What causes a cat to lose its back legs?

Acquired heart disease develops later in life, and is more common in older cats. It can be triggered by an injury, infection, or wear and tear on the heart muscle. Heart disease can cause a gradual weakening of a cat’s back legs, if inadequate blood flow reaches the legs. It can also lead to sudden paralysis of the hind limbs.

What happens if you cut your cat’s skin?

While cutting away a clump of matted hair from behind my kitty’s ear, I cut too close and took off a layer of skin in a small circumference about the size of my pinkie finger tip end (maybe a little > 1/8″) . It is not bleeding but you can see the layer beneath the layer I cut away.

What should I do if my cat has a cut?

Many cuts (lacerations), bruises (contusions), and scrapes (abrasions) are not life threatening and will heal with little treatment. Other wounds can be severe enough to require sutures and more intense emergency care. Fresh wounds will usually show some or all of the following:

When to close a wound on a cat?

A contaminated wound that is more than a few hours old should never be closed without surgical debridement (removal of all the contaminated or dead tissue), and in some cases this may result in more permanent damage than treating the wound medically and leaving it open to heal.

What should I do if my cat cut himself?

Do not clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide, witch hazel, or alcohol. “Do not clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide, witch hazel, or alcohol.” The wound may be bandaged to protect it from further contamination, or to prevent your cat from excessively licking it.

What does a veterinarian do for a wound on a cat?

Most wounds are contaminated with bacteria, and often contain foreign material such as dirt, grit, or hair. When possible, your veterinarian will disinfect and stitch up the wound.

What should I do if my cat’s back legs are weak?

A vet should see a cat with weak, wobbly, or stiff back legs. This is especially important if the symptoms have come on suddenly, or are severe. As there are many causes of back leg problems in cats, getting a diagnosis is vital. Your vet may need to run a blood test or a scan, such as an x-ray.

How to tell if your cat has leg problems?

Rear Leg Problems in Cats. 1 Lameness (limping) 2 Struggling to stand. 3 Slow or stiff walking. 4 Unsteady back legs. 5 Holding a leg off the floor while standing. 6 Dragging the back paws. 7 Legs giving out or collapsing. 8 Paralysis – unable to move the legs at all. 9 Reluctance to exercise, jump, or climb. 10 Disinterest in play.

What causes a cat to not be able to walk?

If a cat has bone cancer in its back leg, this will gradually affect its ability to walk. Lameness in one leg is the most obvious symptom. This results in an awkward gait, and reluctance to put weight on the leg. Bone cancer in a cat’s spine or skull can also affect its movement.

When do you Know Your Cat is losing muscle mass?

The most obvious sign is the difference in muscle mass of each hind leg. Slow movement. When a cat needs to walk slow because she is unsteady on her feet. Stumbling and struggling to stand because of lacking support from her hind legs. Not jumping on the curtains or running across the room the way she used to.

What to do if your cat is losing hair on its hind legs?

Keep your cat on effective flea prevention monthly to prevent infestations of parasites that can cause hair loss. Keeping your cat inside can reduce its exposure to many mites as well. Cats can lose fur on their hind legs due to a variety of issues.

What causes a 16 year old cat to pass away?

The number one reason that felines pass away is from kidney failure and it is very common, even in younger cats, but a 16 year old cat is even more likely to develop this. When their kidneys go out, they become very weak in the back legs, and generally weak all over, thus urinating and sleeping in it is a common thing I have seen.

When to bring an old cat to the vet?

As you can see, cancer is not on the list of sudden rear leg weakness in an older cat. However, this list is not complete; it represents only the more common causes. “As with many conditions, the prognosis improves the earlier it is detected, so bring your cat to the vet at the very first sign of any hind limb weakness,” says Dr. Benson.

How to take a cat with an injured leg to the vet?

Place the cat in a pet carrier while supporting the head and hips. If the carrier has a removable top, take it off and gently lower the cat into the carrier. Lay the cat down with the injured leg up. When you arrive at the veterinary clinic, leave your cat in the carrier until a technician or veterinarian can assist you.

Are there cats with paralysis in their hind legs?

And if that isn’t possible for you, there are many cats out there with hind leg paralysis still living high quality lives…there are wheeled carts and everything out there to help them get around. Just something to think about!

Can a cat have paralysis in his hind legs?

If a cat reaches this stage of illness, chances of recovery decrease. In some cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a cat can experience sudden weakness and subsequent paralysis in his hind legs.

What does it mean when a cat has hind limb weakness?

