Advice needed on cat hit by car

pinksocks

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Feb 21, 2016
Messages
2
Purraise
1
Hello, I would like to know if anyone had tips or advice regarding my cat. Two weeks ago today, he was hit by a car. He's normally indoors but somehow managed to get out of the house. The car was just pulling out of the garage so it wasn't going fast and he managed to run away in time. None of his bones were broken and he didn't have any internal injuries thankfully. He has some cuts on his leg (one quite deep) but they are healing quite well. He has been to the vet several times for check-ups over the past two weeks (partially due to my paranoia in making sure he is doing ok). The problem is, he doesn't want to move much from his little area I have made in the living room. The first week all he wanted was water, a few days ago he has started to take wet food as well and eats it without my help. I put him in the litter tray every few hours and he does his business with my help holding him up. The vet said that it can take up to six months for him to start walking around normally again. My worry is that he doesn't seem to have much energy and doesn't want to move around much. All he does is turn and shuffle around a bit. He does seem quite alert at times and even looks bored, especially when he sees his brother sniffing around. Does anyone have any idea on how I can help him with his recovery?
 

catwoman707

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Dec 16, 2011
Messages
7,689
Purraise
2,263
Location
Vallejo, CA
I'm sorry to hear about your poor baby!

He is sore and traumatized somewhat, an anti-inflammatory/steroid shot would probably be some help, is he using his legs all okay and just limiting his movements?
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #3

pinksocks

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Feb 21, 2016
Messages
2
Purraise
1
He did get a steroid shot the first trip to the vet after he was hit and he was on anti-inflammatory tablets, painkillers and antibiotics the first week. He is actually constantly stretching out his injured legs and the vet told me to massage them every few hours, which I do and he seems to like it. When I put him in the litter tray though, he can't stand on his own without wobbling a lot and falling over. I am also wondering if it is more of a trauma thing. I am not sure what to do with that though other than lots of kisses and hugs!
 

cinqchats

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
Nov 8, 2015
Messages
394
Purraise
62
Maybe he has a slight concussion or injured his inner ear and that's why he's wobbly? I have one who took a car to the face and his depth perception is still a little iffy years later. Give your kitty lots of lovin' and give him some time to recup. 
 

nansiludie

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Mar 14, 2014
Messages
2,171
Purraise
1,213
Could be he's traumitized. Can you keep him in a smaller area, maybe your bedroom, with his litter tray, food, water and his bed?
 

DreamerRose

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 11, 2015
Messages
8,744
Purraise
11,085
Location
Naperville, IL
He's probably still in a lot of pain and movement is difficult. Give him some more time. You've got a good vet who is giving good advice.
 

catwoman707

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Dec 16, 2011
Messages
7,689
Purraise
2,263
Location
Vallejo, CA
 
He did get a steroid shot the first trip to the vet after he was hit and he was on anti-inflammatory tablets, painkillers and antibiotics the first week. He is actually constantly stretching out his injured legs and the vet told me to massage them every few hours, which I do and he seems to like it. When I put him in the litter tray though, he can't stand on his own without wobbling a lot and falling over. I am also wondering if it is more of a trauma thing. I am not sure what to do with that though other than lots of kisses and hugs!
There's really not much you can do aside from massaging and babying at this point.

He may have some trauma to his nerves causing the weakness and instability, so massaging and stretching/bending will keep him from losing muscle which happens fairly fast.

Here is a link you can read about therapy for him, it's pretty important.

http://www.handicappedpets.com/physical-therapy-for-pet-paralysis

Not that he is paralyzed but the same physical therapy for recovery applies.

The trauma and pain, only time can help but with lots of comfort and love and support he will be well again.
 
Last edited:
Top