Hi Carol,
I don't know if it would make a difference, but do you think a different wheelchair would hlep? Here is a picture of a cat in an Eddie's Wheels wheelchair and she is lying down just fine. Is it something about your cat that prevents lying down, or could it be something about the wheelchair? (As far as getting caught on corners, I don't know an answer for that.)
To Carol C. Thank you for the pic. This cart is much different from the one i have now. it definitely looks like this kitty is laying down with no probs. i will contact them immediately. thanks so much!!
Posted By: william
Date: Saturday, 11 February 2006, at 10:52 a.m.
In Response To: Help Needed: WHEELS 4 PARALYSED CAT (Carol R)
i have an idea which may help you. If others in this group support the idea, I will make it for you.
The idea is to enable him to get around via a flexible sheet. No wheels. no axels. no hard
structure that might get caught and prevent your cat from laying down.
We need feedback from the other gals to know how to shape it. For example, we need to know where
the wear takes place on the cat when he or she
drags him or herself around. I need to make sure
the flexible sheet covers that region.
I also need to better understand what the legs
are doing when the cat drags herself (let me assume the cat is a she for simplicity).can you
or somebody else take a picture and post it so
i can see rear leg position.
I also need to figure out where and how we can
attach the sheet so that it stays on the cat.
My original idea was to use something like the
polymer sheeting that is used on the bottom of
skis. That material sheeting is a tiny bit too
thick (about 3/32"). I think we need something
on the order of half that thickness for the same
stiffness.
if you look at cheap sleds for kids, y ou will know that this principle does work.
I am thinking that this collaborative design should have the following functions/features.
If other people feel differently (especially the
gals who have direct experience with this issue)
tell me what you think.
design features:
* slides easily on carpet, wood, and tile floors
* does not generate an electrical charge when it
rubs against the cat's fir or the flooring
* can be cut by scissors so that people can
modify it to suit their specific pet's needs.
* can be attached to the cat in a manner that
does not allow it to shift to a degree that it
no longer functions as a protector or that it
tangles up the cat frustrating him or her to do
what they want.
Hi Bil,
It's an interesting idea, something that would not get caught on corners. Here are some things I've seen that might have ideas that could be adapted in terms of a harness to secure it.
Joybies
Stud overalls
I wonder if you could put a kitty in a standard nylon harness and rivet the protector to the underside.
Posted By: RichB
Date: Saturday, 11 February 2006, at 2:55 p.m.
In Response To: Re: Help Needed: WHEELS 4 PARALYSED CAT (william)
I can collaborate on your idea, help with selecting a thin plastic, maybe have some ideas for attaching to the cat also.
I'll follow the board more often and see some responses, and also feel free to e-mail me for more discussion.
Good idea!
Rich B.
Posted By: Carol R
Date: Saturday, 11 February 2006, at 8:30 p.m.
In Response To: Re: Help Needed: WHEELS 4 PARALYSED CAT (william)
Thank you so very much for even considering it. My kitty's back legs are in a constant straight position but I can bend some parts very carefully if I have to. They are very stiff and stick straight out from the hips like a "v" when he pulls himself around. Sometimes they both drag on one side as if he is sitting sidesaddle. He will need something in which to house his legs close to his body so they don't get caught. I'll post pics. You are an angel. Carol
Posted By: Dianne
Date: Sunday, 12 February 2006, at 10:15 a.m.
In Response To: Re: Help Needed: WHEELS 4 PARALYSED CAT (william)
Good Morning William,
I think you are describing something like a "drag suit" that a dog or cat could wear. Look at the pic on the link below (scroll down to the pics in the link) that shows a little doxie wearing a bag with suspenders. Perhaps you could further perfect the design so that it would avoid static electricity. My pets hate that little shock.
Dianne
http://www.protect-your-paralyzed-pet.com/update_002.htm
Re: Help Needed: WHEELS 4 PARALYSED CAT
Posted By: mumpkees
Date: Monday, 13 February 2006, at 10:42 a.m.
In Response To: Re: Help Needed: WHEELS 4 PARALYSED CAT (william)
This is spiritcat (mari) and this is a very interesting thread. I don't post on this board very often so probably am not replying as I should. But we have a rear paralyzed cat whose rear legs are fused at the hips and both rest along the right side of her body. She is not incontinent but from the way her legs are fused she will rub sores on her bottom as she pulls herself across the floors. We are actually diapering as we found that the diaper keeps her clean, provides protection for her bottom and the surface glides over both carpet and tile.
However, the one bad thing is she too does get her legs hung up on things from time to time. The one link where different type "sacks" were pictured look intriguing. I'd be interested in following this discussion closer but am not sure which individual has the talent for construction.
My email is mumpkees@yahoo.com and would love to be copied on the correspondence in regards to this subject. Kieffer has no rear legs at all and climbs and jumps. Dallas with her fused legs doesn't attempt these things and I think it is because she knows she might get her legs caught.
What an amazing group of people here!
/mari
