Instructions
Call your veterinarian and schedule an appointment the moment you suspect something is wrong with your cat. Back injuries can be very serious.
Transport the cat carefully. You don't want to worsen the injury. If the cat is so injured that it isn't moving much, find a board or thick piece of cardboard and some ribbon or cloth strips. Place the cloth strips underneath the board, then gently slide your cat -- on its side -- onto it. Tie the cat in place. Even if the cat has full mobility, keep it contained and quiet during your trip.
Follow any specific instructions your veterinarian gives after the visit. For a serious injury, this may mean surgery. It may also mean anti-inflammatory steroids or antibiotics. During the recovery process, the cat may need help expressing its bowels and/or bladder. Your veterinarian can show you how to do it, and you'll need to do it regularly so your cat doesn't develop other problems like a bladder infection or constipation.
Keep your cat quiet and sequestered from other pets or small children, as these may cause stress in your injured cat.
Schedule a followup visit with your veterinarian to ensure the cat is healing properly. If your cat has a severe injury, it may require several followup appointments. A back injury that causes paralysis will require other types of visits for physical therapy and potentially for fitting your cat with mobilization equipment.
How to Care for a Back Injury in a Pet Cat
Cats are often described as having nine lives, but this doesn't mean they never get injured. A cat with an injured back may walk strangely, arch its back, cry when it moves or appear stiff. With a severe injury, the cat might be unable to move at all. Back injuries can be frightening, but are manageable with a little effort.