Have you noticed that your cat is limping? Known for their grace and agility, a limping cat is a concerning thing. Otherwise known as lameness, limping in cats can result from various causes and may indicate potential health issues in your cat.

From minor injuries to more severe underlying conditions, a limping cat should be brought in to your emergency veterinarian. If you’ve arrived on this page due to concerns over your cat’s limping, give your nearest VEG ER for Pets emergency hospital a call to schedule an appointment.

Limping in cats: common causes

Causes of limping in cats range from mild to more serious, including:

• Injury and trauma

• Infections and abscesses

• Arthritis

• Foreign objects

• Neurological issues

Let’s take a closer look at each of those to gain a better understanding of why your cat’s gait has been affected and what to do next.

Injury and trauma can cause limping in cats

Active and curious, cats can be prone to accidents despite their agile ways. The classic reference to these precocious animals having “nine lives” refers to their propensity for predicaments. Cats jump, climb, dart, wiggle into small spaces, chase and explore. They also provoke other animals, all of which can result in injury.

If your cat is limping, it’s possible he may have landed awkwardly after a jump. He could have gotten in a fight with the neighborhood cat bully, or even been hit by a car. Strains, sprains, fractures and dislocations that result in these types of mishaps can result in pain and limping in your cat. For this reason, if your cat’s started limping, it’s important to take him to the emergency vet right away.

A cat may begin limping for a variety of reasons. Read the causes for limping in cats and what to do for your buddy. VEG is open 24/7 with compassionate, prompt care for your cat's emergency.

Infections and abscesses can cause a cat to limp

If your cat is an outdoor cat; or if she cohabitates with other pets, she may get into fights with other animals from time to time. Bite wounds and scratches can become infected, causing abscesses.

An abscess is a painful pocket of pus that forms under the skin and can cause significant discomfort and limping. Swelling, a feeling of hotness around the affected area, and your cat licking or biting the spot excessively all point to the possibility of an abscess or other type of battle injury. Bring your cat in to the emergency vet if you see signs of abscess and are concerned.

Limping from arthritis

Arthritis causes inflammation, pain and stiffness of the joints. This degenerative joint disease can lead to limping in your cat. Manage arthritis symptoms with the help of your primary care veterinarian who can advise you on appropriate treatments.

Limping due to foreign object

If your cat is limping, check his paws in case of a foreign object such as a thorn, splinter, or even small pieces of glass. Lodged in the paw pads or between the toes, these can cause considerable discomfort.

Make an appointment to see a VEG emergency vet if you think there is a foreign object in your cat's paw or leg. Our compassionate vet staff will provide prompt relief to your cat.

Neurological issues in cats can cause limping

Lameness in cats can be the result of neurological issues or nerve damage. Look for other telltale signs, such as weakness, loss of coordination, or dragging of limbs. Indicators of neurological distress or dysfunction require immediate veterinary attention to prevent further complications.

Learn when your cat's limp is considered a medical emergency and seek fast vet attention at VEG ER for Pets. No appointments taken; open 24 hours every day.

Limping in cats: when it's an emergency

Some scenarios for cat limping that warrant immediate vet attention:

Sudden onset of severe limping

Fracture, dislocation, or severe injury could be the root cause, requiring immediate attention. Waiting too long can worsen symptoms and make treatment more challenging. Call VEG emergency vet hospital right away if limping is severe.

Visible signs of trauma

Open wounds, severe swelling, or a deformed limb suggest significant injury requiring professional treatment. VEG will provide necessary care and pain relief for your cat.

Limping accompanied by other symptoms

Fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or vomiting could indicate an infection, systemic illness, or severe pain that needs to be addressed immediately. Contact VEG if you observe any of these additional symptoms alongside your cat’s limp.

Limping that does not improve

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and help your cat recover more quickly. If it’s been 2 days and your cat is still limping, bring her in to our vet ER for diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment for your cat's limp

At VEG ER for Pets, we care about the safety and wellbeing of your cat as much as you do. Trust our veterinary experts to ensure your cat receives the best possible medical care and comfort. Below is a step-by-step example of what you can expect when you bring your cat in to VEG for urgent vet care.

Immediate vet attention

You'll see a vet right away at VEG. To get to the bottom of your cat’s limping problem, we may provide some or all of the following during your emergency visit:

• Comprehensive examination. An overall assessment of your cat’s physical health.

• Imaging diagnostics. May include x-rays or ultrasound exams as needed.

• Bloodwork. Laboratory tests can help us gain insights into your cat’s physical health.

Our goal is to diagnose the issue accurately and provide the best possible care for your cat.

A leg limp is a way your cat is dealing with pain. At VEG ER for Pets, your cat will receive a diagnosis and recommendations for treatment to relieve the pain and help bring them to a place of healing.

Pain management for your cat

Depending on the cause of the limping, our veterinarians will prescribe appropriate pain relief medications to ensure your cat’s comfort, if necessary. Managing pain effectively can also aid in the healing process and improve your cat’s quality of life.

Treatment options for your cat's limp

Injuries and trauma will require treatment, including some or all of the following:

• Wound cleaning If limping is due to injury resulting in a wound, it’s essential that our emergency vet perform a thorough cleaning of the wound and surrounding area 

• Drainage of abscess Sometimes an abscess becomes large enough to crowd the nerves or affect the muscle and ligaments, which can cause your cat to limp

• Bandaging Proper bandaging or wrapping is crucial for your cat’s healing process

• Splinting or surgery Depending on the cat’s injury, surgery may be required

• Antibiotics to treat cat’s infection or abscess 

  
  

For chronic conditions like arthritis, we will develop a long-term management plan that may include medications, dietary changes, and physical therapy.

Follow-up care for your cat's limping

To ensure that your cat is receiving appropriate care and healing is taking place, VEG will provide detailed after-care instructions. We’ll also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your cat’s progress.

Rest easy: your cat’s health is in good hands. At VEG we’re always available to answer questions and address concerns along your cat’s journey to recovery.

VEG is open 24 hours every day for your cat's emergency care

VEG emergency vet center is open 24/7 so we're ready and available at a moment’s notice to offer support, diagnose medical issues and administer care. Don’t wait to seek help. Call a VEG emergency vet. Our dedicated team is here to provide the best possible treatment for your feline friend.