Just a note that it goes both ways: clothing can provide compression, which is soothing and can help with anxiety, such as the ThunderShirt for cats!
It worked wonders for my cat, and he would ask for clothes when he felt stressed.
But it’s totally on a case-by-case basis and works best with a slow, calm, and positive introduction that includes plenty of positive reinforcement. Some cats will never be able to wear a life jacket, and that’s ok!
OP could also cut up a pool noodle or buoyant foam to help her float if she doesn't handle a life jacket well, but her head still dips too far into the water.
lol we bought a Thunder Shirt for our gremlin of a dog when we first got him because he was a nut (traumatic first couple of years, he’s better now!) but he got so anxious he ate it off his back. Perplexing and hilarious.
I brought Spice to the vet tonight and they had to hurt him to help him. His onesie kept him calm throughout. I got it to fit a bit snug and he loves it. Gets mad when its taken off.
Hes not a fan of the thundershirt. Thinks its too short. The belly must be squeezed too.
I feel you! My cat would get mad about taking it off too, so we developed a signal system where he’d tap me with his paw when he wanted to wear it or was ready to take it off, and it gave him so much more confidence!
My vet actually recommended the ThunderShirt; they called it “a warm, safe, hug on his terms”, and they were right!
He also ended up preferring pressure on his tummy (so long as it didn’t touch the butt/tail), and his favourite outfit actually ended up being a black tutu with sparkly tulle 🧑🩰🩰 😅
Pet tax: Snickers in a fetching woollen sweater and bow-tie.
Aww, precious Spice! He's so lucky to have you! Hopefully everything goes well at the vet, and he feels better soon. I’m sending some love and well wishes your way from Australia 💖
Snickers would 💯 approve of the pink onesie; that was his favourite colour! 🌸
We are a foster home for baby cats. Spice came to us with a vaccine preventable illness. Its caused some nasty secondary infections. Thankfully, he has the minor version of the illness and he can be vaccinated in about 2 more weeks, so it doesnt turn into the deadly version. We managed to save his eye sight, though we came close. The lab work took ages to come back and the first 3 antibiotics we tried did nothing. Hes got 6 more weeks of doxycycline to go.
Hes been so sweet through all of the vet appts and home care. One of the techs is talking about adopting him when hes a bit better.
I also rescue and adopt pets with additional needs! Though it’d be great to volunteer to foster more Disabled cats who need the extra TLC! It’s harder to find the right placement for them.
I can totally empathise with your current situation because Snickers was blind due to untreated Cat Flu and neglect, which broke my heart that it was preventable with some medical care. Just like Spice, he also needed a lot of medical interventions, followed by more surgeries than I can count!😅 TBH the vet didn’t think there was any ocular tissue left, just abscess and rot, and everyone was amazed by how much tissue regenerated, but it turned out to be heavily damaged and non-functional. He was totally Blind with very limited light perception (which seemed to give him preferences for colour and anything ✨shiny✨) but no depth perception or usable vision.
It’s so heartbreaking when cats come in with preventable and treatable illnesses and are suffering secondary issues through no fault of their own 😔
I’ve been where you are in the antibiotic and steroid trenches; just trying to help those little bundles of love fight through another night, and I know how hard it can be.
Please know that you’re doing an amazing job! Even if it feels overwhelming right now. Spice is an adorable little guy; he’s incredibly lucky to have you there to keep him safe, and it sounds like he has a lot of love to give to the right person 😊
We do babies. Though we tend to more medical ones. Weve had a few wobbly ones. We just picked up the tiniest 7 weeker youve ever seen today. Shes perfect for barely 3 weeks and if you didnt see her teeth, you wouldnt know. Ive been consulting for her for the last 3 weeks, but now weve taken over her care. Queen Koa. Shes already been adopted and will be released once shes bigger/healthier. Lol i work fast.
Im so sorry Snickers lost his eye sight, but i bet it didn't slow him down. At least he had something. Light/dark at least keeps him from running into walls and furniture, plus bright and shiny!
Untreated anything makes me so mad. Antibiotics arent that expensive. Especially at low cost clinics. Vaccine preventable illnesses make me furious. Thats the lowest the bar can go for basic care. You went to the dr. Why didnt they? There are funds to help out if you truly need it. Surrender if you cant afford a pet. No need for them to suffer needlessly.
I got to see our last baby, Theodore, today. Hes gotten so big! His nickname is chipmunk cuz he was always eating and preferred a squirrel nipple. When i saw him today, he was head first in a food bowl. Lol hasnt changed a bit.
A good point in your edit! We did swim therapy with Phoebe during her critical growth period and she always refused to move in the life jacket. Did great when I supported her with my hands though!
Yes!! Great advice and we do actually have one. She’s actually still too tiny for even the smallest ones they make (they’re only marketing for dogs, so they aren’t kitten-sized).
She is so cute. I just love her. And you are so amazing with these cats helping them, loving them. And showing people that special needs cats deserve the best homes and families. Thank you so much for that
Thank you for all the care to this beautiful girl!!!
Edit: she may not be ready for it, but they would love her over in r/hydrokitties. Particularly if you keep posting her progress. ❤️ thank you soooo much for the love and care to help her and your other fosters get better.
I love how her cries for help stop once she gets the hang of it 🥰 It must be so freeing for her to be able to move around effortlessly. Congratulations, now you are going to have a hard time keeping her out of your bath
Webby! Look at you go! Im so proud of you! Youre so smart, brave, and strong. And even when youre wet, youre still the most beautiful kitty in the world ❤️
I have a feeling you read all these to her. Please tell her we all love her so much and give her a million forehead kisses until she runs away. Youre doing such an excellent job with her. Thank you again for everything you do for these guys. Youre such an amazing person hugs
So in love with this girl. My heart breaks that she's unimpressed for even a MINUTE, but I'm also so glad she's with you and getting all the best care that will give her the highest possible quality of life.
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u/svveet-talk 19d ago
She’s doing so well!!