SPECIAL CARE TIPS

•  Initially, provide a step to get onto the bed / sofa until muscle tone and confidence improves.
•  The litter tray may be a problem, but gradually, the cat will relearn and adjust.
•  Washing after using the tray could be difficult at first, requiring help by the owner. However, as balance improves, normal grooming and cleaning will resume.
•  Diet control is important, as being overweight will put extra strain on their remaining legs.
•  For amputee cats that are to be allowed outside, ensure they have quick access to safety if needed.
•  A three-legged cat should not be allowed outside until it has the balance, stamina and ability to get to safety. The cat will need to develop muscles and new levels of coordination. Alternatively, a fully enclosed garden or secure run might be a consideration.

Just like humans, cats can suffer from blindness - in one or both eyes. This could have been from birth, or from other causes such as age-related degeneration of the eyes, illness, injury or untreated eye infections.

While there are certainly some things sight impaired cats may be unable to do, most of the activities that are important to them are still possible with a little thought and understanding from their human companions.

For a blind cat, their other senses are much more important, so be sure to talk to him more, and interact with lots of playtimes and cuddles.

• Furniture and daily essentials such as food, water and litter trays should be kept in the same position, and made easily accessible.

• Choose toys that crinkle or squeak, rather than sight-dependent toys.

• Talk to your blind cat as you approach, to avoid startling him. Approach one-eyed cats from their sighted side.

• Children should be told not to make sudden loud noises near the cat, and also to tidy any toys away, keeping floors clear.

• Blind cats should either live indoors, or alternatively, a fully enclosed garden or secure run would be needed to keep them safe from dangers.

Hypoplasia is a neurological condition resulting from an underdeveloped brain at birth. The part of the brain affected is that which controls balance and coordination, leading to unsteady movement. 

Most Cats with Cerebellar hypoplasia have a general lack of balance, a high stepping / prancing gait and are prone to falling over. Those affected are often referred to as ‘wobbly' kittens / cats.

Help for Cats with Cerebellar Hypoplasia:

• A litter tray with high sides offers more support for balance when toileting (do of course ensure the cat can get in and out ok).

• In cases of messy eaters, feed in an easily cleaned space.

• Use a sturdy water bowl that isn’t easily tipped up, and for some cats, a slightly raised bowl can help.

• Provide easy access to their favorite areas and a ramp covered in carpet, to access high surfaces.

• Cushions and rugs under windowsills make great crash mats!

• A secure, fenced garden or run will be needed if the cat is to go outside.

FeLV, or Feline Leukemia Virus, is a virus that attacks the immune system of a cat. It isn't a form of cancer but is actually a virus that weakens the immune system. Cats with FeLV can live normal, happy lives — they just have a shorter life expectancy than FeLV negative cats

IS FELV Contagious ?

Only to other cats. For this reason it is required that FeLV+ cats are kept indoors only. They can only cohabitate with other FeLV+ cats as it is spread from cat to cat via prolonged, direct contact with an infected cat’s saliva (sharing food bowls, grooming each other, etc.), urine, blood, and from mother cat to kittens during pregnancy. Feline leukemia is species specific, so other animals such as dogs cannot contract the virus. The virus itself is not airborne and dies rapidly in the environment, so you won't have to worry about carrying the virus on clothes when you leave the house or have friends over.