There are many injuries or conditions that could cause your cat to limp – ranging from a small cut to a broken bone. In this post, our Las Vegas vets share some potential causes of a cat limping and what you should do if you notice your cat has developed a limp.
Help! Why is my cat limping all of a sudden?
There are many reasons why your cat might be limping ranging from something as simple as a small cut to a larger issue such as a broken bone or spinal injury. In the case of a minor problem like a small cut or stuck thorn, at-home first aid may suffice, but be sure to monitor your feline friend for any signs of worsening pain or signs of infection (swelling, redness, a bad odor, pus, or bleeding). Whether your cat is limping from a front leg or a back leg, if you can't immediately determine the cause of the limping or the problem persists for more than 24 hours, you should take your cat to the vet to have them diagnosed by a professional.
Causes of Limping in Cats
Below are some of the most common causes of limping in cats:
- Something stuck in their paw
- Sprained or broken leg caused by trauma (being hit, falling, or landing wrong)
- Walking across a hot surface (stove, hot gravel, or pavement)
- Ingrown nail/ claw
- Being bitten by a bug or other animal
- Infected or torn nail
- Arthritis
What should I do if my cat is limping?
If your cat is limping try and wait until they are calm and relaxed and then carefully examine their leg. Assess their leg and paw by running your fingers down it checking for any sensitive areas, open wounds, swelling, redness, or visibly misaligned or broken bones. Start at their paw and work your way up.
If it is something such as a thorn or nails that are too long just gently pull the thorn out with tweezers or cut their nails as usual (or have it done by your vet). If you are unable to figure out the cause of the limp and your beloved kitty is still limping after 24 hours make an appointment with your vet.
In order to prevent the condition from becoming worse, limit your cat's movements as you wait for your vet appointment. Do this by keeping them in a room with low surfaces or in a room with nothing to jump on. You may have to put them in a crate or carrier if they consistently trying to use their hurt leg.
Make sure they are comfortable by providing them with a comfortable place to sleep such as a cat bed and providing them with blankets to stay warm. Continue to monitor their situation.
Should I take my cat to the vet for limping?
To be on the safe side, it may be a good idea to take your cat to the vet for limping to prevent infection and get a proper diagnosis. In particular, if any of the following situations apply to your cat make an appointment with your vet immediately:
- You can't identify the cause
- They have been limping for more than 24 hours
- There is swelling
- An open wound
- The limb is dangling in an odd position
If there is evidence of bleeding or a broken bone, you should bring your cat to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic to get them proper care as soon as possible.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.