Why Is My Cat Limping?

There are a variety of causes behind limping in cats, for which we have listed the most common below. While it’s useful to have an idea of what could be ailing your beloved pet, we strongly recommend booking a visit with your veterinarian so they can perform a full physical exam and determine the cause of limping.

By nature, cats hide pain well so if your kitty is limping then it is definitely time to investigate!

40% of all cats have signs of arthritis, and 90% of cats over 12 years old show arthritic changes (seen through radiographic scans). This very common disease can significantly impact your cat’s quality of life, causing mobility issues like limping. If you have a senior cat and you notice a change in behavior including limping, reduced activity, or difficulty jumping, it is very important to discuss arthritis and potential treatment options.

Most often when a cat suddenly starts limping, it is due to a muscle, tendon, or bone injury. Cats are natural explorers and during their adventures can fall or jump the wrong way, causing an injury that leads to limping.

Depending on the type and extent of their injuries, rest and anti-inflammatories may be sufficient to get your cat back on their feet. Sometimes with more severe injuries, including broken bones and ligament injuries, surgery may be required.

Your veterinarian may suggest X-rays and other advanced diagnostics to aid in finding the injury and determining the best course of treatment.

For severe orthopedic injuries, cats may be referred to and treated by a board-certified veterinary surgeon and/or receive rehabilitation support from a veterinary rehabilitation specialist.

Limping in cats can be caused by an infection from wounds such as cuts, bites, or ingrown claws. Skin infections are also often seen in pets with allergies. If a cat is limping from infection, clearing the infection with medication provided by your veterinarian can resolve the limping.

It is important to clip your cat’s nails routinely, so they do not get ingrown and cause infection. Ingrown nails are not only painful for cats but can lead to lameness if not adequately treated.

Sometimes a limp can be a sign of an endocrine disease such as diabetes mellitus. If your cat has other signs pointing towards an endocrine disease, your veterinarian should recommend blood work and urine testing as part of diagnosis. These tests provide insight into organ functioning.

Regardless of limping symptoms, it is always important to frequently monitor your cat’s skin for lumps and/or bumps. If you notice your cat’s limp getting worse over time, x-rays and further diagnostics are recommended to rule out conditions like bone cancer.

Occasionally, heart issues in cats can present themselves in other areas of the body, including limping. The most common cardiac disease in cats is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a condition that can lead to blood pressure and clotting issues. Mini strokes can occur that create limping in cats when the limb loses function.

If you notice your cat limping, even if you suspect that it is just a simple sprain, it is very important to schedule an appointment with your vet. Your veterinary team will conduct a thorough evaluation to find the cause and provide recommendations on how best to get your cat back on all four paws.