My Cat has come home limping after fight

[fluffylulu]

My cat limped in last night. I later found out that the neighbours heard cats fighting just before. I think she injured herself running away. She had no blood, scratches or bites on her as far as I can see, she is not licking herself anywhere. I gave her some cat painkiller and waited to see how she was this morning. She is still putting only a little weight on her hind leg and has spent most of the day asleep, she has eaten as usual. When she does attempt to walk around she stops and lies down at intervals.

This has happened before but a front poor and the vet did nothing but give painkillers and it cleared up but I am worried that this is worse. I don't want to take her to the vet if not necessary as she is a very nervous cat and might make it worse putting her in the carry box. Do you think if anything was broken she would be looking/sounding, more in pain, licking or not putting any weight on it? I will take her to vet tomorow if no improvement but would value opinions please. She is two. THanks.

[fluffylulu]

paw not poor

[SleepyFergus]

The fact she's eating is a good sign. Will she let you touch her leg, does she miaow or yelp if you do? I'd see how she fairs tonight And if she's the same tomorrow then maybe get her checked over

Hope she's okay, my 2 give me no end of worry sometimes!

[fluffylulu]

She hasn't made any sounds at all apart from crying for food. I have stroked her gently and she doesn't react but I am a bit if a wimp and haven't pulled or poked at all. She's such a worry, wants to go out now but am keeping her in the little madam.

[fluffylulu]

Thats gross. I haven't seen any bites and presumed she would be licking any wounds? Or can they have them and not bother with them? There's a new tabby in town trying to move in on the territory but she's usually protected by a big boy cat that she hangs around with, guess he was elsewhere last night.

[TheOriginalFAB]

If she was limping you really should have taken her to the vet.

[unclefest]

Our big cat does this all the time. He seems to strain muscles. TBH we usually leave him one night to sleep it off and if it's no better the following day, take him to the vet. As DR GF says, our boy also gets abcesses but the day after the accident he usually lets us look for them and bathe them. Is your cat any better today?

[GRW]

I have a tom cat who gets into fights, and often needs antibiotics as bite wounds tend to get infected. The only way I know where he has been bitten is because he hisses at me if I stoke him over the sore area. He is usually more sleepy and stops eating as well, and when I take him to the vet has a fever. Could your cat have been bitten on the paw?

[fluffylulu]

Just an update. Took her to the vet who did an xray. She has snapped her crutiate ligament in her knee. Vet says this is extremely rare in cats only seen a couple in the past 10 years, quite common in dogs. She has an operation on Monday to fix it (thank goodness for insurance). She is still very mobile and I have had trouble trying to keep her from racing around the house as she is very bored being kept in. I cannot believe how she can still jump up on the window ledge and race up the stairs, albeit with a limp. Long recovery time after the operation I am told. Thanks for all the advice.