Why does my 19 year old cat have wobbly back legs?

Our 19 year old cat has suddenly developed wobbly back legs and twice in the last couple of days has slightly staggered to the side when walking. She’s also lost quite a lot of weight over the last few weeks. I’m going to take her to the vet tomorrow but I just wondered if anyone had experienced anything similar. I’m a vet nurse.

What does it mean when your cat can’t move his back legs?

Saddle thrombus is an extremely painful and life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. It usually comes on suddenly: Your cat begins to howl or pant and can’t seem to move one or both of his back legs.

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.

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.

When is an animal unable to move or feel its legs?

The inability of an animal to move or feel one or more legs is referred to as leg paralysis. When motor and sensory function is only partially impaired, this is referred to as paresis. When function is completely impaired it is referred to as paralysis.

How old is a kitten with leg paralysis?

19 day old kitten dragging back legs. He can move them and attempts to stand but falls on his face. It is like he has no control over them like they are weak but they do work. He scoots with his front legs and climbs. There is movement to back ones and he tries but falls over instantly.

How old was my last cat when he died?

Just lost my last cat a few weeks back, 18 years old, kidneys failing, lost weight and spent most of the day asleep. Took him to the vet and they found a lump on his liver (cancer) and that was that.

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.

Just lost my last cat a few weeks back, 18 years old, kidneys failing, lost weight and spent most of the day asleep. Took him to the vet and they found a lump on his liver (cancer) and that was that.

What causes cats to lose control of their legs?

If he does regain use of his legs, it will be a long road back, requiring lots of care. Cats suffering from epilepsy experience seizures, which not only cause them to temporarily lose control of their legs, but also display other symptoms. These include excessive salivation and loss of urinary and bowel control.

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?

How old is our 21 year old cat?

Our 21 year old was on the same boat Christmas before last. I remember going downstairs in the middle of the night after hearing a noise and he was all over the place and obviously in pain. Took him to an emergency vets as dawn broke. Me and the vet were in bits.

What causes lumps on the rear legs of cats?

Rabies and leukemia vaccines are administered in the rear legs, and these vaccines have been linked in rare instances to aggressive tumors called sarcomas. These so-called vaccine associated sarcomas usually appear as firm masses that develop under the skin.

Why does my cat keep dragging his back legs?

Here are some of the reasons why you may suddenly spot your cat dragging back legs: One of the most obvious reasons why a cat may lose control of his hind legs is injury to the spine.

Why does my kitten have a limp on her leg?

Lameness in younger cats and kittens can be due to several reasons. One example could be inflammation of the bones (Panosteitis), this is a painful condition that affects the cat’s long leg bones and is characterized by limping and lameness.

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.

Why does my 18 year old cat have a lump in her stomach?

My 18-year-old cat has developed a lump in her stomach she’s not eating or drinking or going to the bathroom at all. She cries when touched or she’s picked up. I took her to the vet two weeks ago they did an x-ray and said there was nothing wrong but the other night I went to give her a bath and found a mass in her stomach.

What causes gradual back leg weakness in older cats?

Arthritis May Cause Gradual Back Leg Weakness in Old Cats. This is common in senior cats and can be detected by X-rays. The usual plan of treatment is pain control and joint supplements such as Cosequin and Adequan.

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.

How old is a 16 year old cat?

By age 16 your cat’s physical and mental development is very much like that of an 80-year-old person. She has definitely slowed down physically (relative to her prime adult years)and may have developed a number of health problems.

What causes a senior cat’s back legs to become weak?

Dr. Benson says that being hit by a car, falling from a height or being accidentally struck or stepped upon can cause a senior cat’s back legs to suddenly become weak. “With appropriate veterinary treatment, sometimes full control can be returned, but the first 24 hours are critical,” says Dr. Benson.

Why does Oreo keep falling down the stairs?

My cat Oreo is acting weird the first time a couple months ago he fell down the stairs and started shaking and then got up like nothing happened. Then last week my mom noticed he was walking weird and looked like he was about to fall down the stairs (was wobbly) but he made it down fine.

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.

Why does my cat not walk on her back legs?

But when a cat has problems walking or putting weight on its back legs, it’s much harder to hide. Weakness and stiffness can be due to bone, ligament, muscle problems, nerve damage, neurological issues, or organ failure. It can be triggered by injury (sprains, strains, and broken bones), or by a progressive disease, such as arthritis.

Why does my cat wobble after a fall?

A fall could certainly cause some bruising or a muscle strain. If she has arthritis it could be aggravated by a fall. If you think back have you noticed her not being as active, or maybe not jumping up on things as much as she used to? Hesitating before a jump? And there is that fall. And yes cats can get spinal injuries.

What causes cat to go limp with its back legs?

