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Why is my cat limping on her back leg and crying, then normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | spayed | 9 months and 18 days old

9 month old indoor cat will let out a wail and start limping on her back right leg for a few steps, then she'll lie down for a minute and carry on like nothing is wrong. Started last Friday, did it 3 times in the day, nothing on Saturday, Sunday or Monday, but has done it twice today. Not always with a loud wail before. Cant see any issues and she uses the leg normally after. Shes just been spayed and was a handful for the vets and us, I'd rather a vets trip be a final resort for her sake

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 19th, 2019

Please make an appointment to have Narla seen by a vet, as limping like you described can be an indication of pain. This could be due to a muscular or nerve injury, trauma, some infectious diseases such as Lyme disease, or joint diseases such as arthritis. The gait you are describing could also be due to luxating patellas, a condition where the kneecap is not stable in the joint, or a tear of the cranial cruciate ligament (similar to the acl in people). Your vet can assess Narla by doing a physical exam, and will make recommendations for further diagnostics/ treatments as needed. Pain medications meant for humans can be very dangerous and even deadly for cats due to toxicity, so I do not recommend giving any to Narla without consulting with your vet. Here are some links with more information about luxating patellas, cruciate ligaments, and arthritis. Some of them describe the conditions in dogs, but the basic concepts are the same in cats. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2448 https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952244 https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=8896028 Try getting a video of the behaviour so that you can show it to the vet, as that may help them make a diagnosis.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on May 17th, 2018

    Hi! Thanks for entrusting us with Yoko's care today! Lameness can be a sign of a few things that range from a muscle sprain to even a fracture. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian so that this can be further assessed which will likely include radiographs. Treatment will be dependent on findings though at the very least pain control medications can be prescribed. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

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