Is your cat impeded by a limp, and you’re unsure what’s inducing it? They may be harming 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. Because of this, understanding the warning signals to search for and the best means to alleviate their suffering is vital.
Prevalent Causes of Cat Limping
Pain is frequently shown by limping, which should never be disregarded. 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 harmless to assume that a limping cat is in pain since many cats will do anything to hide their discomfort. Your cat will benefit substantially from the vet’s care, so do not hesitate to take it in.
There is a wide variety of causes for a cat to limp. All of these elements are related to the age and health of the pet. Remember that limping is a symptom, not the actual ailment. The following list is the most frequently acknowledged reason for cats limping.
Injury
You will most likely be present when your pet suffers a leg injury and see the ensuing limp. The most traditional means for cats to hurt their legs and begin to limp is by landing awkwardly after jumping off decks, furniture, arms, or stairs. Depending on the intensity of the injury, different amounts of damage will be done to the bone, cartilage, and tendons of the injured body part.
Vet surgeons frequently resort to operating on damaged pets for less invasive methods if the damage is too significant. If you want more information about this matter, it is advisable to visit their surgery page.
Cardiovascular Disease
Surprisingly, issues with the rear legs are another sign of circulatory (heart) disease 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, additionally called feline aortic thromboembolism (FATE), can form due to this condition and cut off blood flow to the back legs.
If your cat can not walk, is dragging one or both rear legs, or is making uncomfortable noises, you must either bring it in instantly or call for an emergency visit. Moreover, a wellness plan and regular veterinary visits at vet clinics like Powder Springs Animal Clinic can help keep your cat healthy and prevent this issue from ever occurring.
Paw Problems
Paw issues are a usual reason for limping cats. A burr, cactus spine, foxtail, splinter, cut, or bruise could induce this, as could an ingrown toenail or other foreign things embedded in the paw. If you discover an issue with your cat’s paw, scrutinize it to determine if it is something you can handle in your home (such as eliminating a little splinter) or if it requires a vet’s care.
Cat grooming from professional vets routinely and paying particular attention to paws and fur will aid in fending off paw concerns.
The Takeaway
Whether your cat’s limp is moderate or extreme, it’s vital to spend quality time with them and help them stay comfortable. Giving extra affection and yummy snacks throughout their recovery phase will also help. Seeing your pet in pain is distressing, but if you adhere to the vet’s orders, your furry buddy will return to its usual, lively self in no time.
