Cats limp when they have a hurt leg. Although most limps need veterinary attention, there are a few first-aid measures you can perform at home if your cat begins to hobble.
What causes limping?
Limping (lameness) occurs due to the injury or debilitation of one or more parts of the leg: joints, bones, muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, or skin. The cause of some limps is obvious. With a broken bone or dislocated joint, there may be swelling, and the leg may sit at an awkward angle.
Infections of the nail beds may result in crusty, deformed nails. A deeper infection, like an abscess, will appear as a warm, soft to mildly firm swelling under the skin. In cases involving joints, nerves, tendons, and ligaments, there may be no external sign of injury.
How serious is a limp?
Some limps are more serious than others, so the first step in providing first aid is to assess the limp. Watch your cat walk. Identify the limping leg (right or left, front or rear). Does your cat carry the leg when walking, but balance on it when standing still? Does she walk on it but stumble a bit? Does she take shorter steps than normal? Does she keep the foot from touching the ground?
"The first step in providing first aid is to assess the limp."
The second step is to establish a timeframe. When did you first notice the limp? Did it start suddenly or come on gradually? Was trauma involved? Is the lameness worse at certain times of the day, like early morning or after exercise?
Should I try to examine the leg?
If your cat is in severe pain, do not attempt to examine her. Even if she is not in obvious discomfort, manipulating broken bones or dislocated joints can cause unnecessary pain and may worsen the injury. A simple way to determine the severity of the injury is that most cats will not walk on a broken leg, torn ligament, or dislocated joint.
The evaluation of most lame cats is best left to a veterinarian, but here are a few pointers to help you determine if your veterinarian is needed immediately.
- A good exam requires two people: one to examine the leg and one to restrain the cat. Cats that are in pain may bite and scratch, even the people they love, so be cautious. If the exam becomes too painful for your pet, stop.
- After you identify the injured leg, try to pinpoint where it hurts. Begin your exam with the toes. Look between the toes for foreign bodies (thorns, splinters, grass awns). Examine the pads for cuts or punctures and assess each toenail for breaks or nail bed infections. Apply gentle pressure to each toe and note painful areas. Most cats will pull the leg back when you reach a sore spot.
- Work your way up the limb, identifying areas of tenderness by applying gentle pressure on each part of the leg. Note areas of swelling. Bend and flex joints. If your pet resists when you try to move a joint, it is a sign of pain.
- If anything looks or feels unusual, compare it to the other leg. Then call your veterinarian with your observations.
What should I do for non-emergency limps?
- If you notice a foreign body between the toes and can reach it easily, remove it and clean the wound with antibacterial soap. Soak the foot in warm water with Epsom salt water to relieve swelling. Do not use ointments like polysporin unless your veterinarian has approved their use for your cat.
- For cut or torn foot pads and broken nails, control the bleeding and treat as outlined in the other First Aid handouts.
- If your cat has swelling that could be associated with a sprain, bruise, or tendonitis, apply ice packs to the area for 15 minutes and consult your veterinarian for further recommendations.
- For abscesses, apply warm compresses to the affected area or soak in a warm Epsom salt bath. Flowing water improves circulation, reduces swelling, and promotes healing. If your cat will tolerate it, place her in a tub and swirl water around the leg. Take your cat to your veterinarian as soon as possible, as an abscess can become painful whether it ruptures or not, and can make your cat very sick.
- Confine lame cats and restrict their activity.
If lameness persists for more than 24 hours, seek veterinary care.
How do I transport my cat to my veterinarian?
Transporting an injured cat can worsen injuries, so proceed with caution. Place your cat in a pet carrier while supporting the head and hips. If the carrier has a removable top, take it off and gently lower your cat into the carrier; don’t force a sore or stressed-out cat through the door. Lay your cat down with the injured leg up. When you arrive at your veterinary hospital, leave your cat in the carrier until a veterinary technician or veterinarian can assist you.
How is lameness in cats treated?
Treatment depends on the injury that caused the lameness. Medical advancements have improved the care available to lame cats. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as meloxicam (brand name Metacam®) and robenacoxib (Onsior®), relieve pain and inflammation in acute injuries and some may be used long term for cats with chronic arthritis.
Other pain medications commonly used include gabapentin, pregabalin (Bonqat®), and opioids like buprenorphine or codeine. There are also supplements that may improve joint health, reducing the need for pain medication, such as omega 3 fatty acids.
For fractures, there are surgical and non-surgical treatments. Some broken legs are splinted or casted, while others are repaired surgically with pins and plates. Dislocated joints are replaced and stabilized with bandages or slings. Stubborn joints that dislocate frequently can be managed surgically to provide long-term relief.
