Is your cat impeded by a limp, and you’re uncertain what’s leading to it? They might be hurting elsewhere on their body, like a paw, a muscle, or a joint, but they will not be able to inform you where it hurts by meowing. There are several potential root causes of a limp in a cat. As a result, recognizing the warning signals to search for and the best ways to alleviate their suffering is crucial.
Prevalent Causes of Cat Limping
Pain is frequently indicated by limping, which should never be ignored. A limping cat can be worrying, but how can you understand if it’s an emergency or if you can wait it out? It’s safe to presume that a limping cat is in pain since most cats will do anything to hide their pain. Your cat will gain substantially from the care a veterinarian provides, so do not hesitate to take it in.
There is a wide variety of causes for a cat to limp. All of these factors are related to the age and health of the pet. Keep in mind that limping is a symptom, not the actual condition. The following is a list of the most frequently identified root causes of cats limping.
Injury
You will most likely be present when your pet suffers a leg injury and see the ensuing limp. The most common way for cats to hurt their legs and start to limp is by landing awkwardly after jumping off decks, furniture, arms, or stairs. Depending upon the severity of the injury, various amounts of damage will be done to the bone, cartilage, and tendons of the injured body part.
Vets with surgical services frequently resort to operating on injured animals for less intrusive methods if the damage is too substantial.
Cardiovascular Disease
Remarkably, complications with the rear legs are one more symptom of circulatory (heart) illness in cats. In cats, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the leading root cause of congestive heart failure and is connected with weakness in the hind legs. Blood clots, called feline aortic thromboembolism (FATE), can develop because of this problem and cut off blood circulation to the back legs.
If your cat can not walk, is dragging one or both rear legs, or is making unpleasant noises, you should either bring it in instantly or call for an emergency visit. Furthermore, veterinary wellness plans and regular vet visits can aid keep your cat healthy and prevent this kind of complication from ever occurring.
Paw Problems
Paw concerns are a common cause of a limping cat. A burr, cactus spine, foxtail, splinter, cut, or bruise can lead to this, as could an ingrown toenail or other foreign things embedded in the paw. If you discover an issue with your cat’s paw, inspect it gently to figure out if it is something you can manage at home (such as removing a little splinter) or if it needs a vet’s care.
Grooming your cat from professional vets at Powder Springs Animal Clinic routinely, and paying specific attention to its paws and fur, will aid fend off paw concerns.
The Takeaway
Whether your cat’s limp is moderate or severe, it’s necessary to spend quality time with them and help them stay comfortable. Giving extra love and tasty treats throughout their healing phase will likewise help. Seeing your pet’s discomfort is disturbing, but if you stick to the veterinarian’s orders, your furry friend will return to their usual, spirited self quickly.
