Why Is My Cat Limping? Causes, Treatment, and How To Prevent It – There are a lot of reasons why cats may limp, including foot or limb issues. A cat may have a sprain, an ingrown nail, a fracture, or anything else stuck in their paw. To prevent more serious issues, it’s important to schedule a visit with your veterinarian if you notice your cat limping. The causes of limping can vary and may not always be obvious.
In some cases, first aid could be as simple as trimming their nails or removing a thorn. Because cats are little good at hiding their pain, keep in mind that if your cat is limping, it means they are in pain, even if they do not seem it. Always keep a keen eye out for open wounds, inflammation, and redness. Contact a veterinarian right away if you see any of these.
What is causing my cat to limp?
The following are some basic causes of your cat’s limp –
- Damaged or ripped nail
- An ingrown nail
- They have something stuck in their paw.
- Getting bitten by an animal or bug
- An injured leg that is twisted or shattered
- Walking over a heated surface, like a pavement, hot gravel, or a stove
- The case of arthritis
What steps can be taken if a cat is showing signs of limping?
If your cat is limping, do not touch their leg until they have calmed down and eased up. When they are calm, carefully see their leg and paws by feeling for sensitive areas with your fingers. Look for redness, inflammation, an open wound, and dangling limbs. Working your way up, begin with their paw. When doing this, exercise caution because animals that are in discomfort may show altered behavior. Trim the nails generally if overgrown nails are the cause of the limp. If you see a big thorn, you can use a clean pair of tweezers to gently remove it, but keep an eye out for any signs of an infection or open wound, which could become visible later.
Make an appointment and visit your veterinarian right away if, after a day, your beloved cat is still limping and you are not able to decide the cause. Additionally, it could be hard to tell whether your cat’s leg is broken because the signs could show other injuries or a sprain. For this reason, you should always visit your veterinarian. You must limit your cat’s movement while you wait for your veterinarian’s appointment to prevent them from more harm or worsening of the injury.
You can either put them in their carrier or keep them in a space with low surfaces. Give a cozy sleeping space or a cat bed to ensure they are in a comfortable position, and leverage their favorite blankets to keep them warm. Keep an eye on their activities always to see what they are doing and can not harm themselves.
Is it okay to take my cat to the veterinarian if they are limping?
If your cat is limping, it is always a great idea to take them to the doctor for a full diagnosis or to prevent them from any further infections. Make an appointment with your veterinarian right away if your cat is in any of the following signs –
- Any edema
- The limb is hanging peculiarly.
- They’ve been dragging along for over 24 hours, each step a struggle as they limp forward.
- An open wound
- You are not able to decide the cause.
To prevent infection or, in the worst-case situation, a veterinary emergency, contact your veterinarian or visit them right away if there is any visible reason, like swelling, bleeding, or the limb resting at an uncommon angle. If you are unsure of how to handle the case, you should also contact your veterinarian. They may provide you with suggestions on what to do next to ensure the cat is transported to the clinic or hospital safely.
In Conclusion
Even though diagnosing felines can be hectic, a veterinarian can help you decide the cause of your cat’s limp. Ask for suggestions or search for nearby animal hospitals if you are unsure of the area of the closest veterinary clinic.
Do yourself (and your cat) a favor and have them inspected by a veterinarian as soon as possible, regardless of whether it turns out that your cat has arthritis or only requires some pain medication. We also want cats to live long, healthy lives.
FAQs Related To Cat Limping
How can I prevent my cat from limping?
By making sure your cat lives a healthy weight, adding joint support to their diet as advised by your veterinarian, and giving a safer area for them to move and play freely, you can aid in preventing paw sprains, strains, and injuries.
How should a cat with limps be treated for at home?
Always make sure the windows are properly closed when you are not home, keep your cat in a small space, and prevent them from climbing up. Until you can reach a veterinarian, think about utilizing cold packs wrapped in towels for twists or breaks. Fix routine checkups with your veterinarian for regular health examinations.
What is causing my cat to limp but not cry?
The lack of weeping does not necessarily show that a cat is okay because cats are mainly silent when they are in discomfort. To find out why the cat is limping, it is a great idea to get them inspection properly.
What if my cat is still running and jumping while having a limp?
Since cats are known to hide their suffering, your cat running generally does not necessarily show that they have an wound that is causing them to limp. Which is why it is nevertheless advised that you fix a check-up with a veterinarian.
Limping cat? Should I see a vet, or will it heal itself?
Depending on what caused the limping, this may be different and many. A trip to the vet is important to decide the cause. Medical care is needed for infections and other complex cases. However, first aid might help your cat with muscle strains and twists.