One would think a 3-legged cat would be easy to catch.....

So, it was a quiet afternoon at work. It was about 10 minutes until we closed and I was the only one there. Well Josh had come by since we were going to go to the grocery store after I got off, but I was the only one working. A couple came to pick up their 2 cats that had been boarding, Rascal and Woody. Got Rascal into the carrier and Woody (who is a 3-legged sweetheart) was in his momma's arms ready to be carried out (they always do this). I helped them out to the car with Rascal's carrier and something must have scared Woody and like that he was out of arms and running!!!

I took off after him and stuck my head in the door and yelled for Josh to come help me. We chased him around the building a couple of times. Poor thing was scared to death, jumping at the windows, trying to get inside or somewhere, anywhere, safe. We have this large ditch that runs behind and beside the clinic. About 6 feet wide. Well of course Woody jumps down into the ditch and to the other side. I run around to the other side (there's a bridge) and tramp through weeds, posion ivy, and God knows what else and have Woody corned. Poor baby was just crying. There's a fence that goes into a residential area that he was sitting right by and trying to get under. Thankfully Josh and I were able to get him as he was trying to climb a tree.

Some of his nails are ripped and his paw pad is torn, but as far as I can tell otherwise he's fine. I had him stay overnight so we can check him out in the morning once he calms down.

I can't remember the last time I ran so fast! Jeesh. What a way to end the day!!

Oh my gosh! Thank goodness he was caught, how traumatic for him. I hope his humans get him a carrier now, for heaven's sake, why didn't he already have one?

I had a purebred Persian as a child who had to have a back leg amputated. She got around very well, almost as well as a cat with four legs. She was amazing. I still miss her and hope some day we'll be reunited when I cross the bridge myself.

Three legs is still one more than we have. As long as a cat can see and run, they'll always have an advantage over a big clumsy human.

I'm glad you caught him!

Maybe your clinic should have a rule that all cats come in carriers. My vet does. Anyway, I am glad you caught him.

It is amazing how well a cat can function on 3 legs

My husband childhood cat who is now 18 or 19 has 3 legs, survived cancer (the leg) has almost died a handful of times, and that cat still chases and catches squirrels, eats em head first, catches birds, chases and bosses their dogs around, he's a tank, I've never seen a 4 legged cat catch half the animals he has or have half the ambition to do so.

I think the missing leg make em lighter so they can move that much faster

Reading this thread I wonder of my QT would have been more comfortable with 3 legs. Six years ago she broke her left back leg from a fall off the roof. Her former vet said it should be amputated but my sister (QT belonged to her then) did not agree. The surgery seemed to be okay but when QT came to me 2 years later I had her leg operated again because the bone was not set properly (or something like that). My vet said she was in extreme pain all those years. Then QT kept on tearing off the stitches so we visited the vet a couple of times again.
Now she is okay but does not run or jump often. Although she does climb to high places.

Awww, I'm just glad the poor little thing was caught and not hurt TOO badly. Oh yes, most kitties with 3 legs do just fine. My Mom's cat, Orbie, has a deformed front leg (from birth) and although she rarely usues it, she zips around faster than ANY of my cats.

I'm glad you were able to catch Woody and get him safely inside. I should think that would scare his owners into getting another carrier!

My best friend when I was a kid had a three-legged cat. He was sweet but feisty! I think that cat lived to be at least 20 years old, too. I'm glad Woody is OK!!! I hope he gets a new carrier out of all of this...

Woody checked out just fine on Saturday morning, though he sure did want to be held and snuggled, . His owner got him a pretty blue carrier and though he was not so thrilled about the carrier, it's certainly better all around!!

It is amazing how well most cats adapt to having three legs. We have several three legged patients and though I've never seen anyone's ability proven as much as Woody's (thank God), they're all amazing!

Woody!!!

Both cats and dogs can adapt very well to the loss of one leg. I know a three legged wonder dog who does amazingly well zipping along minus a front leg.

My Fudge has 3 legs, she had to have her left front leg amputated after a serious break would not heal and all attempts were made to save it, she does absolutely fine and manages to do all the things our other cats can do. I just have to keep a good eye on her as she is more at risk of getting arthiritis. x