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My senior cat is limping. When should I take her to the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | spayed | 14 years old | 14 lbs

Hi -+On+Sunday+my+13+yr+old+cat+hurt+her+leg+or+foot+somehow,+and+now+has+a+prominent+limp.+She's+eating,+and+is+moving+around+fairly+well.+Her+overall+demeanor+seems+pretty+normal+and+she+doesn't+seem+to+be+in+too+much+pain,+but+she+still+looks+like+she+can't+put+any+weight+on+her+back+left+leg.++I+don't+know+whether+it's+a+sprain+that+will+heal+itself+or+if+I+should+take+her+in+for+an+x-ray.++Do+you+have+any+advice?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 18th, 2017

I am sorry to hear about Luna. If Luna is limping there are many different possible causes, including soft tissue injury (such as a muscle sprain/strain, torn ligament), a fracture (it isn't always obvious when a pet breaks a bone if the fracture is not displaced), a torn or sore toenail, a skin infection of the toenails or bottom of the foot, nerve disorders, or in older pets tumors of the muscle or bone. I would recommend examination by a vet if the issue has been present since Sunday with no improvement. Unfortunately there are no safe pain medications available over the counter for cats, so I would just try to keep her quiet/restrict her activity/keep her indoors until she can be seen.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 10th, 2018

    Poor Joesey! This limping indicates he is in pain, and it could be that he strained or torn a ligament, could have a broken bone, or may be suffering from arthritis. Unfortunately there are no OTC pain medications you can give him, many human ones are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. As long as he is eating and drinking normally, you can try resting him for 48 hours to see if that helps. No running, jumping, or playing, and keep him indoors if he's allowed outside. I would place him in a small room so he doesn't move much or in a crate, and make sure he has water, food, and a litter box with him. If he is still limping after 48 hours, take him into the vet. I would take him into the vet sooner if the limping becomes worse, he becomes non-weight bearing on the leg, or he stops eating, drinking, and becomes lethargic. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 27th, 2019

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Princess. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian to have her limp evaluated. She could be suffering from arthritis, a muscle strain or even a hairline fracture. X-rays may be recommended or a trial of pain may be warranted. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications though as these can be toxic to cats. I hope this information helps!

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