Hyperthyroidism & Hind Limb Weakness in Cats 1 Hyperthyroidism is the medical term for an overactive thyroid gland,… 2 Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis. Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is sometimes seen in cases… 3 Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be another side effect…

What are the symptoms of hip dysplasia in cats?

Eventually, the hip joint becomes loose. Symptoms of hip dysplasia in cats include: Limping; Walking stiffly or awkwardly; Weakness in the back legs; Obvious discomfort when hips are touched; Reluctance to walk, play, or climb; Obsessive licking or chewing on the back legs or hip area

Why does my cat walk with a stagger suddenly?

Tonight, she staggered and cannot walk, and cries. This is the first of anything like this. She breathes shallowly and rapid. I see she is in pain and it is hard to breathe. I am afraid of not making it through the night. There are many severe health reasons for cats, particularly older cats, to suddenly lose a significant amount of weight.

Why does my cat have a shallow hip joint?

When a cat has genes that contribute to hip dysplasia, the ball and socket joint of the hip will be more shallow than normal, resulting in excessive movement of the bones in the joint. If a cat has a shallow hip joint, the signs and severity of the disease will vary depending on the age and the following environmental and lifestyle factors:

What causes a cat’s back legs to stop working?

Diabetes, organ failure, and neurological problems can cause the gradual weakening of a cat’s rear legs. If your cat’s hind legs suddenly stopped working, this can sometimes be a sign of a blood clot, infection, or stroke.

What was the name of the cat that was staggering?

My 12-13 y/o kitty, Layla, presented staggering and falling behavior this morning around 11:30 AM (just a few hours ago). She was 100% fine last night at 2AM. She was in the other room sleeping on the couch, and came in to the room I was in when she heard me putting out food for her.

How to tell if your cat has balance problems?

Symptoms and Types Weakness of the limbs May affect one, two, or all of the limbs. May affect only the hind legs, or the legs on one side of the body Tilting head to one side Trouble hearing – non-responsive to being called to at normal voice pitch Stumbling, tipping over, swaying Excessive drowsiness or stupor Changes in behavior

What are the symptoms of loss of balance in cats?

A cat who is suffering from loss of balance may also display the following symptoms: 1 Trouble standing 2 Falling down 3 Stumbling when walking 4 Head tilting to one side 5 Moving in circles 6 Rolling on floor 7 Weakness of limbs 8 Continual eye movements 9 Painful vocalizations 10 Difficulty hearing

What causes the loss of coordination in cats?

Ataxia, Vestibular Disease in Cats. All three types produce changes in limb coordination, but vestibular and cerebellar ataxia also produce changes in head and neck movement. Ataxia, in general, is a condition relating to a sensory dysfunction that produces loss of coordination of the limbs, head, and/or trunk.

What should I do if my cat has stiff legs?

Ensure your hands are warm while you stroke her back gently. Gently massage the upper thighs of the rear legs. With these steps, you can soothe your cat’s stiff legs and make it feel more relaxed. Not all cats like massages though so do not force her.

Why does my cat keep scratching and chewing himself?

If your cat is scratching, licking, or chewing themselves compulsively, it is likely you regularly catch them in the act. But if you don’t, your first clue may be the disappearance of your cat’s fur, often in strips along their back or stomach.

What causes a cat to lose hair on its hind legs?

Other parasites, including mites and ringworm can also cause excessive scratching, licking, or chewing but fleas are the most common to cause hair loss on hind legs. Cats who are exhibiting pain can over-groom the areas that are painful. 1 Feline lower urinary tract disease and arthritis are two common causes of pain and discomfort for cats.

Why does my cat lick the back of his neck?

If you notice your cat licking his lower back obsessively, with or without scabs on the neck, it is a sign that fleas might be causing the problem. Other parasites, including ticks, mites, and ringworm, can also prompt scratching, licking, or chewing.

What happens if a cat licks its belly too much?

If your cat is licking too much, they can lose fur in strips along their back, belly, or inner legs. The affected areas may be completely bare or have very short stubble.

How to help a cat with nerve damage?

Cats with nerve damage in their legs risk muscle atrophy when the muscles aren’t used. A light massage or physical therapy, such as extending the leg and flexing the joint, as directed by your vet, will keep her blood flowing and her muscles, joints and tendons healthy.

If a cat reaches this stage of illness, chances of recovery decrease. In some cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a cat can experience sudden weakness and subsequent paralysis in his hind legs.

Why does my cat keep falling over on its side?

