Have you recently noticed your cat limping but can’t find any reason for it? What should be your best course of action in this scenario?
Give this article a read to get an answer to your question, “Why is my cat limping all of a sudden?” and determine the best time to seek veterinary help. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Common Causes of Cat Limping
There could be a range of reasons why your cat may be limping.
Remember, if any of the following situations apply to your cat, take heed of the respective solutions mentioned. If the scenario is too serious for you to handle on your own, make an appointment with your vet.
So, read on to find out the primary causes of cat limping.
Injury From a Fall or Jump
Despite being known for their immense agility and stealth, accidents can happen. Sometimes, cats tend to be quite clumsy, which causes them to trip, slip, and fall and hurt their leg.
If this happens, it’s likely that they’ve contused their leg, the severity of which depends on the magnitude of the fall.
Stepping on Sharp Objects
Unlike most humans, pets amble around our homes completely barefooted. This leaves them susceptible to stepping on something such as a thorn, a glass shard, or a LEGO piece.
If you see something stuck in their paw, make sure to remove it immediately. Use bandages to insulate the wound to prevent further bleeding and infection.
Arthritis
Yes, you heard that correctly. Arthritis is a dire medical condition that can affect humans as well as animals. Possible causes for this nightmare of a condition include constant wear and tear, frequent injuries, and unpropitious genetics.
If your pet suffers from arthritis, make sure to be extra wary of how bad their limp is. If the issue persists and is clearly causing your pet a great deal of anguish, act quickly. Call your vet immediately and have their condition checked out.
Walking on Hot Surfaces
If your cat has been out sauntering away in the sun for too long, they might burn their paws. Unbeknownst to them, this could be very harmful as it can make their paws highly sensitive to slight touches and changes in temperature.
To mitigate the effects of the burns, dip your pet’s paws in cool water to alleviate the pain and apply cold compresses with microfiber towels at regular intervals. DON’T use ice-cold water, as this could cause further injury or make it worse.
Bug Bites or Stings
Another possible cause of the limp could be that your cat has been bitten by an insect. When this happens, you must act fast and make an appointment with your vet.
Let the professionals handle everything from there on out. The vet will be able to give you advice regarding this situation, survey it, and recommend the best steps to take to ensure a smooth journey to recovery.
Ingrown Claw
Another reason for your cat’s limp could be due to an ingrown claw.
These usually grow improperly and protrude from the sides due to a lack of grooming. When they stick out and puncture the skin, your cat could experience agonizing pain. This can progressively worsen the longer you let it grow.
Here’s What You Should Do If Your Cat Is Limping
Now that you’re aware of the chief causes of feline limping, it’s time to actually do something to stop it.
Follow this meticulously prepared step-by-step guide to guarantee a simple, trouble-free, and straightforward road to recovery for your pet.
Keep Your Cool & Comfort Your Cat
Like most domestic animals, cat’s are proficient at observing their masters. If you seem fearful or anxious, they might feel the same way too.
Maintain your level of equanimity and comfort your cat. Let them know that everything will be fine through cuddles, kisses, and enough affection to quell their trepidation.
Identify the Problem
Firstly, it’s crucial to take charge of and evaluate the situation. Use the knowledge you’ve gained from reading the previous section and determine why your cat is limping.
Begin examining their by starting at their paws and working your way up their legs. Make sure to check both front legs and back legs as well as every single portion of their bodies.
To determine the level of pain they’re experiencing, try running your fingers gently down their legs and observe how they react.
Let Them Rest
The next step is to place them on bed rest. Restricting their movement is essential to ease the constant anguish your cat would feel if they kept staggering across your space.
Settle them down in a safe place that you’ve created especially for them. The idea is to bring the situation down a few notches by making it seem less concerning.
Contact Your Vet
This step requires your judgment. If it’s conspicuous that your cat has a slight bruise or anything frivolous enough to dismiss, let them rest.
However, if you’re uncertain, it’s best to take your cat to the vet immediately to prevent infection. This way, you’ll get a proper diagnosis of your cat’s situation.
Follow the Advice You’ve Been Given
After you’ve bought them back home, follow the advice your vet has given you and ensure that your cat takes it slow. Remember it’s important to put your foot down and suppress their natural desires to roam around. It’s for their own good!
Knowing When to Seek Veterinary Help
Many people prefer to wait 24 hours for a medical problem to subside. But I implore you to refrain from doing that, especially if your cat’s wellbeing is on the line.
However, you should note that if you choose to do so anyway, and your cat is still limping after 24 hours, they’ve probably sustained a major injury. Act fast and diligently to keep their condition from worsening!
How to Create a Safer Space for Your Cat
When your cat starts limping, it’s important to keep them from causing themselves any further damage. You can do this providing them with a comfortable area that contains all of their necessities.
Firstly, make sure they are comfortable by providing them with a comfy bed and keeping them warm with their favorite blankets. Place a few of their cat chew toys nearby so that it’s easy for them to access them and keep themselves entertained.
Additionally, you should tend to their nutritional needs too. Switch to a better balanced diet sans any allergens avoid inhibiting the recovery process.
Here’s What You Should Know!
It’s quite difficult to differentiate between a sprain and a leg fracture, especially in cats. Some telltale signs that your cat has suffered from at least one of them are swelling, dangling limbs, lack of appetite, and their affected leg being held in an odd position.
Keep Calm, Visit the Vet, & Help Your Cat Live a More Comfortable Life
So, I hope you’ve understood the main reasons why cats limp and know how to handle it. If any of the aforementioned situations apply to your cat, prioritize their wellbeing, and take necessary action as promptly as you can.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to take your cat to the vet for limping. But, of course, as a cat owner, you need to be well-versed in understanding feline problems and rectifying them appropriately. Seal off and disinfect any open wounds, and seek help if you notice their limbs hanging in a strange way.
