Adopted Kitten with no use of back legs and can't control bowels. Question about bowels.

So I recently adopted a kitten we named Helen about 5 days ago. The original person who was taking care of her was about to put her down because she was disabled and couldn't control her bowels. She said because of her busy schedule she wouldn't have the time to take care of this kitten, so we took her in. She moves quit fast on her front legs and we put diapers on her and constantly change and clean her. She's a pretty happy kitten otherwise. But the question thats been bothering me is the vet said in time she may have trouble with constipation when she grows up. Is there a way to prevent this? Should I start feeding her soft food instead of hard?

Bless you for taking this little girl in and saving her life.  I don't really know the answer to your question but just had to say how wonderful it is that you opened your home and heart to Helen.  I do know that many people believe it is better for cats to eat wet food, rather than kibble so you might feed Helen wet food for that reason alone.   Helen reminds me of another TCS kitty who has no bowel control - you might want to read Reese's thread.  It's very long, but very inspiring and might give you some good ideas along the way.  http://www.thecatsite.com/t/314056/kitten-who-cant-move  

Do you have any photos of Helen?  We'd love to see them!  Oh, and Welcome to TCS! 

Soft food is natural to a ca dry hard kibble is not.  Certainly feeding a good canned food will keep her healthier and help her stoool be soft enough to pass and avoid constipation.  It does nt have to be any fancy expensive food.  Sheba,, Fancy Feast and Friskies Pate foods are just fine.  They have very few carbohydrates in them as long as you stay away from the gravy and chunks varieties.  Also if you are near a Tractor Supply, they have a good grain free Turkey & Giblets canned food that doesn't have any of the usual fillers in it.  It's best not to have too much fish in their diet too.

I don't know if you know about it, but there is a whole industry devoted to handicapped pets.  You will be able to get lots of advice and find special supplies, etc.  They even have little hind end carts for them so they don't get worn spots from dragging their legs around.  Thank you for taking this baby.  The Cat Goddess will most certainly bless you for taking one of her special needs children.

Here is a link to just one of the handicapped pet sites.

http://www.handicappedpets.com/pros-and-cons-of-pet-diapers-and-belly-bands

I am no help, but wanted to thank you for adopting this girl and caring for her.  You might want to check out Anakin the Two-Legged Cat's site.  http://anakintwoleggedcat.blogspot.com/  I know his Meowmy has had some issues with him and his bowel movements.

Another famous kitty is Dot the Spina Bifida cat.  I couldn't find a direct link to her page, but if you Google it, you'll get a lot of information. 

She's very energetic and can't sit still lol.

Yukagirl123 said:

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• yukagirl123
• Jul 26, 2016

She's very energetic and can't sit still lol.

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Awwww what a cutie [emoji]128571[/emoji] so glad you took her in

She is super adorable!  You might also try some exercises with her and maybe even do some water therapy.  That might help.