The pet can show such symptom as limping on its hind leg for a great variety of reasons, and not all of them are visible on the face of it: Intra-Articular Fracture; Closed Dislocation; Strained Ligaments; Bone Fracture; Closed Wound; Joint Pathology; Joint Arthritis or Arthrosis; Lumbar Region Injury.

Why are my Cats hind legs weak?

In some cases, the hind leg weakness may be caused by electrolyte imbalances (e.g. low potassium levels) related to excessive urination. Also, diabetes that is not under control can cause muscle wasting (diabetes is a catabolic or “breaking down” disease) and your cat’s back leg problems may be due to this.

Why is my Cats back legs giving out?

Saddle Thrombus Can Cause Sudden Back Leg Weakness in Older Cats. 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),…

What causes paralysis in cat’s back legs?

These include: Blood Clot: Thrombosis where the aorta joins with iliac arteries results in paralysis of both legs. Tick bite: Ticks bites can release neurotoxins into the cat, resulting in nervous system malfunction and paralysis. Stroke: Lack of oxygen to the brain destroys the part of brain controlling leg movement. Trauma: Broken pelvis, injured spine

Why does my cat walk on her hind legs?

Issues in past month were blood in urine which was treated but since then soft stool and tons of hairballs thrown up and in the soft stool. Occasionally she had a normal stool but more soft than normal. Not sure what that is either. I told vet and they gave a peanut butter type gel and antibiotics but it has persisted.

How can I tell if my cat’s leg is swollen?

Painfulness or tenderness of the leg is common. The leg may be sensitive to the touch. Cats may refuse or be unable to walk on the swollen legs and may cry out in pain, hiss or growl as a result of using their legs.

What are the symptoms of fluid retention in cats legs?

Symptoms. Fluid retention in the leg produces symptoms such as swelling of the leg and distortion of the leg’s shape. Painfulness or tenderness of the leg is common. The leg may be sensitive to the touch. Cats may refuse or be unable to walk on the swollen legs and may cry out in pain, hiss or growl as a result of using their legs.

What are the symptoms of weak back legs in cats?

Weak and stiff back legs in cats can come on suddenly, or more gradually. Symptoms that you may notice include: Lameness (limping) Struggling to stand; Slow or stiff walking; Unsteady back legs; Holding a leg off the floor while standing; Dragging the back paws; Legs giving out or collapsing; Paralysis – unable to move the legs at all

Is it normal for a cat to limp on its hind leg?

My cat is limping on its hind leg. The most obvious sign of hind leg lameness is a little limp or hop when they are walking and running. Sometimes this can develop into them holding the leg up and not wanting to put weight on it.

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?

Why are my cat’s hind legs spreading out when walking?

Her hind legs are not spreading far out like yesterday but they are weak when she walks. She’s been napping most of the day. Taking her to her regular vet this afternoon. I would ask my vet to take some X-rays to check for arthritis and disk disease.

How old is my cat when he can’t stand on his hind legs?

My cat Tux is 13 months. He is one of seven cats here, three of which are his siblings and one his mother. When he was around 10 months old … read more My 17 year old kitty was just sitting on my desk when he couldn’t stand on his left hind leg. It is stretched out, not retracted. He doesn’t mind when I rub … read more

What kind of pain does a 10 year old cat have?

Cats are, by nature, extremely finicky about keeping themselves clean. Watch any conscious cat for longer than a few minutes, and you are likely to see it cleaning some part of its body. Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common chronically painful ailments in cats, affecting more than 90% of cats 10 years of age and older.

Why is my cat wobbling in her chair?

She’s eating and drinking, but hasn’t pooed since Tuesday night.. definitely having trouble in the litterbox making the tight turns and stuff. Uti in humans has some odd symptoms like making the perosn”crazy” happens alot in women…

Why does my cat have wobbly back legs?

Also when she jumps up onto something her back legs give way a bit, meaning that she digs her front claws in really hard ( lovely when it’s your foot she’s clinging too) and she lays down really strangely too, kind of flops onto the side of her bum first. When she walks, from behind she looks like a swaying Hawaiian dancer!

Is it normal for a cat to have back leg weakness?

Rear Leg Weakness in Cats. Back leg pain can take even the strongest kitties out of action for a bit. Whether your kitty’s a spring chicken or waiting on her Furball Association of Retired Cats card, rear leg weakness is not normal. It’s not necessarily a sign of impending doom, but it does need checked out.

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 should I do if my cat’s back legs are not working?

For example: 1 If your cat’s bed is high up, move it to the floor 2 Give your cat soft bedding and blankets to sit on 3 Keep your cat’s food and water bowls at ground-level 4 Implement short, gentle play sessions 5 Discourage your cat from climbing and vigorous activity 6 Use a low-sided litter tray 7 Gently massage your cat’s legs More

What happens when a cat’s back legs go out?

