Why Is My Cat Limping? Common Causes and Treatments

If you’ve ever seen your cat limping, you know how concerning it can be. Limping can be caused by a number of things, and many of the most common reasons are treatable. However, some of the causes of limping can be more serious, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your cat and take them to the vet if their limping doesn’t improve.

To help you figure out why your cat is limping, here are some of the most common reasons cats limp and the studies behind them. This article covers research from veterinary medicine, orthopedics, and feline health to explain the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for limping in cats. With this information, you’ll be better prepared to figure out what’s wrong with your cat and help them get the care they need.

Identifying the Cause: Examining Your Cat's Limping

The first thing to do if your cat is limping is to carefully examine the affected leg and paw for any visible signs of injury or irritation. As recommended by Feline Medical Clinic, gently run your fingers along the leg, looking for signs of sensitivity or pain. Also, check for any cuts, swelling, redness, or anything else that looks out of the ordinary.

Examine between the paw pads and toes for any foreign objects such as thorns or splinters that could be causing discomfort. According to the Germantown Parkway Animal Hospital, if you find anything, use tweezers to carefully remove the object and then clean the area with soap and water.

Nails can also be a source of limping, especially if they are overgrown or ingrown. Gently extend each nail and check for any signs of inflammation or abnormalities at the base. If you notice any issues, trimming the nails may help.

In addition to the physical exam, pay attention to your cat's behavior and movement. Is the limping happening every time they walk or only after they've been running around? Are they crying out in pain or favoring the leg? As mentioned by PetHelpful, these are all signs that can help you determine how serious the problem is.

If you can't find the cause of the limping or the limping doesn't go away after you've tried to address it, it's important to take your cat to the vet. A vet may need to examine your cat to figure out what's going on and how to treat it.

First Aid and At-Home Remedies for Limping Cats

If you notice a foreign object, like a splinter or thorn, in your cat's paw, remove it carefully and clean the area with an antiseptic solution, according to Cats.com. If your cat has a minor cut or wound, clean the area and apply an antibiotic ointment or cream that is safe for pets.

You can also use a cold compress or ice pack on the affected area to help reduce swelling and alleviate any pain or inflammation, notes WikiHow. Make sure to keep your cat's movement and activity to a minimum to avoid further injury or making the limp worse.

Although at-home remedies can be useful for minor cases, make sure to take your cat to the vet if the limp doesn't go away or gets worse, or if your cat seems to be in a lot of pain or has a more serious injury, according to Germantown Parkway Animal Hospital.

When to Go to the Vet

If your cat is limping and you can't figure out why, it's time to make a vet appointment. The COVE explains that limping in pets can be a sign of an injury or illness, and it's important to get to the bottom of it.

If your cat is in extreme pain, has swelling, an open wound, or a limb that's hanging or in an awkward position, you should go to the vet immediately. Spring House Animal Hospital says that if you see an obvious sign of limping, like blood, swelling, or a limb that's hanging at an odd angle, you should call your vet right away to avoid infection or a more serious issue.

If your cat is still limping after 24 hours or the limp is getting worse, you should go to the vet. Mamaroneck Veterinarians explains that you should also make an appointment if the limp has lasted for more than a day and there's swelling, an open wound, or a limb that's hanging.

Since cats are good at hiding their pain, it's important to take any signs of limping seriously and to get them checked out by a vet. Plains Vets explains that getting your cat to the vet early can help prevent long-term problems and ensure that they're healthy and happy.

Veterinary Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Limping Cats

If your cat is limping, your vet will perform a comprehensive physical exam, which will include feeling the affected limb and looking for signs of pain or injury. VCA Animal Hospitals explains that the vet will also look for the source of the pain by examining the toes, pads, nails, and joints.

Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or blood work, may be ordered to determine the cause of the limping, according to PetMD. Once the cause is determined, treatment will vary and may include pain or anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, or in the case of more serious injuries or conditions, surgery.

To help your cat recover and prevent further injury, the vet may also recommend physical therapy, exercise restrictions, or the use of assistive devices, such as splints or casts, according to Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies. In addition, your cat will need to be monitored and have follow-up appointments to make sure they are healing properly and that their condition is under control.

With the help of your vet and by following their instructions, you can ensure that your cat recovers from the cause of their limping and that they don't experience any long-term issues.

How to Help Your Cat Avoid Limping

According to PetMD, regular vet visits and preventive care can help catch and treat issues before they cause limping or other problems. In addition, maintaining a healthy weight and feeding your cat a balanced diet can help ensure that your cat's musculoskeletal system stays healthy and can help prevent conditions like arthritis.

In addition, making sure that your cat's environment is safe and free of hazards, like sharp objects or hot surfaces, can help prevent injuries that may cause limping, as noted by Carey Animal Hospital. Keeping your cat's vaccinations and parasite prevention up to date can also help prevent infections or diseases that may lead to limping or other issues.

Finally, making sure that your cat gets enough exercise and mental stimulation can help make sure that your cat stays active and that their joints and muscles stay healthy, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. By taking these steps and making sure that your cat gets the care they need, you can help prevent limping and make sure that your cat stays healthy and happy.

Conclusion: How to Make Sure Your Cat Is Comfortable and Safe

Limping in cats is not something that should be overlooked, as it could be a sign of an injury or other issue that needs to be addressed. By paying close attention to your cat and taking them to the vet when necessary, you can make sure that the issue causing the limping is identified and treated.

By following your vet's advice and making sure that you take care of your cat at home, you can help them heal and avoid any future issues. In addition, there are some things you can do to help prevent limping in the future, like making sure your cat has regular check-ups and a safe environment.

Of course, it's also important to make sure that you're doing everything you can to keep your cat comfortable and to address any issues that come up. This will help make sure that your cat has a good quality of life and will help you build a stronger relationship with your cat.