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Cats are acrobats. They jump on anything that they come across. So if you notice that your little friend jumps over everything in the house, do not panic. Cats should organize their own version of “Cat Olympic Games” and compete in all techniques of jumping to determine the best jumping cat in the world.
There are some activities that cats engage in which are normal but limping is not on the list. Why is my cat limping all of a sudden? What could have caused the limping? These are some of the questions that you might need to ask yourself of your feline friend starts limping without your knowledge.
It is seriously worrying to notice your feline friend just started limping all of sudden. You can actually go mad about the issue and demand answers. Could the neighbors’ cat have injured her? Should you get angry and walk into your neighbors’ place and warn him of his cat’s deeds? Wait, are you sure of this? Do you think it is the right thing to do? It is important to know what could have caused this bizarre incident to your cat and the actions that should be taken. This is what this article is about. Read along.
What could make your cat limp?
What could make your cat limp
There are instances where the limping is as a result of paw strain. If you give your little friend some days, she will be normal again. However, in some cases it turns out to be a serious problem that takes days to heal. In that case, an appointment with a veterinarian is the best way out. Now, why is my cat limping all of a sudden? Are there some known causes of this problem? Yes, there are. They are as discussed below:
Soft tissue damage
Soft tissue damage
This is not a serious problem as such to your cat. It is as a result of sprained or strained ligaments and muscles. If your cat is the playful type that keeps jumping from place to place, she is likely to develop this problem at one point. Such kind of injuries may result in some little swelling on the leg.
Torn ligaments
Torn ligaments
This could be either a partial or a complete tear. A partial tear is responsible for intermittent limping. It can confuse you to believe that it is a less serious injury while that is not the actual case. How I wish cats could speak at times to let us know how they feel.I believe soon we will have cats talking just like humans. Anyway, a partial tear if ignored grows to a complete tear. At this point, the cat will not be able to stand. Any weight on the legs will be a disaster for her. She will cry literally due to the pain. If you are that emotional, you might join her and the house will be full of cries.
Nail and foot injuries
What are the factors that affect the pooping schedule of cats
Nail and foot injuries
Cats are known to play with basically anything that they come across. They are not aware of the harm caused by stuff like sharp objects and broken glasses, for example. A broken glass once cut me and I limped for a whole week. Can imagine what it can do to your little friend?If she gets cut at the paw or lodged in her feet’s pads, she is likely to limp. It can happen within very few minutes and you are left wondering. One moment she is okay, the next she limps.
Insect bites, infections and abscesses
What are the factors that affect the pooping schedule of cats
Insect bites, infections and abscesses
These are other common causes of cat limps. But I thought these could take time before their effects are seen, why is my cat limping all of a sudden? Maybe the cat has been struggling with the pain for some time now.
She is now overwhelmed. Infections and abscess are characterized by tenderness, redness and swelling of the skin surface just below the feet. Bites from ticks and fleas are other disastrous ones when it comes to cat limping.How frequently do you treat your cat like parasites like fleas? If not as regular as is required, then you might also be a home to many of them. Just look at how you have been eating a lot of late. You are busy feeding other little blood-sucking creatures.
Broken bones and dislocation of tendons
Broken bones and dislocation of tendons
Broken bones or even dislocation of the cat tendons is a more serious cause of limping in cats. The pain that such occurrences come with is immeasurable. The extent of the damage varies and your little friend can put some little weight on the injured legs.Cats are some of the toughest animals I have ever come across. She will still feign some comfort and go about her daily activities. If she cannot put some weight on the injured limbs, then know that the damage is severe.
Arthritis
Arthritis
Arthritis, especially in older cats, is another cause of cat limping. But why is my cat limping all of a sudden? At least I could have noticed early signs of arthritis. Does it mean that I am not keen on the well-being of this friend of mine?
It is common during colder days and early in the morning. That is the time you will see the cat limping a lot. Have you seen yours having such problems? It is associated with difficulties in squatting, sitting, lying down and standing.Arthritic limping gets worse with time so the earlier it is diagnosed and treated, the better for the cat.
Why is my cat limping all of a sudden? What are the symptoms to look out for?
Why is my cat limping all of a sudden What are the symptoms to look out for
Cats are stoic creatures; yours and mine included. The pain they are likely to let on is much less than what they feel from inside. Why? Does she think that by letting out the pain I will be more worried about her?
How I wish we could be in a position to understand each other. It could have been much better. Here are some of the signs and symptoms that you can look out for as keenly as possible since your cat will not display these symptoms too much.
- Weight shifting from one leg to another
- Inability or reluctance to jump
- Having the limp off the ground when sitting
- Shorter steps on the affected leg
- Swellings
Stiff gait while walking after a nap
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis and Treatment
Visit your vet the moment you notice that your cat is limping. Who else knows cat behavior more than these people? I doubt if there are any. Physical examination is taken with the medical history, age, history of the cat and any other symptoms are taken note of.
The question “why is my cat limping all of a sudden” becomes a very easy question for the vet once the diagnosis is made. It is also very much advisable to check the cat’s paws and limps every day. Keep her as close as possible.
Maybe she has been longing to tell you the problem she has, but you are not that close. You never know. There are instances that ultrasound and x-ray become necessary. Treatment depends on the cause of the limping. For mild strains, the cat requires some rest, and she will be back on her feet. In case of wounds and abscess, antiseptics such as Pet MD Chlorhexidine will be ideal.Keenly follow the vet’s instructions while administering the medications. You are also advised to keep the cat indoors until her full recovery.
Conclusion
This will surprise you Why is my cat limping all of a sudden – Conclusion
Cats need frequent care. It is the only way you can take note of any slight body changes. There are times when you do all that you are expected to do, but the cat still develops problems like limping. Why is my cat limping all of a sudden yet I have done everything required of me? This question is best handled by both the vet and the cat owner. These are the two most important people in a cat’s life.
This article has, however, shed some light on everything you need to know to be all rounded regarding this matter. In case of the problem being open wounds, then antiseptics such as the Pet MD Chlorhexidine are recommended for use. Otherwise, other treatment options can be provided by the vet as deemed fit.
Have you ever noticed your cat limping all of a sudden? How did you go about the problem? How was your cat helped and did you get to know what made her behave that way? Do you have any questions? Let’s talk through the comment section.
