Help with a Cat That Is Walking Funny

If you've noticed that your cat is walking funny by limping, resisting placing weight on one leg, holding one leg up while walking, or otherwise walking in a strange or restricted manner, take her to a veterinarian for an examination. Cat lameness or other mobility problems are usually the symptom of a condition or injury that should be first treated by a professional and in some cases can be effectively treated at home.

  1. Diagnosis

    • Determining the reason why your cat is walking funny should be formally diagnosed by a veterinarian. If the problem has persisted for some time, it could be that the animal is suffering from a degenerative condition such as arthritis, or it could be the result of an injury that was left untreated.

      In any case, as soon as you recognize that your cat's gait is stiff or limping, consult a veterinarian. According to the article "Lameness in Cats" by Nicholas Trout, DVM, a cat with a limp can have a series of neurological conditions or an orthopedic condition that affects his mobility. Common conditions that cause limping are arthritis, hip dysplasia and feline obesity, which can cause heavier cats to develop bone problems when jumping from high surfaces or playing.

    Prevention

    • Preventing hip and leg injuries and cats is an important aspect of pet ownership. Keep your pet up to date on her shots, vaccinations and medications. Spay or neuter your cat as not controlling your pet's reproductive health makes them more prone to getting outdoors when they or a nearby pet is in heat.

      Keeping cats indoors also prevents hip or leg injuries. Often, cats that roam outside can be hit by cars, get into fights with other animals, or hurt by humans. A housebound cat is far less likely to be involved in any of those situations if they are properly cared for indoors.

    Treatments

    • To treat a hip or leg injury in a cat requires the expert care of a veterinarian and the members of a veterinary clinic staff. Depending on the severity of the limp, x-rays and other imaging processes will be performed to determine if the cat's limping is the result of bone, muscle, or tissue damage from illness or disease, or if it's the result of an injury. If limping is mild and accompanied by swelling in one area, it could be the result of an insect bite or sting. In this case, the veterinarian will examine the affected area, administer treatment to reduce swelling, and give you prescription antibiotics to give to the animal over a period of time. In more severe cases, surgery may correct the cat's problem, especially if the limp is the result of a broken bone, fracture or tear in ligaments or tissues.