What to Do When Your Cat is Limping: Treatments, Causes, & More

Co-authored by Lauren Baker, DVM, PhD and Amber Crain

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References

If your beloved cat is suddenly limping, you're probably wondering what to do next. Take a deep breath—we're here to help. The most common causes of limping are minor issues that you can easily treat at home, and we'll tell you exactly how to do that. We'll also talk about situations that require a veterinarian and which associated symptoms may require emergency intervention. If you're ready to get your cat on the road to recovery, scroll down.

Things You Should Know

Examine your cat’s legs and paws. If you don’t see anything, brush your fingers over the fur to feel for wounds or swelling.
Remove debris, glass, or splinters with tweezers. Then, wash the paw with warm water and soap.
Clean and bandage minor wounds. If the cut is bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth for 10-15 minutes.
Take your cat to a vet if you notice a dangling limb, a bone sticking out, or discharge coming from a wound.

Section 1 of 3:

First-Aid for Minor Issues

1
Examine your cat’s legs, paws, and nails gently. Approach your cat slowly, speak in a soothing tone, and pet them to help them calm down. If your cat is hiding, try to coax them out by offering them a tasty treat. Then, run your fingers over their fur, starting at the paw and working your way up the leg. Check for sensitive areas, wounds, swelling, redness, and dangling limbs.^{[1]
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- Be sure to inspect the claws, too, in case one is torn or broken.
- You may want to enlist some help if your cat won't hold still. Have another person hold them gently while you inspect their body.
- Avoid pulling on the affected paw or leg since this may cause additional pain.
2
Remove debris from your cat’s paw with tweezers. If you see debris, glass, or a splinter stuck in your cat’s paw pad, use tweezers to pull it out. If you can’t easily grab on to the debris with tweezers, try swishing your cat’s paw around in cool water to dislodge it. Then, wash your cat’s paw with antibacterial soap and warm water.^{[2]
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- If the debris is lodged really deep in your cat’s paw and you can’t remove it, take your cat to the vet.
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3
Trim your cat's claws if you see a torn claw. A torn nail is painful for your cat. Use a cat nail trimmer to clip the torn nail at the level of the tear. Then, wash the area with soap and warm water.^{[3]
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- If the tear is near the base of the nail, take your cat to the vet for treatment instead.
- To treat a claw that's broken and bleeding, apply silver nitrate or styptic powder to stop the bleeding.
4
Clean and bandage any minor cuts or lacerations. If your cat is bleeding from a wound, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze for 10-15 minutes. Then, gently clean the wound with water or an antiseptic solution and cover the wound with a bandage.^{[4]
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- Be careful not to apply the bandage too tightly. Frequently check the toes for swelling, redness, or coldness. These are signs that the bandage is too tight.
- If the cut is long or deep, you should take your cat to the vet for treatment.
5
Limit your cat’s activity until the limp improves. You can do this by keeping your cat in a carrier or small bathroom, making sure your cat has access to a litter box with low sides, and giving your cat food and water in low bowls.^{[5]
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- If your cat is an indoor/outdoor cat, keep them indoors while the limp heals.

Section 2 of 3:

When to See a Veterinarian

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Limping lasts longer than 1-2 days If you can’t figure out what’s causing the limping and there’s been no improvement, it’s time for a vet visit. Your vet will do an examine to determine the issue and start a treatment plan to address the problem.^{[6]
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- Be sure to follow your vet’s recommendations for treatment and recovery. Common treatments include medication, limitation of activity, and cage rest. For more serious issues, your cat may need surgery or additional testing.
2
Broken bone or fracture If you suspect your cat has broken a bone, take them to the vet immediately. Symptoms include swelling or bruising at the site of injury, and the limb may dangle or stick out at an odd angle. Your cat may also refuse to walk.^{[7]
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- Overgrooming or constant licking usually means your cat feels pain in that specific area, which can indicate a fracture.
- Cats often try to hide their pain, so be sure to monitor your pet closely.
3
Infected wound If you see any redness, swelling, or discharge coming from a wound, your cat may have an infection. You may also notice your cat licking or overgrooming the painful area, and they may also refuse to eat. Take your cat to the vet immediately if you notice these symptoms.^{[8]
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Signs of arthritis If your cat is older, they may be developing arthritis and age-related stiffness. While arthritis isn’t a medical emergency, it’s very treatable with joint supplements, medications, and lifestyle changes. The sooner you work with your vet to develop a treatment plan, the sooner your cat will get relief.^{[9]
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Research source} Common signs of arthritis include:
- Decreased activity
- Changes in litter box habits
- Hesitancy to run, jump, or climb stairs
- Stiff gait

Section 3 of 3:

Common Causes of Limping in Cats

Cats may limp for a wide variety of reasons. Sometimes it can be as simple as a splinter lodged in a paw, while other times a more serious underlying medical issue is causing the cat to limp. Some of the most common causes of cat limping include:^{[10]
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- Soft tissue damage
- Nail or foot injuries
- Infections or abscesses
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Arthritis
- Back injuries
- Tick, spider, and snake bites