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Why is my cat limping with a swollen leg and won't lay down?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 10 lbs

Hi my cat is limping and it seems like a swelling on his right rear leg and he doesn't want to lay on his right hand side. What could it be?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on April 22nd, 2017

IT is quite possible he has a cat bite abscess or other injury to the leg and would require treatment by your vet to reduce pain and fever. IF your vet cannot identify any visible cause it may be recommended to x-ray the leg to rule out fractures also.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 9th, 2018

    A young cat with this type of presentation (limping and swelling of the paw) is almost always due to an abscess (infection). I don't know if he was in a fight with another cat or got a wound from somewhere else but that is the most likely reason for his symptoms. I suggest you get him to your vet for an exam. If it is an abscess he will need medical treatment (antibiotics/anti-inflammatories/pain medication); sometimes surgery is needed as well. Your vet will have to examine him and make that determination.

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