Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Cat limping, swollen painful leg, no injury. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 2 years old | 8 lbs

My cat is limping with a swollen leg he can't walk on it , he has no injuries no blood he is in pain when I touch the leg First day it wasn't swollen but after 2 day it swollen little bit , the vet is very expansive , i don't know what to do, please help me

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 28th, 2017

Poor cat! This unfortunately is something from will have to get Minouch seen for. He may need anti-inflammatory medication, antibiotics, cold compresses or other diagnostic test to figure out why he has swelling. Here are some financial resources that I am hoping can help the situation: Carecredit.com Redrover.org Until you can get kitty into the vet Marian apply cold compresses for 5 to 10 minutes followed by warm compresses for 5 to 10 minutes tell with inflammation pain discomfort and swelling. But make sure to try and get him in as soon as possible for further care. And at the very least you can get him examined to see what maybe going on with the leg and explore your options with the veterinarian.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC

    Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist

    Published on

    Unfortunately, your pet does need to be evaluated by a veterinarian to determine the cause of the swelling. In an unneutered me, trauma or a cat bite abscess is highly likely. Try finding a local humane society or low cost veterinarian in your area. The other option to consider is care credit which you can apply for online before the vet appointment.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 4th, 2018

    Poor Gizmo! He sounds very painful if he is barely putting any weight on that front leg. Since he goes outdoors, it could be he got into a fight with another animal such as the snake, a cat, dog, etc causing the sore to his leg. Oftentimes, a bite from another animal leads to an abscess, which is very painful and causing swelling and an inability to use the leg. In this case, there is nothing you can do for him at home, it's very serious that he can barely use the leg. Unfortunately you cannot give him any pain medications OTC, as many human ones are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. He does have to see a vet today for this problem, and I would see if you can borrow money from family and friends to afford the vet. I can also give you some resources that may help. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/ I hope one of these resources helps you, please take him into a vet today. Best of luck!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on July 7th, 2018

    Poor Gypsy! If her leg is visibly swollen and she can hardly put weight on it, this is very concerning. She may have an infection in the leg due to a wound of some kind, or may have a fracture or dislocation causing the pain and swelling. It definitely sounds like she needs x-rays, as well as some additional pain medication to make her more comfortable if she's still this uncomfortable - so if possible, I would recommend taking her to an emergency clinic tonight to be seen. If you aren't able to do this, I would keep her as quiet and comfortable as possible until you can take her back in to your regular veterinarian on Monday morning for a recheck.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 23rd, 2018

    Poor Prince! The only way to know for sure if his leg is broken is to have him seen by a vet. It is concerning that his leg is swollen, and that could be due to a broken leg (a fracture is a break). I would see you can borrow money from family and friends to afford a vet, and I can give you some resources that may help. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/ Check out these resources to see if one can help you, and please get him into a vet as soon as possible. Until then, rest him so he doesn't do any further damage to his leg. Keep him confined in a small room or crate to limit his movement, and be sure he has a litter box, food, and water. I hope this helps!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
New Pet
Why is my new pet biting? Is she stressed or scared in her new home?
New pet biting? A Licensed Vet Tech shares expert advice on how to gently acclimate your new companion to their home, reduce stress, and build trust. Get guidance for a happy pet.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?
Is your dwarf hamster struggling with eye issues or limping? A trusted vet offers expert guidance on symptoms and crucial next steps for comfort and care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored