Remedy for a Limping Cat

Cats can limp for a number of reasons. The injuries causing the limp can be as minor as a torn claw or a scratch on the pad of the foot to things more serious and even life threatening such as bone breaks or back injuries. Obviously the cat cannot tell its owner where it hurts. The owner will have to handle the animal in an effort to establish what the injury is and how it can be treated.

  1. Foot Problems and Limping Cats

    • According to the website peteducation.com, the cat̵7;s foot is the most common cause of a limp. Some possible causes of a limp could be a broken toenail or claw, a cut or scratch to the pad of the foot, a burn to the pad of the foot or a foreign object caught between the toes of the foot.
      The only way to isolate the cause of the foot pain that is leading to the limp may be to handle the foot. Owners are urged to be cautious in handling the cat if it is in pain. Even a very tame and docile animal can defensively cut and scratch when a painful extremity is handled.
      Once the cause of the feline limp is identified it can be treated. Cuts or burns can be treated by antiseptics to prevent infections. Foreign objects can be removed with tweezers while broken claws need time to heal. Pet owners should contact a veterinarian for any problem they are not comfortable treating.

    Leg and Shoulder Problems

    • Injuries to the leg and shoulder can affect the bone or muscle. Any injury to the skin can become infected, creating an abscess. This type of injury is usually easily visible and can be treated with antibiotics.
      Injuries to the bones and joints of the leg are more serious. All bone fractures will cause swelling of the area around the break. A dislocated fracture can cause the leg to have an abnormal look and may have a bend in an improper location. Broken bones are treated by splinting the bone and immobilizing the leg as much as possible. Consult a veterinarian for treatment of broken bones.

    Back Injuries

    • While animals of any age can sustain a back injury, the problem seems more prevalent in older cats, according to Vetinfor4cats.com. Limping due to back injuries may be intermittent. Consult a veterinarian if the problems continue.