I have a few questions on this kitten I plan on adopting? He is missing his back paw.?

Question

Okay so I went to an E-Rescue Shelter and there was these three brothers and their mom. The kitten that I fell in love with is Matt. It said on his info card that, accidently he is missing his back left paw. He can still walk and play.

And I played and held him and he is toooo cute. I absolutely love him. Well in this place you have to fill out the registration and that stuff. And they will call you if they let you adopt him (and they are just checking to make sure you don't have a record...)..

My info card was good.

So what I was wondering is how long these rescue places usually take to review them and then get back to you?

And also, will he be able to jump like other cats or not? And is there any more precautions for him I should take?

Also what are the things I need for him in my house? (he is litterbox trained)

And how long before I can get him "fixed"?

(he is about 8 weeks old)

Answer 1

1. how long it takes depends on the rescue. every one of them operates differently, so there's no telling if they take one day or seven. if in doubt, call them up and ask for an update on their review. they certainly won't mind letting you know & it may help show them you're serious about the adoption.

2. yes, he will likely be able to jump just fine, as well as run, play and tumble around like any other kitten. animals do amazingly well when they are missing feet or legs. he may grow to have some issues with it, like eventually have arthritis in that leg/hip, but that is something your vet will be on the lookout for. otherwise, you probably won't be able to tell from his walk that he's even missing a paw.

3. there shouldn't be many precautions you'd need to take with him that you wouldn't do for any other kitten: mostly, kitten-proof the home so he can't get into trouble (cords, cleaning supplies, holes in doors or ducts, make sure he stays inside only)...and keep him in one part of the house for the first few days or so, to give him a chance to get used to new surroundings. houses are awfully big for baby kitties, & he could easily become overwhelmed. so leave him someplace he can acclimate, complete with his litter box, food/water bowls, toys & soft spot to sleep. bathrooms have too many hazards to be safe (toilet lids can slam down on cats, injuring them...they can get into cleaning supplies...etc.) so bedrooms are good for this or even just any area you can seclude him in, like an upstairs.

4. supplies:

• litter box & litter...you might want to ask if you can bring home a bit of the litter from his shelter litter box so you can out it on top of the new litter at your place,

• kitten food...he's had enough knocks against him in life, so don't chintz him on his food - stick with a high quality one,

• food/water bowls...find something shallow & with a wide base. that way he can reach what's inside without having to tip the bowl over. also suggest ceramic or steel - they are easier to clean and don't cause the feline acne that many cats develop from plastic dishes,

• toys...at this age, all the world is a toy, so don't worry about spending big bucks here: paper bags, a shoe box with strategic holes cut in it, ping pong balls (one in the shoe box is great fun), wadded up piece of paper (no ink on it), etc. just don't leave strings out unless you are there. kittens are curious, so may end up eating it or wrapping  it around a paw, both dangerous things.

• vet visit...even if the rescue has their own vet who handles the animals, make an appt for your own vet to look him over. that way you can ensure he is healthy & get his vaccine schedule started. bring a fresh stool sample in at this first visit so they can check for internal parasites.

5. age of neutering all depends on the vet. many vets these days do early spay/neuters, as young as 8 wks as long as the pet is in good health and at least two pounds. some older-school vets insist you wait until they're 5-6 months. when you take him in for the vet check, ask them their protocol, then set up an appt for it. (sometimes it takes several months.) or check with your local shelter - they may have a program or know of low cost clinics which do this for cut rates.

he sounds like a real sweetie. good luck - hope you get him!

Answer 2

It is wonderful that you are adopting a kitten that many others would never consider, since he is not 'perfect'.

All groups have different procedures, but probably less than a week.  Most rescue groups are overwhelmed, and want to provide good homes as quickly as possible.

Depending on the resources of the rescue group, some preliminary vet treatments may be given.  I would take him to a vet, to start his program of booster vaccinations, and make sure no worms or ear mites.  You might ask if he has been treated.  If not, it is no big deal, and easy to treat.  And, you can ask your vet about neutering.  That will be your best source.  As far as testing for feline AIDS and feline leukemia, it is much too early for a reliable test.

Neutering for a male is snip-snip, so it can be done quite young, or it can be delayed for a month or so.

He will be able to move around as a normal kitten, as they can be surprisingly adaptable.

Try and find out what litter he is using, and at least start with the same.  You might want to consider a low entry litter box, not only for his 'handicap', but for his size.  I have provided a link of something to consider, and the link is for illustration purposes only.  The litter pan has a spill guard to prevent scatter, and my 10 week old kitten had no problems getting in and out.

The same goes with the food.  Try and stick with what he is used to, and switch gradually if you so desire.

My one kitten was on special (and expensive) food due to a delicate stomach.  Naturally, when she got a loving and permanent home, no more delicate stomach, and no interest in the expensive food.

Answer 3

Thanks for adopting.

Every single organization is different, give them a call and ask what their process is or check their website.

I have fostered several 3 legged cats and even 3 legged dogs.  My last foster was missing a front let, yet she managed to get to the very tip top of the cat tree where no one else could go.  Cats are not like us, they don't morn the missing leg or think about their life being different, they just work with what nature gve them and they succeed.

A responsible shelter/rescue would be spaying/neutering the cat before they adopt him out, they can be done as early as 6 weeks, most are done at 8 weeks here.  The younger the better, they recover faster and have less complications.  Otherwise, no later than 4 months, males become sexually mature by that age.

When you call the organization to ask what the process is, ask if they can help you select all the right things for your kitty in your home.  Most organizations would be pleased to know you are trying to do what is best and asking for their input.

Answer 4

he can be neutered at 4months old and he will be able to do everything other cats can do he will adapt to his own situation and I think you are a great person for picking him...!!!!

Answer 5

Most places review applications in 2-3 days, but it might take a week or more.  Usually they'll give you some idea of how long to wait for a response.

He can probably jump, but not as high or accurately as other kittens.  Watch how he does to find out; they can sometimes surprise you.  For the time being, make sure he doesn't get outside; and try to keep him from getting to high places he might not be able to get out of.

Cats are traditionally fixed at about 5-6 months old; but more and more vets are doing them earlier, at 4 months or sometimes as young as 12 weeks.  Ask your vet, or check with the shelter to get their recommendations.