Pets and liver transplant- yay or nay?

[Pizamkazdw]

6 months post transplant today (woohoo!) and I am thinking of getting a kitten. There are mixed specialist opinions but they initially said it is a safe post-transplant period. I was wondering whether you have any personal experiences? Many thanks for help

[AyrshireK]

Yeah, definitely. We have a cat others have dogs - no reason not too just perhaps take extra care with hygiene especially with cat litter tray and cat scratches (little needles that can harbour germs).

Our cat is my hubbies little guardian angel, she was a stray who adopted us just as hubby first got out of hospital, she is a little god send and keeps hubby company when he has his off days.

All the best to you for continued recovery and to welcoming your new furry friend.

Katie

[Pizamkazdw in reply to AyrshireK]

This is amazing to hear, Katie! She should be with us in 10-days time All the best to your husband too!

[jojokarak]

I have a dog and no problems as Katie says cats claws you have to be careful with I know a couple of people post transplant have been scratched by a cat and ended up with cellulitis involved a hospital stay

[Pizamkazdw in reply to jojokarak]

This is great to hear yes, I was thinking about the claws too. We might see if she is ok to stay home - and if so - to periodically taking care of them. Thank you JoJo!

[jojokarak in reply to Pizamkazdw]

Enjoy your pet 😁 a lovely addition to a home 😍

[Isabelle2]

Hi

I had a cat pre tx , with all vaccines etc & all ok. I live in France and was never asked the question! I love’d a little kitten although out cat is wonderful

[Pizamkazdw in reply to Isabelle2]

That's great to hear! When I told my friends they found loads of rules and 'not tos' so glad to hear another voice for Life without animals is so empty.

[Hidden]

Hi Pizza

Previous and post t/p we have a little dog - no problems - and its a lap dog! It keeps me snug and warm during my never ending snoozes on my send me to sleep chair...

No problems so far 😁

Miles

🇧🇧

[Pizamkazdw in reply to Hidden]

This sounds so nice and cosy, I hope the kitten will come for some snugs too Thank you for info.

[KN1981]

I would get a kitten so you can train to be n indoor cat. A lot of rescue cats are outdoor cats ... I’m allnup for rescue animals but considering your situation it may be safer but I am no expert. Also having a kitten will really cheer you up and make you bond lots and you need cheering up after what you have been through...

[Pizamkazdw in reply to KN1981]

I was thinking of a rescue cat but to be honest it is very hard to find a kitten that I could try to train (of course everyone wants a kitten) and also I don't think anyone would risk if I told them about the transplant. She will be with me in 10 days and I honesty can't wait! Thank you for advice

[KN1981 in reply to Pizamkazdw]

Kittens are easy to train, they do their business in the litter tray few times and that’s it (unlike dogs... although my chihuahua was pretty good and learnt in a few months). I had a rescue kitten before getting my dog and it’s wonderful . I love animals! Be sure to look up on cats as you won’t be able to let it out straight away take some about 2-3 weeks indoors to get them using their smell otherwise they will get lost and not return. Get a litter tray and we’ll done super exciting

[Miss_fab]

OMG how fabulousss 🐈 I've just got a rescue doggy 🐕 I saved him & he saved me #mysnoop xx

Take care lovely.

Lisa 💗

[Pizamkazdw in reply to Miss_fab]

That's a lovely story, bet you're having a wonderful time together

[Adelou]

We have cats & hubby reaches his 6 months next month

[Pizamkazdw]

This is good to hear- thank you!

[Beture47]

I was told absolutely no Cara

But I was ok with dogs

I have a dog

And I am almost 3 years post transplant

E

[Beture47 in reply to Beture47]

Cats

[Pizamkazdw in reply to Beture47]

See, this is what I mean, everyone says something different I have been told yay and nay in the same clinic <ba dum tsss>

[AyrshireK in reply to Pizamkazdw]

Transplant unit knew we had a cat and it never even came up in discussion. Transplant leaflet we were give showed post transplant patient stories of them out walking their dogs. My hubby isn't post transplant (but is on steroids to limit liver inflammation and also has a depleted immune system due to no spleen) we just take extra care if he gets scratched although ours isn't much of a scratcher at all.

You just take sensible hygiene precautions to prevent infection, use gloves when emptying litter tray etc.

More germs out and about in public than you probably get from a wee furry friend.

Enjoy your kitten when it arrives - just don't start it on Dreamies or Whiskas Treats those things are like drugs to a cat ours is addicted.

Katie

[Pizamkazdw]

Hi guys, just wanted to let you know. My little kitten is here with me from Monday <3 She turned out to be a he btw haha This is the best cure for me and we are already in love. Thank you for all your advice!!!