When we suffer an injury or illness, sometimes it can be frustrating to take some time out of our hectic lives, but we accept that rest is essential to allow our bodies to heal. According to Catmax client, Sydney Animal Hospitals Inner West, animals on the other hand cannot comprehend this reality.
Dr Anne Fawcett, associate veterinarian, said cats will behave as they normally do as soon as they feel even slightly better.
“They will try to leap on and off furniture and attempt other gymnastic feats not compatible with ‘bed rest.’ This can result in further injury, wound break-down and delayed recovery. Unfortunately we can’t tell our patients to ‘take it easy’ for a particular period to aid their recovery.'” she said.
“There’s also the issue of surprises — if cats are startled they can take flight before they realise that they are still in recovery.”
The only real solution to this problem aside from boarding at the clinic, according to Dr Fawcett, has been advising that the owner confines the cat to a particular room in the house, which may entail some furniture rearranging as cats will try to jump if possible.
Dr Fawcett said she would welcome a device that would work to confine recovering cats.
“Such a device would certainly add to the options that we give owners and make home care less challenging. It might reduce the incidence of post-operative gymnastics that lead to injury or complicate recovery.”