I found a kitten whose back legs seem to be hurt. Do you know what is wrong? What should I do?

Question

I found him in the bushes, he must have dragged himself there. He doesn't want to move his back legs, he was dragging himself around with his front paws. He got up and dragged himself around a few times and at one point took two steps with his back legs and then collapsed into dragging himself around. I have put him in a box and brought him inside. He seems to be in pain. Don't tell me to take him to the vet, I'll do so ASAP but today is Sunday and they are closed. How can I help him? Is there any way to ease his pain?

I have another cat whom I adopted from the humane society about a year and a half ago. When I first brought the kitten in she was hissing at it but now she doesn't seem to mind it. Do you think I should keep her away? She's really soft-mannered, never scratches anyone.

Answer 1

You can take him to the vet or the humane society. They do have 24 hour vet clinics, call the emergency numbers and ask, let them know that it was a stray but you are concerned. If you don't want to do that then call first thing in the morning to find out where to take the injured cat.

For tonight, just give the kitten some fresh water, food and a comfortable secure place to sleep. They like dark corners where they can feel secure, a box turned upside down with one side removed and towel folded in the bottom will work.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I am so relieved you will have a vet check him tomorrow.

There is a Bach flower essence called Rescue Remedy which you can get at a health foods store, some markets carry it too -- like Whole Foods.

I won't go into great detail and if you could get some tonight. You shake the bottle very well and put a few drops on the fur between his ears. With a kitten you could put the drops in his mouth. This "remedy" covers, pain, shock, fears etc and can be very effective. It's not a drug or anything and cannot do any harm. People use it. That's why it's so easy to find.

Use it lavishly. I would put it on every half-hour or every hour till you see it is helping relieve the kitty's pain.

It is wonderful that you have rescued him. You seem a caring and responsible person. I'm sure you don't need to be told to have him in a quiet place, on a soft blanket or such, or hold him before you go to sleep.

I hope his problems are transitory and he will come around soon.
I always have the Rescue Remedy in the house for my cats in case of an emergency. Every home with animals should have it around!

Answer 3

Unfortunately, there is no real way to ease his pain. It's awesome of you to take in this little kitten; so many people out there just don't care. The only thing I can think of is to put him in a box with the top open, so he will feel comforted and won't be able to move around too much and further injure himself.
Good lock, and say "hi" to the kitten for me!

Answer 4

Find an emergency vet in your area - there are always vets that are open 24 hours. It could be serious and pain killers are lethal to cats so you can't really help except get him to the doc. If not, love and affection, water. but do try the emergency vet - maybe call animal control to see if they know of anyone. Good luck!

Answer 5

Patiently wait until tomorrow. You are a saint for taking it in. Good luck!

If you vet gives it's health a go, I'd say keep it. Keep in mind it may take even more time for you other cat to adjust. I have several cats and some times it took 3 weeks for the others to get adjusted to new kitty.

Lot's of luck.

Answer 6

The only thing you can do for him is take him to a vet. Nobody here could tell you what's wrong or how to help him. And the few who would be able to help you would at least have to see the kitten first.

Answer 7

i think u should keep the second cat but the first cat u talked about well monday rolls around do take to vet but right now make it lay down and rest , the cat is probaly old cuz of its back legs.

Answer 8

You keep him confined to a small space and provide food and water and litter, in a shallow box. Then see the vet tomorrow. It will cost, so be prepared!!

Answer 9

i would take him to the vet the first thing in the morning cause he may have a broken leg i guess you could try wrapping it for the night

Answer 10

Take him into an emergency vet clinic. Most vets list an e vet number on their answering machines. If you dont have one the best y ou can do is keep him warm and give him food and water and take him in early monday morning.

Groups that help with Vet Bills

American Animal Hospital Association
http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/home/
"Through the AAHA Helping Pets Fund, veterinary care is possible for sick or injured pets even if they have been abandoned or if their owner is experiencing financial hardship."

Angels 4 Animals
http://www.Angels4Animals.org
"Our services range from financial aid to complete treatment
to those pets and pet owners in need."

Care Credit
http://www.carecredit.com
A credit card company for health care, including veterinary care.
"With a comprehensive range of plan options, for
treatment or procedure fees from $1 to over $25,000, we offer a plan
and a low monthly payment to fit comfortably into almost every
budget."

Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance (FVEAP)
http://www.fveap.org/sys-tmpl/door/
"Seniors, People with disabilities, People who
have lost their job, Good Samaritans who rescue a cat or kitten - any of these folks may need financial assistance to save a beloved companion."

The Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program is a nonprofit 501
(c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance to cat and
kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save
their companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes.

God's Creatures Ministry
http://www.all-creatures.org/gcm/help-cf.html
"This fund helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help."

Help-A-Pet
http://www.help-a-pet.org/home.html
"Our efforts focus on serving the elderly, the disabled, and the
working poor."

IMOM
http://www.imom.org
"We are dedicated to insure that no
companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker
is financially challenged."

The Pet Fund
http://thepetfund.com/
"The Pet Fund is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit association that
provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need
urgent veterinary care."

United Animal Nations
http://www.uan.org/lifeline/index.html
"The mission of LifeLine is to help homeless or recently rescued
animals suffering from life-threatening conditions that require
specific and immediate emergency veterinary care. We strive to serve
Good Samaritans and rescue groups who take in sick or injured
animals. In certain cases, LifeLine can also assist senior citizens
and low-income families pay for immediate emergency veterinary care."

UK Assistance with Veterinary Bills
http://www.petloversonline.co.uk/financial.htm
"Most of us can cope with the financial commitment involved in the
day to day care of our pets. However, how many of us come out in a
cold sweat when our pet is ill or injured and we know we have to take
it to the vet? Most of us are fortunate enough to be able to afford
it but, some of us who love our animals dearly cannot. Unfortunately
we do not have a PDSA or a RSPCA Centre within our area, but there
are a few charities who may be able to help."

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/what_you_can_do_if_you_are_having_trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html