Weak Hindquarters in a Feline

There are a number of reasons that a cat may suffer from weak hindquarters, such as the pain of an old injury; it could also be the symptom of a chronic disease. Some of these conditions are curable but many of them require long term care and others can only be managed, but not cured. Make sure you know how to keep your feline friend happy and comfortable despite his ailment or disability.

  1. Diabetes and Weight Issues

    • Your cat needs regular exercise to stay fit and agile.

      Excessive weight or obesity will exacerbate any other underlying issues a cat might have, including weak hindquarters, and can lead to chronic diseases like feline diabetes. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the kind that afflicts cats and can lead to loss of motor function, which can leave the cat with reduced strength or restricted motion in certain parts of their bodies. To prevent this chronic condition, keep your cat thin and fit with regular activity and a responsible diet.

    Strokes

    • A stroke is a brain injury that occurs when a blocked or ruptured blood vessel deprives the brain of the oxygen it needs to function. Cats can suffer from the loss of mobility that can be the result of a stroke the same way that humans can. The extent of the immobility depends on the severity of the stroke, but it could definitely damage the nerves that control the hindquarters and weaken or even paralyze a cat.

    Injuries

    • Injuries that happen during kittenhood can persist into an adult cat's life.

      Weak hindquarters in a cat can also be the result of an injury that happened early in life and was not properly treated. This is more of a problem for strays or cats in poor countries that do not have access to expedient medical attention. Broken bones that were never (or poorly) set or damage to muscles and joints can lead to decreased mobility later in life if they are located in the cat's hindquarters. Traumatic arthritis can also afflict the mobility of cats that are suffering from old injuries.

    Arthritis

    • Just like humans, years of everyday life will wear on the joints of the most flexible feline. Although this affliction is associated with older cats, it can also be the permanent result of an injury in younger cats much like traumatic arthritis. This condition is more likely to strike cats that have led active lives because they have put more stress on their bones and joints, but obese cats will suffer from the condition more because they have more weight on their joints. A cat's hindquarters can become weak, limp or stiff when stricken by arthritis.