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My cat's back legs are swollen and she's howling. Is it an emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 6 lbs

Cat walking with back end crouched, back legs feel warm to touch and feel possibly swollen, load howling at random times. Has an appointment with vet tomorrow to spay as we just rescued her a few weeks ago but I can't wait. Pervious owner said she meowed loudly a lot but I just noticed her back end and walking difficulty. Two year old nephew was here not too long ago and he kept trying to carrying her around and was caught rolling on her. She has been eating, plays a little and purrs like normal

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 20th, 2018

Poor Tiny! If you feel you can't wait until tomorrow for her to see a vet (and I agree it sounds like seeing a vet now is best for her as it sounds like she is in pain), I would get her into a vet right away. It could be she was injured when your nephew rolled on her. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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