Kitten hit by car, can't move legs. What home care can I provide?

Often young kittens recover well from injuries given enough time. I would let him do what he wants as long as he’s getting around now. I expect him to improve and not become worse or paralyzed. He may never be perfect but if he’s able to walk and run an isn’t painful then he can live a normal life. Having an exam would be good when you can. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your kitten.

Poor cat! If there is no deep pain present in the back legs then chances are kidding you won't regain function unfortunately. We use the pain is an indicator whether the pet will walk again. However if deep pain is present (kitty moves twitches or flinches when you pinch the back toes), then there is a chance that Katie can regain function of the limbs. However you won't know the extent of the injury without an x-ray. And without an x-ray he won't really know what treatment kitty needs. I unfortunately don't see a good solution here without proper diagnostics. Kittie may be a lost cause at this point without proper medical care for such a traumatic injury like this which undoubtedly involves the spinal cord and/or pelvis. I would highly consider Humane euthanasia for this kittie because the outcome looks bleak.

Poor kitty! Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do for him at home except keep him calm, warm, and quiet. Do not give him any human medications, as many are toxic to cats and can be fatal if given. He needs veterinary attention immediately, and there is usually a vet on call after hours for emergencies. The information to reach a vet on call is usually found on the clinic's answering machine or website. If transportation is an issue, I would call a friend to drive you or a cab to take you. Uber may be an option as well. If paying for a vet is an issue, I can give you a list of resources that may help you afford a vet. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ The Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance to cat and kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save their companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes.
 God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help.
 The Onyx & Breezy Foundation has many programs including helping people with medical bills. They are a good resource for information.
 Brown Dog Foundation provides funding to families with a sick pet that would likely respond to treatment, but due to circumstances, there is not enough money immediately available to pay. Please take him into a vet immediately, this is a medical emergency and he needs veterinary care now.

I would take him to a rehabilitation veterinarian who can do acupuncture also. I see many paralyzed animals that recover with neurological retraining exercises, laser, hydrotherapy and acupuncture. The sooner he receives treatment the better the outcome. Even if he doesn’t get 100% better many animals can still live a happy life with proper care from the owners. Please take him in soon to give him a chance. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Reg.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If he has already lost the ability to use his legs, he is not going to recover without surgery. If he is able to use his legs, there is a very small chance that he could recover with medical therapy but that is based on other physical examination parameters. I recommend that you consider proceeding with surgery if it has been recommended by your veterinarian. Best of luck!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You can purchase water-less shampoo and bath his hind end. And yes you can pick him up and snuggle. Just do not put him down. To ensure proper healing follow your Vet's recommendations and have him rechecked for X-rays to be sure he is healing properly. It worries me a bit that he can't urinate on his own. That shouldn't be an issue. I would have an X-ray taken at 4 weeks. Good luck!

Getting him neutered may decrease his desire to go outside. There are companies that will make small carts or "wheelchairs" for paralyzed pets. It would keep his back end off the ground and prevent injury. It would also make it easier for him to get around the house. Your veterinarian may know of a company or distributor. You can also search online.