A cat wobbling around in circles or flopping on its side may seem funny to some, who might wonder if the cat had a little too much to drink. But a falling-down cat is no joke. It’s not alcohol — which can be fatal to cats. His problem could be an inner ear infection or a genetic, neurological or nerve disorder.

What happens when a cat loses control of its back legs?

In fact, the rear legs are usually the first part of a cat’s body to become compromised. When a cat loses control of its rear legs, it will struggle to perform crucial everyday activities. Your cat will be less mobile and unable to jump as high. Your cat may even struggle to use its litter tray.

What causes paralysis in the front leg of a cat?

Leg Paralysis in Cats. Paralysis of a front leg is usually associated with injury to the nerve roots in the neck or shoulder, or injury to the musculocutaneous, radial, median, or ulnar nerve in the leg. Paralysis of a hind leg is usually associated with injury to the nerve roots in the lower back or tailbone, or the femoral, sciatic, peroneal,…

What happens if a cat falls from a height?

That detracts from their ability to right themselves in midair, he says. “This cat was lucky,” he says. “But many, if not most, would have severe lung damage, would have a broken leg or two or three or four, maybe have damage to the tail, and maybe more likely than any of that a broken jaw or dental damage.

Why does my cat have a blood clot in his leg?

A thrombus is a blood clot, which can be common in cats with heart disease. Dr. Benson explains, “A blood clot dislodges from somewhere in the body, then lodges at the pelvic end of the aorta where the blood vessels split to go down the legs (an area known as the saddle), resulting in lack of blood flow to the legs.”.

Why is my cat not able to use its back legs?

In this case, a thrombus, or a blood clot, lodges at the aortic bifurcation (where the vessel splits into the two arteries that supply the rear limbs), blocking or compromising the blood flow to the rear legs. Because this condition is extremely painful and potentially life threatening, it’s critical to see a veterinarian immediately.

What happens when a senior Cat loses control of its legs?

Senior cats often experience problems with their legs. In fact, the rear legs are usually the first part of a cat’s body to become compromised. When a cat loses control of its rear legs, it will struggle to perform crucial everyday activities. Your cat will be less mobile and unable to jump as high.

How did cat get paralysis in his legs?

He was kept overnight at the vet’s. The vet also emtied the cat’s bladder with a cathether. He is totally an indoor cat, and there is no sign of any physical trauma from hitting anything. Has any body seen anything like this before?

What causes hair loss on the back of a cat?

Cat hair loss or thinning hair down the middle of the back to the rump indicates a flea problem. The chance that cat flea allergy is likely the cause increases if the hair loss is accompanied by bumps or scabs.

What causes a cat to get a bite wound?

Causes of Bite Wounds in Cats. A bite wound typically occurs as a result of a fight or rough play between two cats or your cat and another animal. Cats’ teeth are naturally sharp and are meant to tear easily into flesh.

What does it mean if your cat has a broken leg?

If your cat is limping, you may fear that it has a broken bone. Cats experience broken bones due to impact injuries. This may involve road traffic accidents or falling from a height. If your cat is limping, check the leg in question. Just because a bone is not protruding, it does not mean it isn’t broken.

What happens to a cat when it has an abscess?

A cat’s skin is also thick—especially an outdoor cat. When a cat’s needle-like claws or teeth go into another cat’s skin, dirt and bacteria get pushed in along the way. When the cat’s claw or tooth is pulled back out, the other cat’s thick skin seals together over the hole and traps the dirt and bacteria under the outermost layer of thick skin.

Why does my cat have bite wound abscess?

Bite wound abscesses: In order for a cat to develop a bite wound abscess it needs to be bitten by another animal. This is why bite wound abscesses are most common in cats that spend time outdoors. When a cat gets bit, bacteria enters the wound and an abscess begins to form.

How to treat an abscess on a cat’s leg?

You can clean your cat’s wound with plain, warm water. Take a clean rag or washcloth and soak it in warm water. Then, use the cloth to wipe away all of the pus from your cat’s wound. Rinse the cloth and repeat until all the visible pus is gone. Wash around any drains with a rag or washcloth soaked in warm water.

What happens if you get bit by a cat?

Cat bites are dangerous to you and other pets. They can cause serious infection and should be treated immediately. If a cat bites you, see a doctor as soon as possible. Up to 75 percent of cat bites introduce harmful bacteria into the body, including Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pasteurella species.

How old is Sasa the cat with an abscess?

My domestic partner, Sasa (pronounced SHA-sha) [friend her on facebook] has been diagnosed as having a low red blood cell count and she has an abscess on her intestine. Her vet says that she is too old, at 15.5 years, to risk having deep anesthetic surgery.

