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The New Year has started out with a a very busy program at K9H2O. Over 60 pets swim per week in the pool. Many are dogs who are pre or post surgical (cruciate recovery, amputation and spinal issues are prevalent) and learn to swim, and senior swims add to the numbers.
Our Cat Swim Program is entering its official second year and to date, I have six cats currently swimming. Reasons and conditions for felines requiring aqua therapy include three indoor cats for weight loss. One, a large black and white male named Seamus, has lost 2.5 kg in the last six months. One orange male cat named Cornelius, swims to maintain muscle strength (he was hit by a car and suffered a fractured pelvis and had bilateral hip removal), and a one year old tabby kitten swims with his Labrador sister for fun. The remaining cat was born with deformed hind legs and the paws faced upwards. Surgery was performed at Boundary Bay Specialty Hospital in Langley BC, and one hind paw was successfully rotated. The white and orange cat known as Lightning, swims to increase muscle strength and flexibility and to establish a proper left/right gait in the hind quarters.
I continue to be amazed at how our "lesson plan" to swim cats is so successful. A gentle and respectful approach to teaching cats to enter the water has proven to prevent the cat from going to "fight or flight". It is safe and humane.
Although I do not see cats taking treats or distracting to playfulness, I think the stress level involved in swimming is not any higher than a cat having a visit to the veterinarian for the purpose of drawing a blood sample. Cats exit the water calmly and settle into a dry towel and a hug at the end of their swim. Further development of this program is ongoing on a daily basis as I try to offer the best care for cats who may be in need of the valuable benefits offered through aqua therapy.
It is a unique program to be sure. Marketing it is a challenge as public perception to swimming a cat is generally negative, and encouraging veterinarians to explore the concept is also asking them to think outside the box.
Positive progress continues at K9H2O.
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