Why is my cat struggling to walk, dragging her leg, and can't jump?

Poor Shadow! It's possible that he may have injured his back somehow, or he could have pain or stiffness due to arthritis. Some systemic illnesses, such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism, can also cause weakness and difficulty jumping or walking in older cats. It's good that you're planning to talk with your vet in the morning, since it sounds like Shadow really needs to be seen for an exam and some lab work to help determine the problem - most of these problems are very treatable once a diagnosis is made :)

Thanks for using Boop by Petco! These are general signs that can be seen with a lot of conditions. It could be due to a neurologic condition or perhaps an orthopedic condition causing some kind of pain or discomfort. If this continues, I recommend you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to start with a good physical examination and possibly diagnostics to get to the bottom of this so that therapy if any can be started. Have a great day!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Boop by Petco. I'm very sorry to hear that Kitty is paralyzed in her hind legs. I would be worried about some type of trauma, such as being hit by a car or falling from a tall height. It is also possible for cats to develop a blood clot that gets lodged at the bifurcation of the two major arteries that go to the back legs (called a saddle thrombus), and this cuts off the blood supply to these legs, causing them to slowly die. Since she meows when you try to stand her up, I am really worried that she is quite painful, and recommend that she be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet can examine her and try to determine if there is a treatment for her. Alternatively, if she is very painful and suffering, your vet may recommend humane euthanasia. Again I'm sorry for Kitty, and I hope this information is helpful.

Thank you for using Boop by Petco! The signs you describe can be caused by an irregularity in the spine - this may cause the bones to compress the actual spinal cord, damaging the nerves that are responsible for controlling the back legs and tail. A veterinary neurologist would be able to further diagnose the condition and propose a treatment plan, your original vet may be able to recommend one. I would be happy to take a look at x-rays or bloodwork and answer any questions you may have about them!

Thanks for using Boop by Petco! This is possibly neck or back pain. I recommend that you have Kitty reevaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment since things have not improved. Likely diagnostics include radiographs. Treatment would be based on findings. At the very least they can prescribe pain control medications to make kitty feel better. In the meantime, reduce his activity as much as possible as that in itself can make a big difference. Good luck and have a good day!

Poor Shadow! I would be very concerned she has torn a ligament or may have fractured a bone. It does sound like she is suffering from muscle atrophy if her left hip looks indented. Taking her into the vet is exactly the right thing, and I would bring her into one today.

Hi ! Your kitten needs to see a vet ASAP, to understand if there is a proble with her pelvis or with her back. The longer she is left, the less chance she has to recover sadly. Also she is going to be in a lot of pain which is also a big concern. I hope she can be treated and she can go back to full health soon. Thank you for using Boop by Petco !

Yes, you need to take Katie to the veterinarian. Weakness in the hind limbs can indicate many things ranging from hyperthyroidism to a spinal issue. A physical exam, blood work and potentially x-rays are needed for the correct diagnosis and treatment. Certain conditions, if caught early, are highly treatable. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

If your cat is suddenly very weak, disoriented and unable to walk normally it is best to seek veterinary care at your vet or an ER clinic immediately. It is possible there is an injury, neruologic or muscular issue, illness, or other underlying problem that should be seen ASAP especially if it is causing disorientation and weakness.

Hi there and thank you for using Boop by Petco to address your concern. Based on the x-rays, I do not see any immediate concerning changes. However, on the right leg where the elbow is, it appears that there may be an increased density (bone sclerosis) of what we call the cortical bone. This may indicate early disease or something is beginning to affect the bone. I would recommend providing adequate rest for her for the next 4 weeks as well as give an anti-inflammatory to reduce any inflammation / pain she may be experiencing. I would recheck the x-rays in 4 weeks to see if there has been any change with the bone. 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!