{"id":1423,"date":"2021-07-07T08:12:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-07T12:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beverlyhillsvets.com\/blog\/?p=1423"},"modified":"2024-04-03T10:37:39","modified_gmt":"2024-04-03T17:37:39","slug":"when-your-cat-is-limping-worry-or-wait","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beverlyhillsvets.com\/blog\/when-your-cat-is-limping-worry-or-wait\/","title":{"rendered":"When Your Cat Is Limping, Worry or Wait?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"Cat<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Let\u2019s face it, you probably don\u2019t know exactly what kind of trouble your indoor-outdoor cat gets into when they hop fences, climb trees, or go on a midnight hunt. They could be at risk of various injuries. While indoor-only cats are considered safer and possibly healthier than those allowed to roam, they can still develop conditions that affect their mobility and gait. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A limp can occur either gradually or suddenly, depending on the cause. If you\u2019ve noticed that your cat is limping (whether a little or a lot), the key thing to remember is that it never pays to wait it out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Illness or Injury<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No cat owner ever wants to jump to conclusions regarding a potential emergency. However, when a cat is found limping, they benefit from immediate veterinary help. You can observe your cat\u2019s behavior and monitor pain levels. If they cannot get up and walk normally after a 15-minute period of rest, it\u2019s time to get the ball rolling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Fine Print<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sure, your cat\u2019s symptoms could resolve in a day or two. But the worst case scenario could be that they are suffering from unknown, underlying health conditions that require prompt treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without quick action, a limping cat may suffer for the long term, and treatments can become more costly and possibly less effective the longer you wait. If your cat receives appropriate first-aid and\/or veterinary care as needed, they will have a better chance for a full recovery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ouch Factor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A cat\u2019s leg is composed of bones, muscles, tendons, joints, nerves, ligaments, and skin<\/a>. Sometimes the cause of a limp is immediately obvious following an inspection of the hurt leg. You might see or feel a broken bone or dislocated joint. Other common explanations include lacerations, puncture wounds, burns to the paw pads,<\/a> or signs of infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch for changes to your cat\u2019s behavior. Are they eating and drinking as usual? What about their grooming and bathroom habits?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice that their limb is hot to the touch or they wince when you come near, please arrange for transport<\/a>. Withdrawal, fever, or lethargy signal the need for urgent care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Home First-Aid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When a cat is limping but they are otherwise at 100%, you can try to administer first-aid to a cut, puncture wound, or infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A non-emergency limp can be treated by cleaning the wound, reducing swelling with compresses, controlling bleeding, and confining your cat to a small area where they cannot cause further harm to themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Covering All Bases<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A limp that seems to come and go, or appears worse and then improves on its own, can be connected to various health conditions, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n