My Tripawd

Hello,
I found a cat abandon outside my house in August (actually my Great Dane found him). He was injured and could not walk. At first we thought he might have been hit by a car. After we got him inside and had a good look at him, we were horrified to learn he had been declaw and one of his paws was completely disfigured and useless. We then brought him to the veterinarian who took some X-rays and broke the news that he was about 6 years old and that this was an old injury he probably had done as a kitten. We named him Binx, and we had to get his right front leg amputated to help him regain mobility. Unfortunately his other front paw being declawed also poses a lot of problems as he can't grip well while he walks. We have 3 other girl cats and 2 dogs and he has fit in and gets along wonderfully with his new siblings. I was hoping other tripawd parents could share anything that might help him. He takes cosequin maximum strength but still struggles. As it gets cold I feel he gets more stiffness and we got a warming pet bed he enjoys laying on. I'd appreciate any feedback or suggestions anyone can offer!

I don't have any advice, but I want to thank you for taking in this poor little fellow. No wonder he didn't like where he was. You're doing the best for him, and I hope he learns to relax in your care.

I adopted a declawed cat many years ago.  She didn't really have any problems with her paws until she got older.  We did like you're doing, Cosequin and heated pet beds/mats.  Do you have carpet in your home?

It's all tile, but every room and hallway has big area rugs.

stephanietx said:

I adopted a declawed cat many years ago.  She didn't really have any problems with her paws until she got older.  We did like you're doing, Cosequin and heated pet beds/mats.  Do you have carpet in your home?

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Is that because it's easier to walk on carpet? Would you say as a cat gets older and gets arthritic that's it's worth putting down a hallway runner for example to help them get around? I would imagine that's the case for a tripawd cat too, give them something to grip on to.
aliekat thank you for rescuing this poor guy. Sounds like he's in for a much happier life now!

It's possible that carpeting, rugs, or a runner would help.  As they age, the coolness from the flooring does affect their paws since that's the point of contact. 

I would think it would add some traction, too.