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My cat is limping. Can I treat a sprained leg at home without a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 8 lbs

I think my cat may have a sprained leg, but we want to avoid having to take him to the vet. If we can, we would rather heal him at home. Help?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 22nd, 2017

You can try resting Mickey for the next 72 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. I'd keep him confined to a small room or a large crate. Keep him indoors if he's allowed outdoors. It's very important to not give him any human pain medications. Many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. Should he still be limping at 72 hours, then he will need to see a vet.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 15th, 2019
Most likely he jumped down off of something and sprained/strained something. i would not be overly concerned at this point. If after a week he is still limping then he should see a vet. You cannot give a cats any human anti-inflammatory medicines so please don't give him anything.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 13th, 2018
Poor guy. A muscle sprain is possible. However most sprains will improve on their own within a 4-5 day period. Continue to monitor Hades for the next week to see if he makes any improvement. Try to not encourage him to play rough around the house and take things easy to help the healing process. Other possible causes for him limping, based on your description, is a ligament tear in his knee, a hairline fracture or a subluxation of one of his joints in the lower part of his limb. There unfortunately isn’t any safe over the counter pain medicine for cats so don’t attempt this. Here is a website link with financial resources to help if you do end up needing to take him in to your vet for further care. http://m.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html
Best of luck to you and I hope Hades leg improves soon. Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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