Why is my cat limping all of a sudden?
Unfortunately, our pets can't tell us how they are feeling or what hurts, making figuring out why your cat is limping challenging. Cats can limp for many reasons, whether limping from their back leg or their front leg, such as getting something stuck in their paw, a sprain, a break, or even an ingrown claw.
Remember, if your cat is limping, it's a sign that it is experiencing pain, even if it doesn't look like it (cats are really good at hiding pain).
It's always best to take your cat to the vet if it has a limp to avoid the possibility of infection and to help keep its condition from worsening. The cause of your cat's limp might not be easy to spot, but the treatment could be as simple as trimming its claws or pulling out a thorn.
That said, if you're a pet parent, it's a good idea to monitor your animal's health regularly, and watching how they walk is a part of that. Always keep an eye out for swelling, redness, and open wounds. If you see any of these, call a vet immediately.
Reasons Your Cat May Be Limping
Here are a few common reasons your cat might be limping:
- Something stuck in their paw
- Sprained or broken leg caused by trauma (being hit, falling, or landing wrong)
- Walking across a hot surface (stove, hot gravel, or pavement)
- Ingrown nail/ claw
- Being bitten by a bug or other animal
- Infected or torn nail
- Arthritis
How do you tell if your cat's leg is broken or sprained?
Fractured and sprained legs can be challenging to distinguish, as they share many symptoms. However, the primary difference is that a stretched ligament or tendon causes a sprain, while a bone injury causes a break. Both types of injuries can occur due to various accidents or incidents, such as falls, car crashes, or attacks by other animals.
Why is my cat limping but not in pain?
Owners often wonder why their cat is limping but doesn't seem to be in pain. Typically, limping is a response to injury or abnormal anatomy, and your cat may or may not be in pain. The limp can affect one or multiple legs and may be chronic or intermittent.
Similar to humans, it might be worse at certain times of the day, such as first thing in the morning, after rest or exercise, or late at night. Signs of pain may not be limited to vocalizing. Whether or not your cat feels uncomfortable, the underlying cause of the limping must be addressed.
What should I do if my cat is limping?
If you notice that your cat is limping, keeping it calm and relaxed as you check its leg is important. Carefully run your fingers over the leg, looking and feeling for any sensitive areas. Watch for signs of open wounds, swelling, redness, or dangling limbs. Start at your cat's paw and work your way up.
If you find something like a thorn, gently remove it with tweezers and clean the area with soap and water. Keep an eye on the area to ensure it doesn't become infected as it heals. If the issue is overgrown nails, trim them as usual or have your vet do it.
If you can't determine the cause of the limp and your cat is still limping after 24 hours, make an appointment with your vet.
It can be difficult to determine if your cat's leg is broken because the symptoms could be similar to other injuries or a sprain (swelling, limp, leg held in an odd position, lack of appetite), so it's best to contact your vet.
While waiting for the vet appointment, limit your cat's movements to prevent further injury. Keep them in a room with low surfaces or their carrier, and provide a comfortable resting place with their favorite blankets. Keep monitoring their condition.
When should I take my cat to the vet for limping?
It is always a good idea to take your cat to the vet for limping to prevent infection or get a proper diagnosis. If any of the following situations apply to your cat, make an appointment with your vet:
- You can't identify the cause
- They have been limping for more than 24 hours
- There is swelling
- An open wound
- The limb is dangling in an odd position
Don't wait 24 hours if there is a visible cause, such as bleeding, swelling, or the limb hanging strangely; call your vet immediately and arrange emergency care to prevent infection or a worsening condition. You should also contact your vet if you do not know how to handle the situation. Your vet can advise you on the appropriate steps to take.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.