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Why is my cat limping after being outside with no visible injury?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 3 years and 9 months old | 8 lbs

My calico cat right arm is limping. I let her outside for fresh air at 11.30 am and I brought her in at 2.15pm. Somehow between these times she must of got hurt and now is limping,there is no blood or marks or scratches on her.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on May 20th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Crissy! She is very cute! Possible causes are a muscle strain or sprain from jumping or falling the leg. Also since it is a front leg a fight with another cat is very high on the list. You may not see evidence of the cat bite or nail. It is too soon to have an abscess. I would keep her indoors and rest her. If she is still limping Monday or Tuesday I recommend a vet exam. They may need to shave the fur on the arm to look for a bite or nail puncture. If she goes outdoors be sure she is always up to date on her Rabies vaccine. I wish Crissy the best!

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