overhead lights - talk about accidents waiting to happen. And they're all adults, so supposedly more experienced - I'd guess Ally was just stretching her growing muscles in just the wrong place.

Continued prayers and best wishes for both of you, and please keep us updated.

addiebee · Mar 1, 2009

Originally Posted by LawGuy

Nope. I've had to push hard over the years to make sure my dog got the care he deserved.

Just the other day my brother suggested that it might be time to put the dog down. I asked why and his response was, "Well, he can't see or hear very well." To which I asked, "Do you think he wants to die? Do you not see him still loving affection and his time here?"

Unfortunately, my family is not pet friendly as you've gathered.

Okey dokey. No pets for LawGuy's family going forward.

kscatlady · Mar 1, 2009

Originally Posted by LawGuy

Nope. I've had to push hard over the years to make sure my dog got the care he deserved.

Just the other day my brother suggested that it might be time to put the dog down. I asked why and his response was, "Well, he can't see or hear very well." To which I asked, "Do you think he wants to die? Do you not see him still loving affection and his time here?"

Unfortunately, my family is not pet friendly as you've gathered.

Maybe you should take to dog with you too!

ms cat love · Mar 1, 2009

I just found this thread and had to share something about what i see my cat do.. Cat are curious,thats for sure

I have one cat tigger who will jump out my bedroom window on the second floor.. onto the porch roof.. which is 6 ft. away..then jump onto a big tree and go up and jump onto the roof of the house.. He loves it up there .. Always comes back down the tree and jumps to the ground uninjured.. Of course i have 12 other cats that have there own thing too with high places.. Hope your kitty will be ok..

lawguy · Mar 1, 2009

Maybe you should take to dog with you too!

If it weren't for the fact that I think at this point in his life, such a drastic change would be the end of him - I absolutely would.

If my apt complex a few years ago didn't have a rule against dogs, he would have been living with me down in Miami.

Ms. Cat Love - you obviously have a very coordinated and lucky cat there. I hope she stays well and doesn't get hurt. Seeing Ally like this is very upsetting and stressing. I hope nobody has to go through this with their cat, although I'm sure many of you have dealt with moderate to severe cat injuries.

zoeysmom · Mar 1, 2009

How is Ally doing tonight?

mrblanche · Mar 1, 2009

Originally Posted by LawGuy

I hope nobody has to go through this with their cat, although I'm sure many of you have dealt with moderate to severe cat injuries.

The worst I've seen is our family cat get hit by a car right in front of our house, while I was out in the yard. She made it into the yard before she collapsed, but she was obviously seriously injured and died about 15 minutes later.

Turned me into a believer in indoor cats!

farleyv · Mar 2, 2009

Maybe having a cat in hour household is not a good idea. If you have to lock doors to keep your animal safe, perhaps you need to reconsider. It seems that she has quite a few accidents. Cats are usually very sure footed. I hope she recovers and maybe you will put her welfare first and find her a safe place to live.

zoeysmom · Mar 2, 2009

Originally Posted by farleyv

Maybe having a cat in hour household is not a good idea. If you have to lock doors to keep your animal safe, perhaps you need to reconsider. It seems that she has quite a few accidents. Cats are usually very sure footed. I hope she recovers and maybe you will put her welfare first and find her a safe place to live.

The OP has already stated that he is moving out of his family's house soon permenantly. When he decided that his family was not respecting Ally's safety, he decided to keep her in his room instead of letting her have roam of the house. His family, against his wishes, took Ally out of his room, at which point she got injured. That is why he has added the lock on his door for the time being. He recognizes that, even without his family, his house is not safe for cats - and has stated that his future accommodations will be more safe for her.

Also, from my understanding, the OP rescued this cat. He did not go searching for a cat while he was living in this situation. She was in bad condition and he nursed her back to health, coming here. I think the OP should be comended for his care of Ally, not criticized. Accidents can happen to anyone, even folks to take all measures possible to keep their pets safe.

I hope Ally is doing well this morning and on her way for a check-up at the vet's! I also hope you got a good night sleep tonight!

lovemykitty3 · Mar 2, 2009

Poor Ally. I hope she gets better fast!! 2nd stories can be dangerous. I have a very small ledge on the top of my 2nd floor staircase that drops down 20+ feet to a ceramic tile floor. After I found him jumping up there to sit (and sometimes almost slipping!) I taped up a long sheet from the floor to the ceiling to block him. It looks awful, but it works and now I don't have to worry about him falling. I hope she turns out to be fine and feels better

addiebee · Mar 2, 2009

Originally Posted by zoeysmom

The OP has already stated that he is moving out of his family's house soon permenantly. When he decided that his family was not respecting Ally's safety, he decided to keep her in his room instead of letting her have roam of the house. His family, against his wishes, took Ally out of his room, at which point she got injured. That is why he has added the lock on his door for the time being. He recognizes that, even without his family, his house is not safe for cats - and has stated that his future accommodations will be more safe for her.

Also, from my understanding, the OP rescued this cat. He did not go searching for a cat while he was living in this situation. She was in bad condition and he nursed her back to health, coming here. I think the OP should be comended for his care of Ally, not criticized. Accidents can happen to anyone, even folks to take all measures possible to keep their pets safe.

I hope Ally is doing well this morning and on her way for a check-up at the vet's! I also hope you got a good night sleep tonight!

Very well said, ZM!

kittieshasme · Mar 2, 2009

How is Ally today? Did the specialist see her?

More healing vibes coming her way

ms cat love · Mar 2, 2009

I know how hard it is to see a cat in distress.. One of my cats well 2 of my cats maybe 4 were hit by cars and lived.. One cat was hit twice.. Of course a few were hit that didnt make it

Ally is injured! Need prayers!

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