Between all the laid-back cuddles and naps, your cat can be quite the acrobat. But sometimes their aerial adventures result in a mishap that catches you by surprise. You may have missed the exact moment it happened, but now you notice that your cat is limping and seems to be in pain.

If you think your cat has a broken leg, you don’t want to waste time guessing. Just like with human bone breaks, it’s necessary to get immediate care. Bring your little daredevil to your nearest VEG ER for Pets to get evaluated by one of our expert veterinarians. Emergency is all we do, so we do it best!

How to tell if your cat has a broken leg

As a pet owner, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of a broken leg in cats. If you notice any of the following, bring your feline friend to your nearest VEG ASAP. Not only is it critical to treat a broken bone immediately, but your cat is likely in a lot of pain. Here are some things to look out for if you think your cat has a leg injury, from most obvious to least obvious.

Signs of a broken leg in cats

Visible deformity, bleeding, or swelling

Sometimes your cat’s injury will be visible. There may be bleeding or wounds near the injury, or the bone may be exposed. If your cat’s leg appears bent, twisted, or at an unusual angle, or if one leg looks swollen or different from the opposite leg in any way, seek emergency medical attention right away.

Limping or not using one leg

Cats can be curled-up connoisseurs of comfort. Unfortunately, this makes it easy for a problem to go unnoticed. If your cat has a broken leg, they may be reluctant to walk or jump. When they do get up to walk, they might favor one leg, resulting in a limp or lopsided gait. Or, they might keep their paw off the floor altogether.

Vocalizing pain

How do you know if your cat is in pain? It’s not always easy, but you may hear anything from a constant meowing to a low, purring growl. Your cat may be unusually chatty, hissy, or irritable, or they may react aggressively when the painful area is touched.

Hiding

Cats often hide when they have pain. If you find your kitty hiding under your bed or in a closet, that may be an indication of a painful problem.

Loss of appetite

If your cat is in pain from a broken bone or other injury, you may notice a change in their appetite. If your cat is experiencing any of the above and is avoiding meals, visit your local VEG.

Know the signs of a broken leg and when to take your cat to the emergency vet.

What is the difference between a sprain and a broken leg in a cat?

Just like humans, cats can experience sprains and fractures ranging from mild to severe.

A sprained leg in cats is an injury to a ligament that can be caused by twisting or overextending a joint. A sprain may result in limping, swelling, and pain for your cat but may not be visible on an x-ray unless there is associated joint damage.

A broken leg in cats is a break or crack in a bone that is often caused by significant trauma, falls, or impacts. Fractures may cause limping, swelling, severe pain, deformity, or inability to bear weight on the leg and will show up on an x-ray.

Common causes of broken legs in cats

Cats are extremely agile and often perform the most daring feats with ease. Accidents can happen, though. The most common causes of broken legs in cats are:

• Falls from heights

• Being hit by a vehicle

• Getting caught in doors or furniture

• Animal attacks

• Other traumatic injuries

If you think your cat has a broken leg, contact an emergency vet right away. Luckily, VEG is open 24/7 for all pet emergencies.

What to do if your cat broke its leg

Some days, your cat seems to really test out those nine lives! They jump, they pounce, they end up waaaay up high on the bookcase, and you don’t know how they got there. You know your cat’s normal activity level, and you’ve noticed a change. As a dedicated pet owner, you’ll want to do what’s best for your beloved fur baby. So, let’s walk through the steps you need to take if you notice your cat might have a bone break.

1. Stay calm and assess the injury

If your cat is limping or exhibiting any unusual behavior after a fall, do a quick visual scan of your pet. Are there any external signs of injury, like bleeding, swelling, or bending at an odd angle? Is the bone exposed? It’s important to stay calm as you do this.

2. Keep your cat comfy and confined

Once you suspect your cat may have a broken leg, make them as comfortable as you can as you get ready to transport them to the vet. You can do this by gently wrapping your cat in a towel or blanket and carefully placing them in a carrier or crate to limit movement. Never attempt to set a broken bone yourself as this may worsen the injury.

3. Call VEG for a heads up before you arrive

With your cat safely in a carrier or crate, call your nearest VEG to let them know what happened and tell them you’re on your way. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can give your cat the best chance for a full recovery so bring your cat in as soon as possible.

VEG ER For Pets is open 24/7 to take care of your cat's broken leg, no matter the severity.

Frequently asked questions about a cat's broken leg

How long does a cat’s broken leg take to heal?

What does recovery look like when your cat has a broken leg? The recovery time for a broken leg in cats will vary based various factors, like:

• Location of the fracture

• Severity of the break

• Cat's age and breed

• Overall health of your cat

On average, it can take anywhere from six to 12 weeks for your cat’s broken leg to heal. 

At VEG, we’ll give you a specific recovery plan tailored to your pet’s needs. It’s important to follow these recommendations to ensure your feline companion’s speedy recovery. Depending on how bad the break is, we may recommend an orthopedic specialist for your cat.

Can my cat’s broken leg heal on its own?

While bones may attempt to heal naturally, improper healing can lead to long-term complications for your furry friend, like chronic pain, deformity, and reduced mobility. Veterinary evaluation of the injury is necessary for the best outcome.

Can cats walk on a broken leg?

Depending on the severity of the fracture, cats may be able to walk on a broken leg, but in most cases, they will limp or avoid bearing weight on the injured leg. If your cat is in pain from a broken leg, they may be reluctant to walk or jump.

Can cats die from a broken leg?

A broken leg in cats is not usually fatal. However, the accident that caused the fracture may also result in internal injuries or other life-threatening complications for your pet. Because these injuries can be difficult to see, it’s important to bring your pet to your nearest VEG emergency animal hospital to be evaluated by our team.

VEG vet hospitals are always open for cat emergencies

Remember that VEG is here to help every step of the way! Caring for a cat with a broken leg can be a little challenging, but just remember, you’re not going through it alone. Our team of highly-trained VEGgies are here for you and your pet with 24-hour emergency vet care. Our services include diagnostic testing and personalized treatment plans that suit the needs of your kitty. Just give any of our VEG locations a call, so we can help your cat land on all four paws in no time!