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My cat is limping after a jump, but acting normal. Should I worry?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | spayed | 15 lbs

My cat is limping. She did a running jump onto a stool. She’s eating, going to the bathroom just not playing as she normally did.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on December 6th, 2017

Poor S’mores. She hopefully just has a soft tissue injury. I would confined her and restrict her activity (no jumping, running or playing) for a few days. If she isn’t improving, the leg is swollen or hot, or if she isn’t putting any weight on the leg then I would have your vet take a look at her. Ypur vet will be able to determine the cause of the limp and do X-rays if needed to ensure there are no broken bones. Your vet will also be able to provide some pain meds to help her feel better. I do not recommend giving any human pain meds as most of these are toxic to cats. I hope this helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on May 30th, 2017

    Poor kitty! If she is putting some weight on the leg and acting normal otherwise, you could opt to monitor her at home for the next few days to see if the limping resolves - if it's a minor soft tissue injury like a sprain or a bruise, it should get better on its own. If there is no improvement in the next 2-3 days, or if she is holding the leg up completely or seems excessively painful, then I would really recommend a vet visit as she may need x-rays to find out what's wrong.

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 14th, 2019

    Luckily many cats heal from injuries quickly. If she is now walking on it with a limp I expect she just bruised it. Good job using an ice pack to reduce the pain and inflammation. She should improve daily. If she is worse tomorrow or continues to be painful then a veterinary exam and treatment would be in order. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Amber.

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 17th, 2018

    Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. This certainly may be a soft tissue injury such as a strain or sprain but could be bone trauma (fracture). Without examining her it is difficult to say. If you are unable to get her to the vet right now, I would recommend crate resting her for the next few weeks and see if rest is enough for recovery. If the limping persists beyond the 3 weeks or it worsens during the next 3 weeks, I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Milla so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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