My cat is hopping on 3 legs. What's wrong and what should I do?

Julie needs to be examined by the veterinarian. Not using the leg could be due to something like a fracture, a ruptured tendon or an infection. She will need a physical exam and maybe an x-ray. Until you get her in, keep her indoors and strictly limit her activity. You may keep her shut in a large dog kennel or a small bathroom. You really don't want her jumping or running. I hope this helps.

Yikes. I'm concerned from your description that his leg could be dislocated or fractured. I would highly, highly recommend a vet visit so you know what's wrong, can formulate the best plan to treat him, and perhaps most importantly get him started on pain meds! In the meantime, keep him confined so he's using that leg as little as possible. Put him in a room with nothing to jump on, with his litterbox, food, and water all there, and a bed or soft blanket on the floor. If that's not possible, a large dog kennel can also work for confinement, if you can fit his food/water/litterbox and a blanket inside. A dislocation will not fix itself without vet attention, and some types of fractures require surgery to improve. However, soft tissue injuries (such as sprains), and even some fractures can heal with rest and time. Cats can be amazing healers. Do *not* give him anything for pain. There are no human medications that are safe or effective for him, and anything you give him could be dangerous, and could get in the way of more effective medications your vet might prescribe. Additionally, don't try to wrap or splint the leg, as you may do more harm than good. I would also discourage you from trying to massage it, since that will only cause further pain for him if he does have a traumatic injury. Hope that helps.

That is possible or a dislocation or some trauma to the soft tissues. Either or which is painful. I would recommend your kitty be seen for an xray, treatment plan, and pain medication. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi and thanks for posting. If you feel Jasper is experiencing pain in one of his legs, the best thing to do would be to have him evaluated by a veterinarian. Your vet will need to do an exam and may recommend taking x-rays to check for fractures or other injuries to the legs so he can be appropriately treated.

Poor Tom! Without seeing him I cannot say for sure what he has injured. He could have simply sprained a muscle or broke a toenail. Unfortunately, he could have also broken a bone. I would strongly recommend to have your vet take a look at him. Your vet will be able to localize the pain and take x-rays if needed. They will be able to get him started on pain meds and the proper treatment plan to help him feel better. I hope this helps!

Ploffie is quite handsome. This could potentially heal on its own if it is a minor soft tissue injury or a minor fracture, but he needs to be confined and not allowed to roam or jump. My concern is that if it is secondary to an abscess or some type of infection or a large displaced fracture then it may not heal. If he isn't improving, I would try to figure a way to catch him and take him to your vet. Your vet will be able to determine the cause and get him started on the proper meds. I hope this helps!

If you suspect a broken leg then I suggest you get her to a vet as soon as possible. A broken leg would be very painful and I'm sure if you had a broken leg you want to go to a doctor! Remember, not all injuries can be seen externally. She could have some internal injuries that you cannot see. Over the internet this is all I can offer you. Without examining her myself and/or taking an x-ray of her leg I cannot tell you what to do other than to get to a vet. Best wishes.