Outdoor cat limping on back leg: Can it heal on its own or is it broken?

Question

Dear vets, our cat Ploffie suddenly limps with his back leg. He doesn't drag it around, but tries to put not too much pressure on it (whenever he walks he kind of tiptoes and if he sits he seems to avoid putting his leg on the floor). Since he is an outside cat and I can't catch him easily I was wondering if something like this can heal on it's own and how to judge the severity and possibility if it might be broken. I added a picture of our darling Ploffie in his house. Thanks in advance!:-). Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered

Megan, DVM, CVA · Accepted Answer

Ploffie is quite handsome. This could potentially heal on its own if it is a minor soft tissue injury or a minor fracture, but he needs to be confined and not allowed to roam or jump. My concern is that if it is secondary to an abscess or some type of infection or a large displaced fracture then it may not heal. If he isn't improving, I would try to figure a way to catch him and take him to your vet. Your vet will be able to determine the cause and get him started on the proper meds. I hope this helps!

Outdoor cat limping on back leg: Can it heal on its own or is it broken?

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