Other causes of sudden paralysis in cats back legs include: 1 Constipation 2 Thrombosis 3 A herniated disc 4 Hip dysplasia 5 Diabetes 6 Cerebellar hyhoplasia 7 Saddle thrombus (blood clots in cats) 8 Tick paralysis

What happens when a cat Cant walk on its back?

A cat can suffer paralysis when it stops walking altogether. This problem, more common in the hind legs, completely prevents them from moving. Therefore, your cat will not be able to walk or stand. Are your cat’ back legs collapsing?

Where do your cats go when they leave your home?

Reggie the Food Thief Now, we also have a jet-black cat called ‘Reggie’, and he is a real character with an appetite that is unbelievable for a slender feline. Quite by chance, one of our neighbours has a cat that is the exact double of Reggie, and neither of us can tell our cats apart.

Where do cats go when they go through the cat flap?

I can’t help but wonder where on Earth my cats go when they head ‘through the cat flap’. Quite often, they are gone for days at a time. When they do return, they don’t seem to be hungry and seem pretty content with life. Obviously, caring for a curious cat isn’t easy, as it is so hard to monitor them full-time.

Why is my kitten dragging his back legs?

Please take your cat to a vet to get this problem assessed. Inability to use hind legs usually results from some nerve damage, usually in the spinal column. If the cat has been hit by a car, or kicked, or stepped on, this is likely to occur. It could be temporary or permanent.

What to do if you find kittens in your yard?

Consult a veterinarian immediately if the kittens or mom show any signs of illness, injury, or distress. Leave the family outside, and provide food, water, and shelter. The mother will likely move the kittens, do not worry.

What are the early signs of fading kitten syndrome?

Preventing crises is key to reducing fatality from fading kitten syndrome. The early signs of fading kitten syndrome are subtle but often detectable. Sick kittens may not right themselves when turned on their backs. They may not root and suckle normally. Their eyes may not open at the usual age of five to 14 days.

What should I do if I find a kitten on my back?

Do not feed kittens on their backs. Place them on their stomachs and gently lift their chins. Rub the nipple back and forth across the lips and gums until the kitten begins to taste the formula and latches on. Remember to tilt the bottle up so that the kitten is not sucking in air.

What to do for an elderly cat with mobility issues?

These are called “sani” or sanitary trims and help keep an aging cat’s fur cleaner after using the litter box. For cats that are experiencing severe mobility impairment, it’s important to ensure that they can easily and reliably reach their food and water bowls.

What are the physical ailments of an older cat?

One of the most common physical ailments that affect senior cats is reduced mobility or immobility. Often hallmarked by hind leg weakness, stiffness, balance problems, and an inability to walk without a limp, the older feline can easily fall victim to joint and muscle deterioration.

What causes a cat to be unable to stand?

Consult your Vet immediately if your cat begins dragging a leg, is unable to move their legs or appears unable to stand. Additional feline mobility conditions include: cerebellar hypoplasia, IVDD, paralysis, and mobility loss due to trauma or injury.

Why does my cat have a limp on her back?

Limping and stiffness in cats can be caused by: ‘Aortic Thromboembolism’: a blood clot affecting one or both back legs. As well as the obvious limp, keep an eye out for less obvious signs such as:

What causes sudden back leg weakness in Old Cats?

Infection May Cause Sudden Hind Leg Weakness in an Old Cat Infectious disease can arise from a number of sources that affect the brain, including tick-borne diseases, Cryptococcus, feline infectious peritonitis and taxoplasmosis. As you can see, cancer is not on the list of sudden rear leg weakness in an older cat.

Why does my cat keep limping and stiffening?

This is often mistaken for getting old and ‘slowing up’. Minor injuries tend to be the most common cause of limping or stiffness in younger cats because they spend a lot of their time exploring. It’s important to take your cat to the vet if you notice any limping or stiffness, or suspect your cat is in discomfort.

Why does my cat have pain in his legs?

Feline infectious peritonitis, or FIP, inflames the spinal cord due to an abnormal response to a coronavirus. Spinal pain and partial paralysis in two or four legs are common symptoms for this illness.

Is it normal for cats to lose muscle mass on their hind legs?

Losing muscle mass on its hind legs is normal for some older cats especially with a poor lifestyle. They tend to be picky on their food because they only eat that which they can chew which may result in an improper diet. They also tend to become less active and refuse to do muscle-building activities like they used to do.

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