Is your cat hindered by a limp, and you’re not sure what’s inducing it? They may be injured elsewhere on their body, like a paw, a muscle, or a joint, but they will not be able to inform you where it hurts by meowing. There are numerous possible root causes of a limp in a cat. Therefore, it is vital to know the warning signals to search for and the best ways to relieve their suffering.
Prevalent Causes of Cat Limping
Discomfort is often indicated by limping, which should never be overlooked. A limping cat can be concerning, but how can you know if it’s an emergency or if you can wait it out? It’s safe to presume that a limping cat is in pain because many cats will do anything to conceal their discomfort. Your cat will benefit dramatically from the care a veterinarian provides, so do not wait to take it in.
There is a wide variety of reasons for a cat to limp. All of these elements are related to the age and health of the pet. Remember that limping is a symptom, not the actual condition—the following list of the most commonly identified root causes of cats limping.
Injury
You will most likely be present when your pet suffers a leg injury and see the occurring limp. The most typical means for cats to injure their legs and start to limp is by landing awkwardly after jumping off decks, furnishings, arms, or stairs. Depending on the severity of the injury, various amounts of damage will be done to the bone, cartilage, and tendons of the injured body part.
Vets that offer veterinary surgery resort to operating on injured animals for less invasive methods if the damage is too substantial.
Cardiovascular Disease
Surprisingly, issues with the rear legs are another sign of circulatory (heart) illness in cats. In cats, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the leading root cause of congestive heart failure and is connected with weakness in the back legs. Blood clots, referred to as feline aortic thromboembolism (FATE), can form because of this problem and cut off blood flow to the back legs.
If your cat can not walk, is dragging one or both back legs, or is making unpleasant noises, you must either bring it in quickly or call for an emergency visit. Moreover, a wellness plan and regular vet visits for routine care can help keep your cat healthy and prevent this kind of issue from ever happening.
Paw Problems
Paw problems are a typical reason for a limping cat. A burr, cactus spine, foxtail, splinter, cut, or swelling could cause this, as could an ingrown toenail or other foreign things stuck in the paw. If you discover a problem with your cat’s paw, scrutinize it to figure out if it is something you can handle at home (such as removing a little splinter) or if it needs a vet’s care.
Grooming your cat from professional veterinarians regularly, and paying specific attention to its paws and fur, will assist in warding off paw issues. If you are looking for a professional groomer in your area, search for “dog grooming near me” to locate one.
The Takeaway
Whether your cat’s limp is moderate or severe, it’s essential to spend quality time with them and help them stay comfortable. Offering additional love and tasty snacks throughout their recovery phase will likewise help. Seeing your pet in discomfort is distressing, but if you stick to the veterinarian’s orders, your furry buddy will return to its usual, spirited self quickly.
