This topic is about a person who discovered that their young cat had been kneading on their abdomen, causing small holes in their ostomy pouch. They managed to avoid a leak by quickly replacing the pouch, thanks to their two-piece system. They love their cats and hope to teach the youngest one not to knead near the pouch, as the older cats have learned.
Here are some helpful tips and insights:
1. Since the cats are farm cats and need their claws for climbing and defense, declawing is not an option. Instead, regularly trimming their nails can help prevent sharp tips.
2. If declawing is ever considered, it's important to know that it involves removing the last bone of each toe, which is banned in many places due to welfare concerns. It can lead to pain, litter-box avoidance, and biting.
3. For a quick fix, you can cover tiny claw holes with a strip of Sellotape or clear packing tape. This can seal the holes until the next scheduled pouch change, although it works best if the output is not very watery.
4. To protect the pouch, consider wearing a stoma wrap, abdominal binder, or a heavy-fabric pouch cover when resting. Products like the Stomacloak or thicker waterproof covers can add resistance to claws. Alternatively, drape a blanket, duvet, or heavy sheet over the stoma area while napping.
5. Redirect the cat's kneading behavior by providing a small fuzzy blanket or pillow for them to knead. Reinforce the command "no" and move them to the designated spot.
6. The two-piece system is advantageous because it allows for a quick pouch swap without needing to change the wafer if punctures occur. Keeping a spare pouch handy can be very helpful.
See full discusison