Old girl limped last night but not this morning.

[NannaNoodleman]

Our old girl woke up yesterday evening in the house and seemed to have developed a limp (she was fine when she came home). We checked her over and couldn't see any wounds and she didn't seem to have any tender spots.

She's walking normally this morning.

She hates the vet and they always end up sedating her for an examination which makes her feel poorly and stressed. I will take her if I need to but I was wondering if cats could just get a 'deadleg' from sleeping funny or some other reasonable explanation?

[ifonly4]

I've had that happen before. If you can't see any potential problems, I'd avoid a vet's visit as well!

One thing though, you say 'old'. If we're talking about a middle aged/older cat just worth keeping an eye on in case arthritis is creeping in.

[ContinuityError]

Mine did that (as a youngster) - vet visit and x-rays showed it was probably just a strain that cleared up quickly with no treatment. Not a wasted trip though as it showed early onset arthritis in her hips - she was only 2

[thecatneuterer]

This happens all the time. It's a sprain and gets better on its own. I generally advise people to wait three days if a cat starts to limp, with no obvious reason, before seeing a vet, as there is a very high chance that it will just get better.

[Vinorosso74]

I would keep an eye on the cat and take it from there. Any unusual behaviours or a repeat then take her to the vet especially if she's getting old.
Our lad hurt himself one day and we didn't realise until he went off his food which is unusual for him! First vet we saw was a bit dismissive but second one (one I knew well from previous cat) worked it out straight away.

[NannaNoodleman]

Thanks for the advice.

She's been absolutely fine all day. No limp, going about her usual business, eating all the biscuits and hustling for more.

I did think it might be the start of arthritis and that makes me feel quite sad. I hate that she's getting old.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Ours cane home one night with a horrific limp, obviously in loads of pain. Rushed him to the vet where he stood on his hind legs 🤦🏻‍♀️ Luckily the vet knows I’m not crackers and prescribed pain killers. Got home, back to grizzling, couldn’t go upstairs.

Next morning he shot out of the bedroom as dh was coming out of the dressing room, looked up at dh like “oh shit I’m meant to be ill” and limped off.

[Lunde]

Our 15 year old cat has a bit of arthritis and limps from time to time - however we are aware that she seems able to put on a show that it is worse than it is when she wants something (such as being carried/lifted onto the bed or sofa etc)

We have found that the cat sweet test works quite well - throw her favourite cat sweets and see if she runs after them - mostly she does!

Could also check the cat over for any swellings/lumps or ticks attached to joints. Our vet bills have reduced drastically following the death of bully cat up the road.

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

Fluffy Harry jumped up onto the vet's table when we thought he was badly injured! She put him on the floor to see him walk so took one look at me and jumped back up! He avoids jumping any other time!

It was Christmas Eve. On a Sunday. It was the emergency vet. It cost me nearly £200 to see him jump.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Cheap at twice. Money pits, the pair of them 😺