Cat Limping — Causes, When It's Serious & What to Do | PetSensAI
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Cat Limping — Causes, When It's Serious & What to Do

Cats are masters at hiding pain, so limping usually means significant discomfort. Because cats hide illness well, even mild limping should be taken seriously. Common causes range from minor injuries to arthritis, but the cause isn't always obvious since cats may have been injured while you weren't watching.

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Common Causes

Soft Tissue Injury

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Strains, sprains, or pulled muscles from jumping, falling, or landing awkwardly. Cats may have episodes from climbing or play that you didn't witness.

Bite Wound Abscess

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Cat bites inject bacteria deep into tissue, causing painful abscesses that may not be visible until they swell or rupture. Very common in outdoor cats or multi-cat households.

Paw Injury

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Cuts, foreign objects, broken claws, or burns can cause limping. Cats often lick at the affected paw. Check between toes and examine pads carefully.

Arthritis

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Extremely common in older cats but severely underdiagnosed. Causes stiffness, reluctance to jump, and subtle gait changes. Affects 90% of cats over 12 years.

Fracture or Dislocation

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Broken bones or dislocated joints from falls, car accidents, or other trauma. The cat won't bear weight and may have visible swelling or deformity.

Blood Clot (Thromboembolism)

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In cats with heart disease, blood clots can block blood flow to the rear legs, causing sudden paralysis, pain, and cold limbs. This is an emergency.

Ingrown or Overgrown Claws

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Senior cats or those who don't scratch enough may develop claws that curve into the paw pad, causing pain and limping.

Cancer

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Bone tumors or other cancers can cause progressive limping, especially in older cats. The leg may be swollen.

How to Photograph for Best AI Analysis

Getting a clear photo helps our AI provide more accurate insights. Follow these tips:

  • Video your cat walking, even if they're reluctant — the gait pattern is important
  • Film them jumping (or not jumping) onto furniture
  • If possible, photograph the paw pads and between the toes
  • Look for and photograph any swelling, even slight
  • Check for hidden wounds — part the fur to see the skin
  • Note which leg (front/back, left/right) — cats are good at hiding which hurts

When to See a Veterinarian

Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following:

  • •Your cat can't bear weight on the leg at all
  • •The limping appeared suddenly and is severe
  • •One or both back legs seem paralyzed or weak (emergency — possible blood clot)
  • •Visible swelling, deformity, or the limb feels cold
  • •Your cat is hiding, not eating, or seems very painful
  • •You suspect trauma (fall from height, car, fight)
  • •Limping persists more than 24 hours without improvement
  • •Your cat has a fever or the leg is hot to touch
  • •Any limping in a kitten

How PetSensAI Can Help

PetSensAI's gait analyzer can help assess your cat's movement patterns to identify lameness. Since cats hide pain so well, our AI can detect subtle changes in how your cat moves, helping you catch problems early and track their response to treatment.

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Related Symptoms

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About the Author

PetSensAI Editorial Team

Pet Health Content

Our editorial team creates pet health guides informed by reputable veterinary sources and reviewed for clarity and safety. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for medical advice.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for any health concerns about your pet.

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Last updated: 2025-01-09