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Introducing Myself Officially

Gryphoak

Savannah Super Cat
Oak is indeed very special to us. He got osteosarcoma of his spine at age 6 and lost use of his legs very quickly. He had surgery to remove most of the tumor and parts of two vertebrae emergently when he was diagnosed, then had a month of radiation treatment at Michigan State University Veterinary Cancer Center and a year of chemo at home with us. He has survived longer than any other cat with this cancer and is now a pain-free, active, bundle of joyful purr who greets me at the door and sleeps at my feet. He has lost the ability to walk and control his urine but he gets around fine and has no idea he is disabled. He is the dominant one of the three and actually has helped keep F1 Calyx humble by putting him in his place when he gets out of hand. He and Gryphon were rescued from the same litter of strays and we wanted them to be together as long as possible. They are enjoying their new little brother but both still need to keep him in line on occasion.
 

Patti

Admin
Staff member
We used to use pet diapers but they cost us over $5 a day so we started a hunt for the perfect style and size of baby diaper for him. We settled on Huggies Little Snugglers sz 2! Hubby cuts out the tail holes in each one and tapes the edges with soft fabric tape to seal the adsorbent stuff and prevent leaks. The key is to get the diaper over both hips and attach the tabs backwards and VERY tightly. We have started using diaper covers as you can see in the photos. They are leak proof and add some extra protection especially when he is on our furniture and bed. We have trained my mom, hubby's sister, 2 catsitters and the staff at the Cat Hotel near our area to change his diapers and all are doing a great job!
Yes but how do you keep Oakley from taking the diapers off?? That is the problem I have...
 

Gryphoak

Savannah Super Cat
Yes but how do you keep Oakley from taking the diapers off?? That is the problem I have...


The only time he has gotten them off is when they are either not fully over both hips or when the tabs are too loose. Once in a while he gets wedged between stairs or objects and they pull off. Or maybe he is easygoing and does not try to pull them off? I have seen suspenders for pet diapers. Maybe that would help for a more persistent cat.
 

Brigitte Cowell

Moderator
Staff member
Maybe having no feeling in legs and lower body means that the diapers don't annoy him so much? He's not really feeling them to be irritated by the sensation? Or else, as you say, he's just too easygoing to make a fuss...whatever it is, it obviously helps greatly not to have to fight to keep them on!
 

Gryphoak

Savannah Super Cat
Maybe having no feeling in legs and lower body means that the diapers don't annoy him so much? He's not really feeling them to be irritated by the sensation? Or else, as you say, he's just too easygoing to make a fuss...whatever it is, it obviously helps greatly not to have to fight to keep them on!


He has sensation in his bum and legs, just not much motor strength. Even though some of the nerves have probably regenerated by now, he has been deconditioned for so long that his strength will never be enough to actually walk again. I have put diapers on Gryphon for travel (he freaks out and elminates in the car) and they seem to stay on him too. But I do find they need different brands and sizes of diaper.
 

Trish Allearz

Moderator
I wonder if swimming could help him regain some function. Just a thought since he's easy going...

Sent from my SGH-T769 using Tapatalk 2
 

Pam Flachs

Savannah Super Cat
Welcome, Anita!

Your kitties are all lovely :)

What a very special person you are for taking such great care of Oakley :)
 

Gryphoak

Savannah Super Cat
I wonder if swimming could help him regain some function. Just a thought since he's easy going...

Sent from my SGH-T769 using Tapatalk 2

Not THAT easygoing, LOL. Due to his diapering we actually have to bathe him weekly. Believe me, water is NOT his thing! We did do some physio with him but he's beyond that now as the motor nerves are damaged from the radiation ( a known complication ). He gets around well as his upper body has compensated. We also made him a wheelchair but he prefers to be free of it most of the day.
 

Trish Allearz

Moderator
Not THAT easygoing, LOL. Due to his diapering we actually have to bathe him weekly. Believe me, water is NOT his thing! We did do some physio with him but he's beyond that now as the motor nerves are damaged from the radiation ( a known complication ). He gets around well as his upper body has compensated. We also made him a wheelchair but he prefers to be free of it most of the day.
Ah- well- yeah- if he hates baths, swimming probably wouldn't work! LOL!
 

Kristin

Animal Communicator
Wow! You have done amazing work with Oakley! Unfortunately I have known 2 dogs that had accidents where they were paralyzed on their back ends and lost control of their bladder/bowels and were euthanized...one of which being my foster dog. I commend you for going through everything with Oakley and making it work
 
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