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How can I help a stray cat with a limping leg and possible fracture?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | unneutered | 9 lbs

I have a stray cat who came to my house with a limp. I inspected him and thought he probably had a flesh wound to his paw so I gave him antibiotics for a week to help him heal. He started walking a little better on his leg then left and didn't come back for a few nights. Now he is back and I checked his leg again because his foot seems to twist inward instead of straight. I felt down both legs for comparison and found what feels to be a closed fracture. Hes never here in the morning. What do Ido

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on August 12th, 2017

If you think that the cat has a fractured limb, I recommend that he see a vet as soon as possible. Broken legs are very painful, and the quicker that it can be fixed the better it will heal without long-term pain. Unfortunately, there are no OTC human pain medications that are safe for use in cats. Keeping him off of the limb and applying cool compresses to the painful areas are the best you can do until you can take him to the vet.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 9th, 2019

    This is a medical emergency, and he has to see a vet now. This will be extremely painful for him, and leaving him in pain would be cruel. There are no OTC pain medications you can give him, as many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. Please take him into a vet immediately.

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