Cats
Cats do well in K-9 Carts, however cats being different, as we cat owners know, it is advisable to try walking your cat with a sling under each hind leg,
keeping the back level, to ensure that it will tolerate this type of help to get around. Placing the slings under each hind leg, simulates the leg ring support that our cart
gives and if your cat does not object to the slings, then it is a positive sign that it will do well. If your cat does not tolerate it the first time, you may want to try over a few days to see if it will get used to the feeling.
If you determine that your cat is unable to accept a cart and it has no use of its rear legs, we do have a Protect-A-Pet that would protect it from sores,
or bladder infections and keep your home clean. If your cat has any type of rear limb deformity or rigidity, then do send in photos when you place a cart order, as there are
different types of rear leg support systems that we can install on the cart to keep the feet from dragging.
A cat is unable to use a regular litter box as of course, being in the cart, it cannot jump or drag itself into the box. We suggest either using newspaper on the floor, or a
very shallow box with litter in it. We also have a Catch-It-All that attaches to the cart, which, with the addition of a disposable sanitary pad, will take care of both urine and feces.
In young cats, there is a condition called cerebellum hyperplasia, which causes a total imbalance problem. The cats or kittens tend to stagger around as though drunk,
often falling on their heads. This condition is not suitable for a normal two wheeled cart but we can make up a Four wheeled Supportive Cart.
If your cat has this problem, we need to see a video of what it can do on its own and with front and rear sling support so that we can evaluate its condition and
make up the appropriate support system for improved quality of life.
When taking measurements of your cat for a K-9 Cart we suggest taking perhaps a couple at a time rather than trying to take them all at once as it is hard to keep cats stationery for any length of time.
If you have any questions that we have not answered about cats, or you just need advice on nursing care, then please call our knowledgeable staff.
Every question is important and with our 36 years experience we usually have the answer to your concern.
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Corgis
You are probably wondering why we put Corgis into this category, although if you are Corgi owners, perhaps it is not strange at all. I have never owned a Corgi, but over the 40 years that we
have been fitting Corgis to carts, I know that they are different! I love them, but they are stubborn and independent!
These are not bad traits, but when you are trying to help improve their quality of life by giving them mobility aid, it can be frustrating to see them refuse to move, other than when you offer them treats.
It has been my experience that when you place a Corgi into a K-9 Cart, it just stands there and looks up at you as if to say “Well, if you think I am going to try and move in this, then you are crazy!”
They will lift up their hips if they are able, or hop along – anything to escape the support of the leg rings. Once they realize that the cart is enabling them to roam around again,
so they can travel from A to B without stumbling or falling, then everything is wonderful!
You always need to set the cart up with the “walking” option in place if there is any feeling in the hind legs and finally PATIENCE is the key to successful cart use.
Of Course having said all this, you will probably put your Corgi into its cart and it will trot off as any other breed – Murphy’s Law!
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Amputees
When a pet has been a rear limb amputee for many years, it has learned to walk and run, by placing the remaining limb centrally under its hips.
When we place it in a K-9 Cart, there is usually a period of adjustment. With the full pelvic support the cart gives, we are now asking it to place its leg straight down under the appropriate hip.
We place an amputee pad on the leg ring where the limb is missing, as it is important to keep the pelvis balanced and prevent the pet from leaning to one side.
Amputees generally do extremely well in carts either with the remaining leg down or up. As always, we are here to help with any questions or concerns, after you get your K-9 Cart.
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Giant Breeds
Giant breeds are considered to be any pet over 100lbs. We are able to manufacture a cart to support a dog up to 235lbs.
With dogs of this size, what you need to consider is “Am I going to be able to lift the rear of my pet and place its legs down through the supportive leg rings?”
If the answer is yes and provided he meets the criteria for Evaluating Your Pet, then there is no reason why a K-9 Cart will not work for your pet.
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Rabbits
Rabbits do extremely well in carts, especially if they have no use of the rear limbs. We do use a special leg support system, as they have such long rear legs.
If they have minimal use or use of one hind leg, then the appropriate changes to the cart design are made. We usually suggest that you purchase a small harness that fits around
the rabbit’s front (like those used for walking pets). Additional measurements required for making a cart are the height of your rabbit, both front and back, taken in a crouched position.
You may wish to place the addition of a Catch-It-All on the cart, as this will help keep both the rabbit and your home clean. If your Rabbit has a rear limb deformity or any other unusual physical problem,
we will need to see a video of what it does on its own and with sling support under the rear limbs.
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Other Pets
Over the past 40years, we have made up carts for a variety of other animals including, sheep, goats, skunks, ferrets, possums, deer, miniature horses and even
suggested designs for owners to make up their own support for rats, hamsters and a monitor lizard! We love challenges and are always here to help and suggest.
A Video of the pet showing its ability as to what it can do on its own and with sling support, is very helpful.
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Evaluate Your Pet
Applicable Conditions
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