My cat's leg hurts and she won't let me touch it. What should I do?

Poor Mavis! No, do NOT give aspirin or any other human over-the-counter pain medications, as these are extremely toxic in cats. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can get over the counter that would be safe to give her. If she's holding up the leg completely and/or seems really painful on it, then I would recommend having her seen tonight at an emergency clinic for an exam and possibly x-rays. If this isn't possible, then I would take her to your regular vet tomorrow morning to be seen if she's still limping.

Cats are extremely sensitive to over the counter (OTC) medications, not to mention that dosing for such a small cat is nearly impossible with OTC meds. It is best to get your cat some pain medication from your vet that is made specifically for cats like Onsior.

I am sorry but we at Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach are unable to prescribe or recommended medications, this can only be done by your treating vet who knows and has recently examined your pets. Rest and confinement will help prevent further injury but I strongly recommend a full physical exam to determine the type of injury and the options to manage it and reduce pain

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Eevee! How do you know her leg is broken? Sadly cats are special, unique creatures that can not metabolize human medications like we can or even dogs (some medications). They are missing an enzyme needed to break down drugs like aspirin, Tylenol and advil. Giving them those drugs will cause them to become very sick and even die. There is no safe drug you can give Eevee that will not cause more harm than good. She needs to see a vet to be diagnosed with the fracture and be prescribed medications for pain that is safe to give a cat (onsior, buprenorphine or gabapentin). She needs to be crated in a large dog crate for 6-8 weeks for the fracture to heal. Letting her walk around and go outside will not allow for healing if her leg is broken. At a minimum confine her and see how she heals. Cats are amazing in that way. Good luck!

Lying down a lot and reacting to touch indicates that Oi is likely in pain. Please make an appointment to have Oi seen by a vet as soon as possible. These symptoms could be due to a muscular or nerve injury, a fractured bone, trauma, a mass, or a foreign body in the paw or leg. Some infectious diseases and joint diseases such as arthritis or joint infection can cause limping and gait changes as well. Your vet can assess Oi by doing a physical exam, and will make recommendations for further diagnostics/ treatments as needed. Pain medications meant for humans can be very dangerous and even deadly for cats due to toxicity, so I do not recommend giving any to Oi without consulting with your vet.

I would take your cat into a vet immediately. This will be extremely painful for him, and he needs treatment for the broken leg. Leaving it untreated can lead it to heal incorrectly affecting his ability to walk. It can also cause nerve damage. Unfortunately you cannot give him any human pain medications, as many human ones are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. He absolutely needs veterinary treatment for it, please take him into a vet now. Good luck!

I am so sorry Mazzy isn't feeling well. There is nothing over the counter that you can give her- she is too small and nothing is safe for cats. There is also limited medications in veterinary medicine for cats. I would recommend keeping her confined with her litter box and food in a small crate or bathroom, so she doesn't re-injure herself. She does need to see a vet to rule out a fracture or dislocation. They will be able to prescribe something safe for pain for her. Good luck and kisses to Mazzy!