Limping cat – vet or not?

[volie]

Cat came in limping slightly on Tuesday afternoon.

He will put a little weight on it but not 100%, and prefers to lift it when sitting. We've checked the paw and leg carefully and can't see any thorns/cuts/bites etc.

I'm pretty sure it's a strain or sprain. He will let us touch and squeeze all of the leg and paw, with no flinching or crying.

I thought better safe than sorry, let's go to the vet. Except I cannot get him in the cat carrier. I was lulled by a false sense of security as it was so easy last time! Not today. Starfishing, scratching etc. My arms are bleeding (yes, now I know to use oven gloves. too late.)

I've found loads of great advice here for getting him used to the carrier/catching him and decanting him into it. All good, will do.

But for now, what do folks think? Should I persist in trying to get him to the vet again tomorrow? Should I just keep on making him rest/keeping him in/encouraging him to chill out and not storm around?

I don't really want to stress him out if they're just going to say 'keep him quiet for a few days, it'll be fine'. Argh.

[Jasmin1971]

Can you request a visit, just so he can get some pain meds

[ivowtotheemybiscuittin]

If you think he's in pain could you pick up some metacam from the vets without needing to take him in - I think they usually sell it without seeing them. That way you could give it a couple of days to resolve itself. If he's starfishing and putting up a good fight then it's probably nothing too serious! It could be he's just pulled a muscle jumping...

[ChaseTheSun]

My cat has suddenly started limping a few times and each time we’ve taken him to the vet, we’ve been prescribed metacam which seems to fix it.
The last time we went, they also said that he has the start of arthritis and suggested that he start taking the Youmove supplement. He’s been taking this for 4-5 months and we’ve not had a flare up in this time.

[Autumn1990]

I’ve got a lot of feral cats and one spent a week limping and I was worried about how I would catch him. Anyway next time I saw him he wasn’t limping so I would give it a few days .

[volie]

Thanks all. Managed to speak to a vet friend who said check again for wetness/swellings/bites (nothing) and flex each joint and look for reaction (nothing, he seemed to enjoy it). Both legs feel the same, nothing odd.

Will enforce rest and see how he is tomorrow. Do think the limp is less pronounced today.

Have also learned that he farts when annoyed. Great tactic! But he has graciously forgiven me for the basket debacle (and I will be much better prepared next time).

[Tinks15]

@volie how is your cat’s leg now? Has the limping stopped?

My cat appears to be having a similar issue with one of his front paws.

[ThatsNotAKnifeThatsASpoon]

Cats are awful for hiding injuries. If you noticed something that is a sign something significant may have happened, as generally minor injuries you may never know about.

You should ask your vet to prescribe a relaxant to give your cat, to allow you to get him in to the carrier in order for him to be properly assessed.

Please don't assume he is ok based on the fact he has allowed you to touch him etc.

[RosesAndHellebores]

A tip for getting into the carrier. Feed late so v hungry. When tucking in throw over a blanket and quickly scoop them up and in - easier if you take the lid off a top loading basket and whip it back on whilst still under the blanket.

[Bellyblueboy]

Any update?