My Cat Has a Swollen Hind Leg

Even as a pet, cats are avid hunters and tend to be active and curious. As a result, cats receive injuries when braving new discoveries. There are many reasons why your cat may exhibit swelling in its hind leg, from a simple bee sting to more serious conditions, such as arthritis. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments for swelling symptoms.

  1. Bee Sting

    • A bee sting can cause your cat's leg to swell, just the same as it can in a human. If your pet has been stung and it is exhibiting signs of respiratory distress in addition to the swelling, take the animal to the veterinarian immediately. You can also administer liquid Benadryl to help counter the swelling. The medication usually comes in dosages of 12.5 mg per teaspoon, and pets will usually require 1 mg per pound of body weight every 6 to 8 hours.

    Sprain

    • If your cat has fallen or injured himself and has a swollen leg, it could be caused from a sprain. Applying a cold compress to the area can help with the pain by numbing the area and can also help to reduce the swelling. However if your cat does not put any weight on the leg, refuses to eat and the swelling does not go down after 48 hours, the leg could be broken instead of sprained and you should make a trip to the veterinarian.

    Infections

    • Small injuries such as splinters or scratches on your cat's leg can sometimes lead to infection which will cause the leg to swell. Soaking the injured leg in warm water with Epsom salt can help to reduce the swelling and draw out the infection. You can also apply a warm cloth soaked in Epsom salt water to the affected area.

    Arthritis

    • Arthritis is another reason for swelling in a cat's hind leg. This condition not only causes swelling around the affected joints and muscles, but will also cause stiffness and lameness. The cat may not want to jump and leap around like it normally does and cold conditions can make the arthritis even worse. X-rays can determine if you pet has arthritis and there are many treatments for the condition such as massage, and medications prescribed by your veterinarian. Keeping your cat at a healthy weight can help, as well as providing steps for the cat to get to their favorite resting places such as couches and windowsills.