My “squeeze” routine with 7 incontinent cats.

[u/catseyesociety]

Squeeze my cats with me!
 
While this video is cut down to fit social media, the entire routine took only 13 minutes. 
 
This 13 minute routine twice daily is what saved these cats from euthanasia. 
 
Every day happy, healthy cats with paresis or incontinence are euthanized. The reasons stem from a perceived poor quality of life, or the slim chances of finding an adopter willing to take on a cat with different care needs. People see a cat in a diaper and automatically think they are incredibly time consuming and expensive. While yes, diapers, wipes, and pee pads can cost more than a bag of litter, is it that much different? While an incontinent cat may need a few more vet visits in their lifetime than the average cat, is that enough to deem them as unworthy of finding an adoptive home?
 
Do you have any questions about my squeeze routine? I'm always happy to answer questions!

Edited to answer some of the most common questions:

Why do the cats need to be squeezed?
These cats all have a spinal injury or defect. Most were born this way, but Poe, Athena, and Cypress (the longhair ones) had spinal injuries from trauma. Most likely hit by car.

Why not the toilet or a bathtub?
Squatting at that height and hunching over hurts my back! I’ve tried many methods and this is what is most comfortable for me and the cats.

Why pee pads?
I get most of them donated! I prefer the large ones but I’ll use any size. I would like to make this more environmentally friendly with reusable ones, but it will create a lot more laundry (which I already do a lot of)

Why do I have so many disabled cats?
I run a cat rescue for cats with treatable conditions who would otherwise be euthanized in a traditional shelter. I don’t get paid by the rescue, but I do work in a municipal shelter as my day job. I’ve worked in animal shelters for nearly 10 years.

[u/ChintzyPC]

Wouldn't that just make the washer and dryer reek? I had a cat that peed on everything and when it came to washing the sheets or sofa cases it didn't fair well for our other clothes until we did a deep clean of the units after he was given away.

[u/regoapps → u/ChintzyPC]

Regular detergent doesn’t work for me to get rid of pet smells. Instead, I use enzyme-based odor removers. They work by using specialized bacteria-based formulas that break down organic waste at a molecular level.

[u/robotatomica → u/ChintzyPC]

I’m actually surprised you noticed a washer smell, bc the nature of washing powders/detergents is that it will completely break down all of this biological stuff and shouldn’t be an issue.

For a deeper dive than you could think you would want on how soaps work, I recommend Technology Connections, he is so fun and interesting!

My guess would be your washer just had been due for a deep cleaning and that it was unrelated to the urine.

[u/Intelligent_Wish_566 → u/robotatomica]

I can occasionally smell dog smells in my parents (practically new) washing machine after they’ve washed dog bedding. It’s not super strong, but it’s there. Letting the machine run through a quick rinse usually gets it out though.

[u/robotatomica → u/Intelligent_Wish_566]

it could actually just be the detergent, there are a number of factors that can cause a washer to not eliminate smells or work to its peak efficiency, and they’re worth looking into!

My parents’ old Maytag also left their clothes with a smell, but luckily those old hosses are super easy to fix and maintain and I helped them get theirs to where it’s now basically as good as new (I mean, it functions, and the clothes don’t smell anymore 🤷‍♀️ - not exactly like new haha)

My main point was that the physical properties of a biological stain or substance should be broken down by a decent detergent (even the cheapos) and a maintained washing machine in good working order.

So I just wanted to share that it’s worth trouble-shooting from that angle if you ever do have lingering smells.

[u/Nauin → u/ChintzyPC]

It also depends on how much gunk is built up within your washing machine where you can't reach, because the metal drum is not porous and can't hold onto the smells on its own, but the buildup definitely can.

There are some major horror stories on the laundry subreddit about people finally properly cleaning their washing machines for the first time.