My cat has a limp, it doesn't look like it hurts it that bad, but when it walks it has a noticeable limp, and if it stands there it juts it's leg out. It has no trouble walking and if I touch it's leg it doesn't seem to hurt it. Should I seek vetrinarian help or do you think it will heal on it's own, because it doesn't seem very serious?
2007-04-26 04:01:43 · 11 answers · asked by topgirl999 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
MY cat is an indoor/outdoor cat, it spends much of it's time outdoors and then comes in when it wants to. It must of sprained it somewhere outside, but i'm only 14 and I don't think my dad would go for taking the cat to the vet :/
2007-04-26 04:09:06 · update #1
Cats are wonderful at hiding their pain. In the wild the weak get picked off by predators, so even a limp can be deadly. Years ago I had a cat that liked to be on my shoulders when I walked around the house. I was walking into the kitchen when she jumped off onto the counter. She slipped and hit the side of the counter and made a loud yelp. When I found her in my room she was holding the leg up and purring. For an hour she just sat on my bed purring but when I'd try to make her walk she'd just limp and then plop back down. I took her to the vet and she had broken her leg. The vet told me that cats hide their pain better than any other animal. I'd say follow your gut. If she's letting you touch and manipulate her leg then it might just be sore, but if she's acting different or keeps limping for 2 days or more then take her to the vet.
2007-04-26 04:05:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋
You need to take the cat to see a vet as they will be able to tell you if it has just sprained it's leg or whether it's something more serious like a broken bone.
Why do you think that your dad won't agree to take the cat to the vet? If you are worried about how much this might cost, are there any local animal charities in your area who either pay the cost of the bill or can help towards it? Do vets in your area offer payment plans?
Even if you don't take your cat to the vets this time, you should be prepared for the future,as you never know when your cat might need a vet's services for something very serious. If there are no animal charities in your area willing to help, then it's a good idea to put away a small amount of money every month. That way if your cat gets ill in the future, you will be able to use these savings to help pay for vet treatment. Many Companies also offer medical insurance for pets, where you just pay an amount each month, but your pet is covered if they need treatment.
Good luck.
2007-04-26 05:27:37 · answer #2 · answered by Michele the Louis Wain cat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the cat is limping, his leg does hurt him. It takes a lot for cats to reveal a weakness as this is not conducive to survival in the wild. Please tell your dad this to convince him to take the cat to the vet!
I don't wish to alarm you but I met a 6 week old kitten yesterday who had a bit of a limp. We thought he had a bit of bruising and swelling, but the xray revealed his leg was broken clean in half, and had to be pinned. That was one tough kitten, you'd never have guessed the extent of his injuries to look at him!!
Now I'm not saying YOUR cat has a broken leg - but it does need to be checked out. Cats limp far less easily than dogs - when they do, something is wrong. It could be an abscess, joint problems, hip problems - many things really. Please tell your dad you've received a professional suggestion to take the cat to te vet!
Chalice
2007-04-26 04:25:03 · answer #3 · answered by Chalice 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My cat had a similar problem. He used to limp badly. He held his right front paw in the air while not walking. His paw healed itself over time and he is able to run and climb trees again.
You are saying it does not seem serious. I assume it is similar to what I had seen. Don't touch your cat's injured paw: as you are trying to help your cat, your cat might think the opposite and attack you. It does not seem like the vet must be involved. Just let the nature do the job and do not interfere.
2007-04-26 04:32:51 · answer #4 · answered by grigam2000 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The thing to remember about cats is that they instinctively hide pain because it makes them vulnerable. Even if he doesn' t act very painful, he may be. Also, limping itself IS a sign of pain. Most people seem to not get that when it comes to animals.
If the limp doesn't go away, you may want to consider seeking vet care.
If you ever think he is painful enough to need pain medication, you definitely must see a vet. You cannot give human pain meds to cats...very dangerous.
2007-04-26 04:12:47 · answer #5 · answered by tmrvt 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Yes take him to the vet. Cats often try to hide their injuries...it's a self preservation thing. If they were in the wild limping, their predators would see them as easy prey. So they will often hide when they are sick or try to hide an injury which means that your cat could be in much more pain than you think.
If your dad let you get a cat, he should've known that something like this could happen and it's his job to teach his daughter to be a responsible pet owner. You are in charge of this animals well being, don't let him suffer needlessly.
2007-04-26 04:11:47 · answer #6 · answered by ♪ ♫Jin_Jur♫ ♥ 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Yes, seek a vet. It may be nothing, but if it is, you'd have wished you'd taken the cat to the vet! Something that seems like nothing could cost you a lot more in the long run.
2007-04-26 04:14:55 · answer #7 · answered by Jenna 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You should take your cat to see the vet as you don't know what is causing the limp.
2007-04-26 04:04:23 · answer #8 · answered by happy 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Well i havn't herd of a cat having a limp fo no reason, so i'de advise you, you seeked a proffesional, you shouldn't risk your pet's health. Hope it turns out to be nth serious.
2007-04-26 04:06:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
I recommend taking him/her to the vet. He could have sprained something.
2007-04-26 04:04:14 · answer #10 · answered by erinn83bis 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