Why Is My Cat Limping? Causes, Treatment, and How to Prevent It – Cats may limp for many reasons, whether the problem is in their back leg or they have an issue in their front leg. A thing could be lodged in a cat’s paw, or they might be experiencing an ingrown nail, a sprain, or even a fracture. If you notice a limp, it is always advisable to make an appointment with your veterinarian to prevent the worst-case scenario.
The causes may not always be seen to the naked eye. That said, first aid might be as easy as pulling out a thorn or cutting their nails. Remember that if your cat is limping that they are in pain, even if they doesn’t appear to be (cats are great at hiding their pain). Always look for redness, swelling, and open wounds. If you see any of these, call a vet immediately. 
Why is my cat limping?
Here are some basic reasons your cat may be limping –
- A twisted or broken leg caused by trauma
- Walking on a hot surface (stove, hot gravel, or pavement)
- Arthritis
- Affected or torn nail
- Ingrown nail
- Something stuck in their paw
- Being bitten by a bug or another animal
If my cat is limping, what can I do?
If your cat is limping, wait for them to calm down and ease before you touch their leg. When they are calm, carefully check out their leg and paws by running your fingers down the area for any sensitive areas and look for swelling, an open wound, redness, and dangling limbs. Begin with their paw and work your way up. Be cautious while doing this, as animals in pain may have behavioral changes.
If the cause of the limping is overgrown nails, trim the nails in the usual manner. However, if you encounter a large thorn, you can carefully pull out the thorn using a clean pair of tweezers, but monitor for signs of an open wound or infection, which may occur later. If you can’t figure out the cause of the limp and your loved kitty is still limping after 24 hours, make an appointment with your vet immediately.
Additionally, it may be difficult to determine if your cat’s leg is broken, as the signs could point to other injuries or some sort of sprain, which is why you should always get in touch with your veterinarian. While waiting for your veterinary appointment, you have to limit your cat’s activities to keep them from causing more injury or making it worse.
You can keep them in a room with low surfaces or place them in their carrier. Make sure they are in a comfortable position by offering them a comfortable place to sleep/a kitty bed, and keep them warm with their favorite blankets. Continuously monitor their situation.
Can I take My Cat to The Veterinarian For Limping?
It is always a great plan to take your cat to the veterinarian for limping to protect them from any type of infection or get a complete diagnosis. If any of the following situations apply to your cat, make an appointment with your vet quickly –
- The limb is hanging in an odd position
- They have been limping for over 24 hours
- An open wound
- Any swelling
- You can not identify the cause
If there is any visible cause, such as swelling, bleeding, or the limb is resting at an odd angle, contact your veterinarian immediately to protect from infection or the worst case scenario, as this is a veterinary emergency. You should also call your vet if you do not know how to control the situation; your vet can give you suggestions on the actions you should take next to help you transport the kitty safely to the clinic/hospital.
Conclusion
Cats are known to be hard to diagnose, but a veterinarian can help you figure out what is causing your cat’s limping. If you are not sure where the nearest vet clinic is, ask around for recommendations or look up local animal hospitals.
Whether it turns out that your kitty has arthritis or just requires some pain medication, do yourself (and them) a favor by getting them checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Also, we want cats to live long and happy lives, too.
FAQs
What can I do to stop my cat from limping?
You can help prevent paw sprains, strains, and injuries in your cat by ensuring they maintain a healthy weight, supplementing their diet with joint support as advised by your vet, and offering a safe space for them to walk and play freely.
How to take care of a cat who limps at home?
Keep your cat in a small space, keep them away from climbing up, and make sure the windows are always closed when you are not around. For twists or breaks, consider applying towel-wrapped cold packs until you can get to a veterinarian. Make regular appointments with your veterinarian for basic health check-ups.
Why is my cat limping but not crying?
Cats are generally quiet when they are in pain, so the lack of crying does not mean they are ok. However, it is a good plan to get the cat checked properly to understand the reason for the limping.
What if my cat is limping but still jumping and running?
It is well-known that cats can hide their pain, so your cat running from time to time does not rule out an injury that is making them limp. You are still recommended to call a veterinarian for a check-up.
Limping cat: self-healing or vet visit?
This can depend on the cause of the limping. Understanding the cause needs a visit to the veterinarian. Infections or other complex cases need medical attention. For muscle strain or twists, first aid can give your cat relief.
