Adopting a Special Needs Cat
Adopting a Special Needs Cat
As a primarily medical and special needs focused rescue, we of course feel that our cats are as worthy of love and family as any other pet! But we realize that it may seem daunting; so we’ve put together some tips, drawing on our experience with some of our favorite fosters. Every special needs cat is different, but there are a lot of similarities too.
1. Routine. This is the most important part! Anything is doable once it becomes a habit as intrinsic to your day as brushing your teeth, hitting the gym, or curling up on a couch with a book… or a remote. Figuring out how to do everything may take a bit of work in the beginning, but makes everything easier in the long run. Does your cat need an insulin shot twice a day? Give it at meal time — you will be less likely to forget, and the cat will definitely look forward to getting his medicine instead of hiding! Does your cat need help using the bathroom? Put him on a regular meal schedule, and the bathroom schedule will follow!
2. Right tools. Emphasis on “right” — that is, things that will benefit the cat and will make her life easier and more enjoyable, not necessarily the fanciest or the newest gadgets. Many new owners of paraplegic cats look at pet wheelchairs; but more often than not, cats reject the wheelchair and get around just fine by scooting. So instead of a chair, a drag bag is often a better (and much cheaper) option — it will protect their legs and hind end from injury and won’t impede the movement. Hey, you can even get one that looks like a mermaid tail!
3. Decide what’s important. How do you see yourself spending time with your cat? Do you want them to sleep with you or in their own area? Are they safe unsupervised? For example, if a cat has urinary incontinence, diapers are a great option, but to prevent urine scald they will also need some undiapered time (at least 8 hours a day). So some folks will create a small space (large crate or a bathroom) with washable pads or towels for the cat to be safely diaper-free and not ruining your rugs. They can hang there while you at work or at night — depending on your priorities. Many CH cats have little balance and even less sense, so an X-pen or a crate would be a good choice for them, especially in homes with stairs.
4. Get out of your own way! Cats with special needs do not know they are different and are not suffering. They don’t jealously watch your able-bodied cat having zoomies. They are not self-conscious about falling over for the tenth time. So don’t feel sorry for them! Meet them where they are, and help them to do things they need to do.
Everyone who ever loved a special needs animal will tell you that that little bit of extra effort you put in their care is so worth it — animals understand love and return it tenfold. They know they are lucky to have you! And to all our special needs babies, we can confidently say that we are lucky to have them.