Cats are often considered graceful and agile, making injuries to their limbs rare and unexpected. Here, our emergency vets in Lacey discuss limping in cats, and what you should do if your cat is suddenly limping from their front or back legs.
Why is my cat limping but not in pain?
Limping can occur for a number of reasons. The cat may have something stuck in its paw or sprained or broken a leg.
Even an ingrown claw can cause limping. It's crucial to remember that cats can hide their pain, so if your cat is limping, it likely indicates an injury and pain, even if your cat doesn't make that apparent.
If your cat is limping, it's always best to take them to the vet to avoid infection and to prevent its condition from worsening.
The cause of the limp may not be obvious, but the treatment could be as simple as trimming its claws or removing a tiny splinter from its paw.
It's essential to look for lumps, bumps, swelling, redness, and open wounds and contact your vet if you spot any of these. We believe that it's always better to be cautious when it comes to your cat's health.
Why is my cat limping all of a sudden?
Limping often occurs quite suddenly in cats. Here are some of the typical reasons why your cat might be limping:
- 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 appears to be limping, you can gently hold them and run a finger down their leg. Look for any visual or audible reactions as you do so. Watch out for open wounds, swelling, redness, or, in severe cases, dangling limbs. Begin at your cat's paw and work your way up gently.
If you find something like a thorn or splinter, gently remove it using tweezers and clean the area with soap and water. Keep an eye on the area to prevent an infection from developing as the puncture wound heals. If overgrown nails are the problem, trim your cat's nails as usual or have your vet do it.
If you cannot determine the cause of your cat's limp and it persists for over a day or two, it's time to make an appointment with your vet. While waiting for your vet appointment, please do what you can to limit your cat's movements to prevent further injury or worsening the injury.
Place them into a carrier or a room with no high surfaces. Ensure they are comfortable by providing them with a comfy place to sleep or a kitty bed and keeping them warm with their favorite blankets. Continue to monitor their behavior and symptoms.
It may seem strange, but it can be difficult to tell if your cat's leg is broken. This is because the symptoms of a fracture can be similar to those of other injuries, such as a sprain (swelling, limping, leg being held in an unusual position, lack of appetite).
When should I take my cat to the vet for limping?
It is always a good idea to take your cat to the vet for limping to help prevent infection and to get a proper diagnosis. If you spot any of the following symptoms, please contact our emergency vets in Lacey right away.
- You can't identify the cause
- They have been limping for more than 24 hours
- There is swelling
- An open wound
- The limb is broken
- Your cat is hiding
- Your cat is howling or showing other clear indications of pain
If you notice any visible signs of injury, such as bleeding, swelling, or the limb hanging unusually, do not wait 24 hours. Instead, contact our emergency veterinarians in Lacey immediately to prevent infection or worsening of the condition.
Additionally, if you are unsure about how to handle the situation, it is highly recommended that you contact your vet. They will be able to provide you with the necessary advice and instructions on what actions you should take next.
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.