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My cat fell and is limping. How long should I wait before seeing a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 1 year and 4 months old | 5 lbs

Early this morning my 1 1/2 year old cat fell from our kitchen counter top. When he fell, his leg got caught in a towel bar on the cabinet door. He was hoping/walking without putting any weight on the leg that got caught during the morning. No swelling is visible. He has improved to walking around with a limp after several hours. How long should I wait to see improvment before seeking medical attention for my kitty?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 15th, 2017

Poor Jango! I would wait another 24 hours. Keep him confined to a small room to keep down his movement, and force him to rest. Have a litter box, food, and water in the room. If you can find a crate large enough to hold all of that equipment plus him, I would put him in it. No running, jumping, or playing. Don't let him outside if he's normally allowed outside. Should he still be limping after 24 hours, then I would take him into the vet for a lameness exam and possibly x-rays. Please do NOT give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 27th, 2017

    Poor Nitty! I would rest her for another 24-48 hours before taking her into the vet. Do not allow her to jump on anything, and keep her confined to a small room or crate to keep her as quiet as possible. If she is still appearing painful or limping after this time, then I would take her into the vet for a visit. Please do not give Nitty any human pain medications, as many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. I hope she feels better soon!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 2nd, 2019

    Poor Buddha! I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Keep him indoors if he's allowed outside. f he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. I hope this helps!

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