The Tale of the Three Three Legged Cats

One of the great things about working with animals is the opportunity to learn so much from them. They can teach us so much and all we need to do is observe and consider. In recent weeks, I've worked with three cats at Animals in Distress who've all had to cope with removal of a leg, and been amazed at how well they coped and just got on with it. These are their stories....

A few weeks ago a cat (named Phelps by the staff) came into Animals in Distress with a badly injured and infected leg. The vet decided that it should be amputated if he was to have any chance of recovery. After the operation he was feeling decidedly sorry for himself, but I could tell immediately that he didn't need any pity - he would recover best from hearing how big and strong he was now, and I gave him many a motivational talk. He really seemed to respond to this, and whenever I visited him he wanted to show me how well he was doing. He was a great character, and soon found himself and his confidence again. It wasn't long before he had a lovely new home.

While he was there another cat came in - Murphy - with a leg that was completely useless and he just dragged around with him. However, he'd got used to having just 3 legs, and would race around quite happily on the ones that worked. The vet had suggested that the useless leg should be amputated, and we were all a little dubious - after all, he was coping fine, why put him through major surgery? In the end however, we could understand the vet's point - once he was rehomed, what if he was running around and got his leg caught somewhere? He couldn't feel it, so every chance that this might happen. After the op, you just wouldn't have known what he'd just been through. He'd been happy and confident before, and was the same after. Was still running around on three legs, but at least he didn't have one getting in the way. Another one who found a new home very quickly.

Then there was Austin - another cat who came in just after Murphy, with a very poorly leg. Once again amputation was the answer. Austin has a big personality, and knows what he wants and what he doesn't. He can be a bit feisty, and losing a leg hasn't dented his confidence in the slightest. As I write, Austin is still waiting for a new home, but I know it won't be long.

Actually, the title of this blog is wrong as there's now a 4th cat in this story...... I recently met a new customer and her cat, Archie. Archie also has 3 legs, and has been this way for a long time. I sat there open mouthed as he raced around the flat, as though he'd have no idea what to do if he had the full complement. He's a very happy cat, full of life and energy. Since writing this, Archie's human carer has read my Blog, and tells me that he also came from Animals in Distress - about 10 years ago.

These amazing animals can teach us so much about dealing with adversity in our lives. Cats are quite stoical creatures, and don't wallow, they just get on with things. I've learnt from them that there's absolutely no point in lamenting what's gone or what you don't have. The best way is always to work with what you do have and celebrate that, no matter how much or little. Thanks boys!!