When should I take my limping cat to the vet?
Signs that Your Cat Needs to See a Veterinarian
- Limping persists for more than a few days.
- Swelling of the affected limb(s)
- Inability to walk or run normally.
- Reluctance to perform an everyday activity, like jumping on a perch.
- Unwillingness to bear weight on the affected limb(s)
- Affected leg(s) are at an unnatural angle.
Why is my cat limping but not in pain?
Written by Richard Parker. Cats never limp without a good reason. Even if your cat is not crying, don’t assume that it’s not masking its discomfort. In fact, some cats become accustomed to pain and no longer react. Common reasons for a cat to limp include trauma, arthritis (joint pain), and infection.
When to take your limping cat to the vet?
The first thing you need to do is to let her relax. When she is relaxed and lying down, closely inspect her leg and paw for redness and swelling. Gently touch her paw pads and the area around to see if she flinches or meows with pain.
Why does my senior cat walk with a limp?
The likeliest explanation for limping in senior cats is arthritis. Cats of any age can develop this condition. It becomes worsens as a cat’s age reaches double figures. It is unlikely that a cat aged 12 or older will not be arthritic. The first sign of arthritis in cats is a slowing of physical activity.
How can I tell if my cat has a leg injury?
Through observation, we can see if the cat is limping on their front leg or limping on their back leg. We can also see how they put pressure on the ground. If the cat is trying not to touch their paw to the floor, it is possible there is an injury to their paw pad.
Why does my cat keep limping on one leg?
Lameness (or limping) in cats can be caused by several underlying reasons. Lameness is typically in response to injury or abnormal anatomy and your pet may or may not be in pain. Lameness can affect one leg or several legs, and can be constant or come and go.
The first thing you need to do is to let her relax. When she is relaxed and lying down, closely inspect her leg and paw for redness and swelling. Gently touch her paw pads and the area around to see if she flinches or meows with pain.
Is it normal for a cat to limp?
As we state above, cats are known for their durability. This means it is not uncommon for a cat to be limping, but not make any sound to alert us to their pain. They may have cried out when the injury happened, but we won’t necessarily have been present.
Through observation, we can see if the cat is limping on their front leg or limping on their back leg. We can also see how they put pressure on the ground. If the cat is trying not to touch their paw to the floor, it is possible there is an injury to their paw pad.