Cat dragging himself around the room

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Our cat plays outside everyday and comes home in the evenings to eat/sleep inside. He's 11 years old and generally very happy, chilled out and very healthy (never had any illnesses etc).

On Sunday he came home with a very slight, barely noticeable limp. Last night, it was a bit worse, but this morning at 5am he was literally dragging himself along the floor! So I rushed him to the vet first thing this morning as soon as it opened but he can't figure out what's wrong with him and just wondering if anyone has any ideas?

According to the vet:

• he has no temperature so there's no infection
• he has no visible wound/cut
• x-ray showed no fracture/break

One thing that did show up on x-ray was a very full bowel- not sure if this is related. As he's outside during the day he never poos in litter tray anyway

Only other thing I can think of is possible arthritis starting to kick in as he's 11?

Vet is going to keep him in for observation overnight, but if he comes home I don't know what to do to help him other than keep him indoors (which he hates- always dying to get outside, but obviously the safest thing for now)

Hi,
It’s very difficult to advise without diagnosis. But I think the full bowel must signify something? If there is no sign of a wound or bite (does he fight with other cats?) could it be related to something he ate? Is the vet doing blood work? I would insist on that

Tail pull injury? Just a guess.

Thanks both for your help.
bovaryx the vet hadn't mentioned bloodwork yet, but that's a good idea. I'll ask for that. Re fighting with other cats, he did come home once with a bad bite from a fight/attack from another cat so it's always possible.
fluffycloud I suppose a kid around the area may have pulled his tail, although he's usually so quick they wouldn't get near him

Could he have a spinal injury which is affecting a leg & the ability to open bowels to have a poo? It can happen in humans so maybe in animals too?

Are they going to give him an enema to remove the poo?

My dog had an issue with constipation and is so happy and full of energy since an enema!

(I don’t envy the vets.)

Good idea re the enema, I'll suggest that if he doesn't go today. God I really hope it isn't a spinal injury! Poor little guy

How is he doing? Is he back home?
I hope he is doing ok.

How is kitty today? My vet has warned me about megacolon in one of mine, where the bowel gets over-full and tears (if I've understood correctly) - might be worth checking with your vet if your cat's not pooed today? Hope he's feeling better though x

My guess is a spinal injury too, I'm afraid...

Inability to poo as well as dodgy hind leg movement is tell-tale, I'd say, though of course the X-rays should provide more information.

Are you sure he wasn't hit by a car? Claws that are worn down halfway and blunt would be a sign of that.

Is he peeing alright? Because the bladder could be affected too.