She slips alot on them and walks very very slow. This happened to another cat of mine too about this age, he eventually couldn’t use them at all and we had to have him put down because he seemed to be in alot of pain/miserable.

How are the front and back legs of a cat alike?

The front two cat legs are very much like our arms while the back two are very much like our legs. They have the same bones and same joints, including shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles.

Why does my cat walk on his hind legs?

i If your cat starts walking like a drunk, weak in the hind end, don’t assume he got into the catnip. That hind leg neuropathy indicates he’s probably suffering from feline diabetes mellitus. Take him to the vet for diagnosis and treatment: he should soon be back on all four legs.

Can a cat not stand on all four legs?

Your cat may experience issues with standing on all four legs, and you may even notice your cat leaning or falling over at times, which can be a frightening sight. Once you notice your cat is having trouble standing up, it is important to watch for the other signs of vestibular disease.

Why is my cat walking funny in his rear legs?

My cat is about 2 years old and has not been able to have My cat is about 2 years old and has not been able to have control of his hind legs the last few days. We have checked for ticks because he is a indoor/outdoor cat and have not found any at all.

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.

What are the signs of an older cat?

Older cats frequently develop arthritis in their joints, making it harder to jump up on the back of the couch, climb the cat condo or get into and out of the litterbox. Vision and hearing loss are also common. You’ve probably already noticed an increase in catnaps, another indication that your cat is getting a little older.

How old is Yossarian the 18 year old cat?

This topic has 37 replies, 27 voices, and was last updated 10 years ago by yossarian. 18 or 19 year old cat and she’s wasting away before our eyes.

How old is a 15 year old cat?

After two years old the cats mature slowly, so that a 15 year old cat is roughly comparable to a 76 year old human (see the graph below). Cats that live indoors can live longer than cats that live outside. Note: There is no reliable method for calculating precisily how old your cat is in human years equivalent.

Why is my 20 year old cat yowling?

Cats who are losing their vision, hearing or sense of smell can begin to vocalize excessively. Common sense would dictate that a decline in the senses leads to confusion and irritability. My 20-year-old yowling cat reminded me of my dad when his hearing aid batteries died. “Dad, you don’t have to scream at me. I can hear you.” Hypertension.

How to tell if your cat is dying of old age?

Telltale Signs an Old Cat Is Dying 1 Indications a Cat Is Dying of Old Age. According to the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine,… 2 Signs of Death for Specific Diseases. Geriatric cats can die from several types… 3 Treatment Considerations. The severity of your cat’s symptoms will increase during… 4 The Aging Cat. When a cat ages,…

Is it true that my cat is going to pass away?

Emotional distress is not painful, but it is unpleasant nonetheless. Constipation and dehydration can torment without necessarily causing pain. The person who asked the question probably is correct that her cat is going to pass away. There are many possible causes, but the cat’s age and symptoms are most consistent with end-stage kidney failure.

What to do if your cat cant use his back legs?

Gently wrap your cat in a soft blanket, keeping your hands away from his mouth to avoid inadvertent bites, and proceed to your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately. A diagnosis of saddle thrombus is typically confirmed based on clinical signs and physical examination.

When do cats start to decline in age?

While cats can live healthy lives into their late teens and even early 20s, there comes a time when your pet will begin to decline, either due to old age or a progressive or terminal medical issue. Recognizing when the end is approaching for your beloved feline will help you make the most loving and compassionate choices for her and for yourself.

Is there such thing as an old cat?

Your cat may enjoy companionship or prefer to be alone at the end. While cats can live healthy lives into their late teens and even early 20s, there comes a time when your pet will begin to decline, either due to old age or a progressive or terminal medical issue.

How to know if your cat is having cat problems?

Here are some signs that your cat might be experiencing one of these common senior cat problems: 1 Difficulty or reluctance to try jumping or climbing. 2 Changes in weight. 3 Strange lumps or bumps. 4 Failing to use the litter box. 5 Appetite loss. 6 (more items)

What happens to a cat in her senior years?

Typically, as a cat heads into the senior years she begins to show signs of slowing down. She may be less active and sleepier, points out Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. She might also be less inclined to jump or climb, and might even have difficulty getting to hard-to-reach places.

How old is a 10 year old cat in human years?

After reaching the age of 2 years, every cat year equals around 4 human years. Based on this formula, we can calculate that a 10-year-old cat equals a 53-year-old person, a 12-year-old cat equals a 61-year-old person and a 15-year-old cat equals a 73-year-old person. Ultimately, a 21-year-old equals a one century old person.

What happens to a cat’s body in old age?

When a cat ages, a greater burden is placed upon its internal organs. Old age is not so much the killer as are the complications that arise during your cat’s last years. When your cat is aging, you may find:

How to tell if your cat has idiopathic vestibular disease?

