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Expert: - 1/5/2010


Question
We have an old kitty (18 years almost 19) who is suffering from chronic renal failure. At the time being, she seems somewhat stable yet we do understand the disease is terminal. She has much difficulty walking sometimes, with back legs folding under her. One leg especially is almost useless. So, here is the question:

Do you by chance happen to know who might make carts or wheel chair devices for cats? I seen several on the web for dogs an even ferrets but these devices sized and fitted to cats are difficult to find.  Any suggestions will be appreciated. I realize this question may be shot in the dark but I have to try.  Thanks for any thoughts whatsoever.  God Bless.  Thomas.

BYW, I am an expert here in the Jewelry, Gems and Minerals section. I surely do appreciate yours admonition to PLEASE USE PROPER PRONUNCIATION.  That is a winner. : )

Answer
Ah Thomas,
I am so sorry about this with your kitty. I am afraid by the time you actually got a cart made and sent that she might be gone. For one thing, the cart might freak her out too much and she doesn't need that kind of stress on her at this point.

I have lost two cats (age 19 and one 15 last May) to renal failure and they are very fragile toward the end. I know it's hard to watch her try and walk but just know that she isn't experiencing any pain from it. She might feel clumsy and cry out because she is frustrated but I would worry the she might not even have the upper (front?) body strength to pull herself along.

That being said, there are carts out there for cats. K9-carts was one of the first of their kind and they have carts for every pet.

http://www.k9-carts.com/index.html

I hope that you can find something that suits her for her needs now.
As far as the pronunciation, it is supposed to be punctuation since I get so many questions that are run together without any kind of periods, commas, or structure that sometimes I cannot read or understand them. You must get the same types of questions. Local names for animals is another big one that gets me.

I shall look over your area. I am curious about what people would write to you about in that field.

I hope you do have some time left to enjoy your kitty. I know how hard this is and it's so heartbreaking to lose them. But I always remember that our greatest gift to our pets is the ability to stop the suffering.

Good luck with the cart.

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

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Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

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Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

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Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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