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Why is my cat limping and not using his leg? Soft tissue or arthritis?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Russian Blue | Male | neutered | 14 lbs

My car is limping and when sit don’t put his leg in the floor. How could I know if is a soft tissue injury, or arthritis? I touch the cat’s whole leg to see if I feel something abnormal and see if pulls the leg because of pain but didn’t, that tells me is not a broken bone. Thanks in advance!

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on April 14th, 2018

If it just started you can let him rest for a few days with minimal walking and minimal physical exercise, if it does not improve within 3-4 days you will have to take Alfonso to the vet in order to get it checked and treated, he might need pain killers for a few days. if the vet think it's something more serious such as a fracture, joint injury or foreign body, he might recommend to have an xray done as well.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on April 21st, 2018
It's likely to be a foreign body that entered the paw and is now inside it, it could also be arthritis but it is less likely. i strongly advise taking him to the vet in order to get it checked as it has been already 10 days without improvement.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on November 25th, 2016
It sounds like Gomez may have injured his leg somehow, or may have developed arthritis or some other joint problem causing discomfort when he walks. If the limping just started in the past day or so, you can monitor him at home for now to see if it resolves on its own. If there is no improvement in the next 2-3 days, or if it has been going on for quite a while already, then I would recommend having him examined by a vet to find out what's wrong. He/she can do x-rays if needed to help determine the problem and get him started on appropriate medication to treat it.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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