My cat is severely limping and not eating. When should I see a vet?

Due to the large number of symptoms your cat is experiencing (lethargy, limp and vomiting) it is best to schedule an appointment with your local veterinarian for care. It is possible that the limp may be caused by an injury that is causing pain and or nausea in your cat, leading to the lethargy and vomiting. Pets in a lot of pain may refuse to eat, and thus not get enough energy, or may become nauseated or vomit up their food. Addressing the underlying problem (in this case, possibly the limp) can help improve overall symptoms. Feeding a bland diet of warmed up boiled chicken or turkey may also encourage your cat to eat some, getting his energy levels up and helping him to keep food down. Until you can be seen by the vet, be sure to keep your cat quiet and calm and restrict activity. This will help prevent further injury to the affected limb and may help to relieve some pain or nausea related. Once your vet has taken a look at the limp and other symptoms, they can then provide you with more specialized treatment depending on their causes.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Adee. I am concerned that she may have an abscess as a result of a fight wound. This a deep infection trapped under the skin. It is painful and makes the cat not want to eat. She will need to see a veterinarian to determine if this is the case. If so, treatment such as antibiotics will be necessary. I hope this information helps!

I am sorry to hear about Luna. If Luna is limping there are many different possible causes, including soft tissue injury (such as a muscle sprain/strain, torn ligament), a fracture (it isn't always obvious when a pet breaks a bone if the fracture is not displaced), a torn or sore toenail, a skin infection of the toenails or bottom of the foot, nerve disorders, or in older pets tumors of the muscle or bone. I would recommend examination by a vet if the issue has been present since Sunday with no improvement. Unfortunately there are no safe pain medications available over the counter for cats, so I would just try to keep her quiet/restrict her activity/keep her indoors until she can be seen.

You should take her to an out of hours vet or Pet ER today. Your vet;s office should have emergency information on their answering machine. In the UK all veterinarians have to provide an out of hours service, be it themselves or via referral to another veterinary clinic. This is obviously a painful condition which should be addressed today.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your kitten. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian today. His behavior is worrisome. Even if you are not able to locate his pain, it sounds like he is sore if he is limping. There is a viral disease in kittens that can cause a fever, lameness and ulcers in the mouth. His veterinarian will examine him and determine if this is the case or if he has another problem. I hope this information helps!

Hello Anisa! Limping means he is in pain, and pain could make him lethargic as well. Unfortunately there are no OTC pain medications you can give him, as many human ones are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. I think you should take him into the vet first thing in the morning. The vet can diagnose why he is in pain, and can treat him. I hope this helps!

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.