Cats do their best to not show pain, so if you see your feline friend struggling to move around, it is likely an important sign of injury or illness.
Limping in cats can have more than one appearance. Of course, if a kitty is failing to place equal or any weight on a single limb, this is an obvious form of limping. However, lameness can also include changes to multiple limbs, stiffness, unusually slow and careful walking and changes in cat body language when moving.
To help determine a possible cause, it is important to consider whether the change has come on slowly (chronic) or suddenly (acute), as well as any other changes in your cat’s wellbeing or behavior. Additionally, the number of legs affected is helpful in evaluating possible causes of limping in cats.
Acute Limping in Cats
If the limping is acute and affecting a single limb, there is most likely an issue with that specific leg or paw. Examine your pet’s paw carefully to look for any swelling, wounds or foreign material in the paw pads or skin. Don’t forget to check between the toes if your kitty will let you! Gently feel the leg for signs of swelling compared to the other leg. If your cat suddenly reacts to your gentle pressure, you may have isolated the sore spot and can check that area for any external signs of injury.
Many times, acute limping can result from trauma to a ligament or muscle. Sprains occur when a ligament is over-extended and injured. Strains occur when the same happens to a muscle. Just like us, kitties sometimes land incorrectly or twist their limbs when jumping, running or playing.
Often, resting the leg (which is easier said than done with a kitty) can help the issue resolve. Keeping the cat in a confined, quiet area may help her avoid excess activity and allow the tissue to heal. Carefully and frequently monitor your cat for any worsening of the limp, which likely indicates a trip to the vet is needed.
Of course, an acutely limping kitty may have suffered a fractured bone. It can be difficult to tell the difference between a bone injury and a soft tissue injury, but typically the limp associated with a bone injury or fracture will be much more severe, often resulting in the cat not using the leg at all and holding it up when she walks. If there is any suspicion the limp is the result of the broken bone, see your vet or an emergency clinic immediately.
Another possible cause for limping in a cat is an infection in the leg. This may occur after a bite from another cat, which can cause a very painful cat bite abscess that requires antibiotics to resolve. If you observe any wounds on a limping cat or the cat has access to the outdoors, this concern should be high on your list. These bacterial infections can also cause reduced energy and lack of eating and should be addressed quickly.
Chronic Limping in Cats
If you notice your cat limping, consider whether it really is an acute change. Often, such changes are accompanied by subtle signs that progress over time to limping. Has your cat’s play slowed down in recent weeks or months? Is she still jumping on and off furniture at the same height or with the same zeal?
Sometimes when we notice limping, it may alert us to other, less obvious signs of joint pain developing over several months. In these cases, limping is often in multiple legs, such as both hind limbs. The limping may shift between limbs as the cat attempts to ease pain on different areas. Additionally, such limping may be more noticeable when the kitty rises from sleeping, and may appear to “work itself out” as she stretches.
Arthritis in cats is not uncommon, particularly in older cats or those with previous bone or joint injuries. Remember, cats are good at hiding pain, so even subtle limps should not be ignored. Your veterinarian can recommend helpful treatments, including anti-inflammatories or joint supplements, which supply cartilage-protecting molecules and fatty acids to improve joint health. Other pain management techniques, such as laser treatments and acupuncture, may be helpful for some patients.
When to Contact Your Veterinarian
See your vet whenever limping is severe or if mild limping has lasted more than a few days. See your vet immediately if the limping is accompanied by any other change in behavior, such as reduced eating, vomiting or litterbox issues, as these can be a sign of serious issues or illness. If you feel any lumps or swellings on your kitty that may be associated with the limp, these are also critical to investigate, as some cancers or infections can cause lameness as well.
We usually think of limping as a sign of pain in the legs or paws, but it may also result from back pain or internal organ pain as the kitty shifts weight to avoid placing painful pressure on an area. It is important to consider that limping can be a sign of a nervous system problem as well. Disease of the spinal cord may weaken limbs, and this weakness can look like limping. Additionally, injuries or disease of nerves in the leg can result in limping. Any of these potential causes should be investigated with your veterinarian.
Most importantly, never give your cat any human pain medication or any pain medication without your veterinarian’s recommendation. A single tablet of human acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can be fatal for cats. Many dog pain medications are also not safe for our kitty friends. Please see a veterinarian for feline-appropriate diagnostics and medication.