How to Treat Cat Limp Injuries

Your cat is suddenly limping and you don't know why. It can be a scary feeling. Cats may limp if they break a nail or step on a bee and get stung. They can also pick up a splinter in their paw. It can be as simple as that or as serious as a broken bone so follow these steps to treat cat limp injuries.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Examine the cat's leg and paw. Look for thorns, stickers or anything else that shouldn't be there. The most common cause for limping is when a foreign object gets caught between the pads of the foot.

2. Know that noticeable swelling can be the result of a bee sting. If you see the stinger, pull it out with your fingernails or a tweezer.

3. Look for lacerations. The cat may have walked on broken glass and cut its paw. The cuts usually heal on their own without the need for stitches.

4. Soak lacerations four times a day in a hydrogen peroxide or an iodine solution like Betadine or Povidine. Don't bandage the paw.

5. See if bleeding is the result of an insect bite that got infected. The cat may also have a broken nail that bled or got infected.

6. Notice if there's swelling, pain or heat on one of your cat's joints. This can be an indication of a break or sprain. If you suspect this, contact your veterinarian.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your cat to the vet if it starts to vomit or act lethargic. There may be a bigger problem that needs to be checked out.
• Be careful when touching a sore paw. Even a good-natured cat may nip at you when it's hurt.

Resources

• Causes of limping in cats and dogs

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[marfreda2]

on 2/1/2009 2/01/2009 I noticed my cat limping on her hind leg, and I checked out the site about what to look for. I checked her paw and I notice that one of her pads was sensitive and she cried out when it was touched. I don't know if there is anything I can do about her pad hurting her. Can anyone let me know what to do?

[asharp89]

on 6/15/2008 Did you ask your vet about nerve damage? Also, it might be possible that your cat is depressed. Cats have a high tolerance for pain, and maybe the combination of pain and loss of the use of one limb is making him kind of upset. I sure would be!

[slewetag]

on 5/30/2008 My cat was attacked by a pit bull. He got her from the behind. We rushed to the Vet, nothing broken, but she will no longer use her left back leg, just drags it. Cann't get her to eat, still on IV fluid, but she purrs and moves around? Help...stressed out. Already spend $1000.00 on the vet emergency.