My cat limping with shredded nails after going outside. What happened?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Momo! The most common reason for an outdoor cat to limp is from trauma. Either falling from something, get caught up or from fighting with another animal and suffering bite wounds and an abscess. I would keep him indoors and see if resting helps the limp, which it would if it was a strain or sprain. If he stops eating and is lethargic he may have a fever from bite wounds and infection. Bite wounds are treated with pain medications and antibiotics. These medications need to be prescribed by a Vet who can examine Momo. I hope this helps!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Mister. I would assume from what you are describing that one of two things has happened. Mister either got into a fight with another cat/some wildlife or he has suffered some other trauma such as hit by car/other. I would advise taking Mister to your veterinarian. They can get a detailed history and do a thorough examination of the affected areas. Typically with fights, the hind end is involved since one cat is often running away from the other cat or animal that is attacking it. Of course bite wounds and scratches can occur anywhere on the body. Your vet can then discuss a sound treatment plan which could involve sedation/anesthesia, clip/clean wounds, drain placement, antibiotics, rabies booster, pain medicines, anti inflammatory medicines, etc. If you are not sure what happened, your vet will most likely advise a rabies booster shot (if no fever) in case this was a wild animal such as a raccoon, skunk, etc. Good luck with Mister.

It is impossible to know what is causing him to be lame without an examination. The best thing would be to have a vet take a look at him to do an orthopedic examination and take an xray, if needed, to determine the exact cause. He could have an infection, fracture, or strain/sprain. Once diagnsed, your vet can decide the best way to treat his problem. He may just need an antibiotic and/or an anti-inflammatory/pain medications. I hope Smokey feels better soon!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Based on the information you have provided, and the attached pictures, I am also very concerned that Sprinkles may have sustained significant trauma, causing her to be non-weightbearing lame on her left hind leg. Whether she was hit by a car or potentially fell and injured her leg, it sounds like she is in a significant amount of pain. She also looks like she has abraded skin (a wound) on that leg as well, which is at risk of becoming infected. I recommend having her seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible to have her injuries addressed. He/she will perform a full physical exam to localize her pain and determine if she has other, more life-threatening injuries such as damage to her chest or abdomen. X-rays may be indicated if a fracture is suspected. Ultimately, pain medication and antibiotics can be prescribed to help ease her pain and prevent infection. Importantly, NEVER give pain medication that is intended for humans to your pet, as these can be fatally toxic. I hope this is helpful!

With Gingy being an indoor and outdoor cat (I I am assuming he was outdoors based on saying he came in), I would be concerned about trauma such as a bite wound or something else going on that could lead to an abscess. I would recommend trying to at least call your veterinarian to see if they would like to see him or if they would prefer you to wait till Monday. If you cannot get a hold of your veterinarian and then my brain continues I recommend trying to find an emergency veterinarian to see him. In the meantime keep them indoors, watch for any increase in swelling or pain but do not give any human pain medication as it can be very toxic to cats.

Ideally, he should be physically examined by your veterinarian. He may have been bitten by another cat which would explain his symptoms. A cat bite can be difficult to detect and can abscess and be quite painful. Antibiotics and pain medication may be indicated.

I'm sorry Luna is in pain and limping! Yes, you are correct she could have slipped on the wet floor causing the limping. I would rest her for the next couple of days. Keep her confined to a small room (be sure to put a litter box, food, and water in with her) so she doesn't move as much, and do not allow her outside if she is normally allowed outside. Monitor her, and if she is still limping by Monday, I would take her into the vet for a health check. It's very important not to give her any human pain medications. Many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. The vet can prescribe her pain medication as needed.