Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat's back leg is swollen and she's limping. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 3 years and 2 months old

My cats back leg looks swollen and she was walking on it but now she’s not trying to put pressure on it. The swelling has gone down but not much. I don’t think it’s broken but I don’t know what to do for her

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on March 21st, 2019

Poor Cleopatra! There appears to be a wound on the leg and the swelling is likely related to that. Concerns are an abscess, fracture, cellulitis or puncture wound. All of these require care by the veterinarian. At home you can restrict her activity since the more she walks on it, the worse it may get. You may also try applying a cool (not cold) compress but this is unlikely to fix the problem but may give some temporary relief of pain. Cleopatra needs to see her veterinarian today ideally for pain medication and treatment. I hope she starts feeling better quickly and please feel free to post any additional questions.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My cat has a swollen leg and is limping. What's wrong and what to do?

If you cat goes outdoors, this is very likely the result of a cat bite. It is amazing how small a cat bite wound can be, but under the skin, infection is building up. Have Coco evaluated tomorrow by your vet because if this is a bite wound, the sooner antibiotics are started, the sooner she will start feeling better. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has a swollen leg with a draining wound. What should I do?

This is most likely an infection, a parasite under the skin or a cancer. These conditions all need medical care. I recommend to have your kitty examined by the veterinarian for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. She will need antibiotics, the area cleaned, possibly pain medication, possibly antiparasitics and an elizabethan collar. The vet may also recommend additional treatment. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 7-month-old cat is limping with a swollen leg. Should I see a vet?

Oh no, poor Belis! It is certainly possible that her leg is broken, but it could also be sprained or infected from an animal bite if she's allowed outside. She has to see a vet for this, so I would bring her into one right away. Given that it's really swollen and she's been walking around with a limp limb for three to four days, medical attention is required now. Please bring her into an ER vet or find a vet on call to see her now.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My kitten's leg is swollen and painful. What can I do at home?

It is probably an abscess. You can try soaking the foot in warm epsom salt water for 5 minutes 3 times per day. That may help draw the infection out. Honestly though, most of the time oral antibiotics are also needed to get this to heal up completely. She definitely looks like she does not feel well so if you can eventually get her to a vet that would be really great.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

What to do if my kitten is limping, hopping, and has a swollen front leg?

Your kitten's front leg actually looks swollen, so there could be a sprain or even a bite abscess. You should take your beautiful Ned to a veterinarian for an exam. this is painful, so pain medicine (specifically for cats) should also be given by the vet. Please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat is limping suddenly, not putting weight, but can still jump?

Since it has only been going on a few hours and she does put some weight on it when jumping I think you could monitor her today. I would try to keep her indoors and confined to small room so she stays quiet and rests the leg as much as possible. If swelling starts, she starts acting lethargic, or the limping doesn't resolve in the next 24 hours I would have her evaluated by a veterinarian so they can assess her for wounds or more serious injuries. Hope she feels better asap !

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat's leg is swollen and painful, can't see ankle. What's wrong?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like there is severe swelling of the soft tissues along the injured leg. If the swelling is great-often times it is harder to feel the specific structures below the skin. It would be best to have an x ray of the limb to make sure there are no fractures inducing more swelling. Hope this helps

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share