My cat is limping and has a swollen elbow after playing. Is it serious?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If Henry is weight-bearing on that leg, his energy level is high and he has good appetite you can try and rest him for a few days. Walk him on leash only and do not let him jump or run the stairs. If the swelling and pain is only due to muscle inflammation or mild sprain, everything should be back to normal in a few days time. However, if Henry looks in pain, doesn't want to eat or play, you should get him checked by your local vets sooner.

Poor Spooky! I would be very concerned that he has done something serious to his leg if he has been limping for a couple of days, there's swelling, and jumps on three legs. Cats can be very good at hiding their pain, so he is likely in more pain than he lets on. He could have a broken bone, but he could also have a sprain or a torn ligament. He does have to see a vet for this as soon as possible, so take Spooky in first thing Tuesday. Keep him as quiet as possible, and do NOT give him any human pain medications. Many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. The vet can prescribe him safe pain medications as needed.

Restrict Spaghetti's activity as much as you can. No excessive running, jumping or rough play. If the lameness does not begin to resolve in the next 24-48 hours, have her seen by your vet. Go sooner if you notice any swelling or if the lameness worsens.

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.

Poor Jango! I would wait another 24 hours. Keep him confined to a small room to keep down his movement, and force him to rest. Have a litter box, food, and water in the room. If you can find a crate large enough to hold all of that equipment plus him, I would put him in it. No running, jumping, or playing. Don't let him outside if he's normally allowed outside. Should he still be limping after 24 hours, then I would take him into the vet for a lameness exam and possibly x-rays. Please do NOT give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given.

It could be that Percy has injured himself leading to the limping and swelling. Limping means he is in pain, and unfortunately there are no OTC pain medications you can give him. Many human ones are toxic to cats, and are fatal if given. I would take him into a vet now for treatment. Best of luck.