If it has not spread and he is in good shape otherwise, cats adjust to
amputation really well. I'm hopeful some people with more experience respond
but I do know that if it is in a spot where amputation would be helpful, it
is perhaps not a bad choice.

I'm sorry about your cat.  Darn, somebody in just the last couple of
weeks was posting about their cat who had its leg amputated.  It was
either in this group or rec.pets.cats.anecdotes.  I can't find it now.
His cat (I think the owner's name is Larry) has some sort of cancer.
The cat was doing okay although he felt it was a little depressed but
then someone else answered his post about their cat who had an
amputated leg who was doing wonderfully.

I work with someone whose son's cat was injured in an accident and had
to have one of her back legs amputated.  This was about 1.5 years ago.
The cat adapted wonderfully and runs and climbs.  This is an outdoor
cat and the people still let it outdoors which I think is awful but
that is not the point here.

Anyway, I realize this is all anecdotal evidence and I wish I had
something more concrete to tell you but all of what I have read
indicates cats adapt well to amputation.  They don't have the same
feeling of loss that humans do, they just accept it, I guess, and get
on with it.  Maybe if you did a Google search in this group and rpca
(mentioned above) and put "amputation," "Larry," etc., you will find
his posts.  Or maybe someone will jump in with the info here.

Good luck, I can imagine this is extremely upsetting to you and a
difficult thing to decide.  If it can save your kitty's life or prolong
it for a decent amount of time, I think I would do it.

Please keep us posted.  Best wishes and good thoughts to your cat and
you.

Candace

I have a Siamese mix that developed a giant cell tumor on the back leg.  The
orthopedic amputated almost 4 years ago and it's never slowed her down.

Cats adjust wonderfully,  I say go for it you'll be amazed how soon she'll
be running through the house again.

Celeste