Idiopathic Vestibular Disease in Cats 1 Significant head tilt 2 Falling 3 Repetitive eye movement (nystagmus) 4 Loud meowing 5 Incoordination (ataxia) More

Why is my 18 year old cat ruining my life?

You are being held hostage to the emotional demands—probably driven by feline dementia at this point—of a cat that is about 90 in human years. Ol’ Fluff has lived a long, long good life. You will live a much shorter, less good life if you don’t get some sleep and a vacation.

How old is Bernadette kazmarski’s cat the cat?

Bernadette E. Kazmarski, an artist and blogger at The Creative Cat, has had two 20+ year old cats, plus a cat who made it to 19 and another who is currently 19 and on the way to 20! None of these cats are related and none are of any “special” breed, so we can’t attribute to shared genetics.

Is there a 20 year old cat called Cream Puff?

Yep, a cat named Cream Puff. In fact, most of us have met or heard of someone who had a 20 year-old (or older!) cat. This kind of information makes me crazy and gives me hope that there may be more we can do to help our cats live longer.

When to remove a lump on a cat?

Your vet may recommend removing your cat’s lump if it is cancerous, or benign but causing other problems. If a lump is slow growing, benign and causing no problems your vet may recommend leaving it where it is. Similarly, if the risks of surgery are very high or if your cat has an advanced cancer it may be more sensible to leave the lump alone.

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.

Why does my cat walk Wobbly on the ground?

Tonight he walked into my room and jumped like something scared him and then started to walk wobbly a few steps and then vomited. Now he is preceding to sit on the ground not moving (but alive)in the same spot for about an hour. Also when you pet him he does not purr which is very unlike him.

Why does my cat have a stiff legged gait?

The head may be tilted to one side, and the eye movements may be affected Nystagmus, abnormal eye movements in which the eyes dart back and forth Stiff legged gait, front legs may be rigid while the hind legs are splayed wide apart

Can a 13 year old cat lose muscle?

My 13 year old cat is losing muscle mass on his hindquarters… Dr. Lars. He has had a muscle loss on back leg but i want to Hi. Dr. Lars. He has had a muscle loss on back leg but i want to know if this is some sign of dying or suffering. … read more I have a 17 yo neutered male orange tabby who is loosing muscle mass in his hind quarters.

Why does my cat lose so much weight?

In many cases, cats lose weight when they are not eating enough. However, some diseases cause weight loss despite adequate food intake. Depending on the cause, weight loss may or may not accompany other signs of illness. Many health problems can cause weight loss in cats, some more serious than others.

How much weight can a 10 pound cat lose?

But a pound weight loss in a 10 pound cat is loss of 10% of the cat’s body weight. That is significant. Too often, I have seen cats brought in for an examination only after they look like the cat to the left and this is MUCH too late! Unfortunately, when you look at your cat, you may not notice early weight loss.

Is it normal for senior cats to lose weight?

Many owners think that weight loss is normal for senior cats, but this is not the case. It’s important to take action if you notice unexplained weight loss in your cat. It is hard to tell if your cat is really losing weight if it happens gradually.

How old do cats have to be to have cognitive decline?

It’s estimated that cognitive decline—referred to as feline cognitive dysfunction, or FCD—affects more than 55% of cats aged 11 to 15 years and more than 80% of cats aged 16 to 20 years. Memory, ability to learn, awareness, and sight and hearing perception can all deteriorate in cats affected with FCD.

Why does an older cat have inappropriate elimination?

Inappropriate elimination is a common symptom of FCD. In fact, it’s the most common reason that older cats are seen by behaviorists. Any number of medical problems can contribute to inappropriate elimination, including sensory decline, neuromuscular conditions that affect mobility, brain tumors, kidney dysfunction and endocrine system disorders.

What causes a cat to lose its appetite?

There are many possible causes for a loss of appetite in cats and it is important for the specific cause to be determined; possible causes may include infections, parasites, foreign objects, poisoning, internal disease, hormonal conditions among many other conditions.

How can I tell if my cat is losing his appetite?

You may have noticed that as your cat grows older, he TENDS to lose his appetite quickly. Either you see him in pain as he eats, or walks away from his bowl come mealtime. As the days wear on, you see him leave his bowl filled with food, either sleeping or preoccupied with something else. It makes you wonder: Is your cat sick?

What are the signs of an older cat winding down?

These are all signs of “winding down”. Older cats exercise less and sleep more, they groom less thoroughly and less often. They lose their appetites. The early stages of this decline are so gradual that owners may not notice it.

Is it normal for a senior cat to yowl?

No, this article is about geriatric cats yowling or screaming — these cats sound genuinely distressed. They may walk aimlessly, not trying to communicate with you — just vocalizing. They may walk aimlessly, not trying to communicate with you — just vocalizing.