Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why is my cat limping and walking hunched, but her leg looks fine?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 9 years and 5 months old

Since yesterday my cat limps with her left back leg,which also occasionally trembling,she often tries to stretch it,i made full check and the leg looks in perfect condition,she also walks hunched with tail down, could the problem be not in her leg?She takes Cystocure and FLUTD paste for urinating problems,with them she's fine with urinating but has constipation,so I give her pure salmon oil,are all these things come too much for her and is it possible the limping to be related to them?Thank you

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 20th, 2017

Poor girl. It soundsl ike Masha may be experiencing arthritis. Pets can get arthritis in their joints and also along their spine (spondylosis). You can try giving her joint supplements (Cosequin over the counter) to see if this helps with her mobility for the next week or so. However, if she is still not able to regain her mobility, a vet visit is needed to have her spine and leg radiographed to properly diagnose the underlying problem. I don't suspect that her lameness issues have anything to do with her history of FLUTD. I hope this helps and best wisehs getting Masha some relief from her joint pain. I would not recommend giving her any over the counter pain medication because these are quite toxic to cats in particular. Your vet should be able to prescribe something to alleviate her discomfort that is safe and effective. Best wishes and take care.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Why does my cat's joints click when he walks, but he's not limping?

Most likely this is arthritis. If he isn't limping then this is aa good indicator that it isn't causing too much pain yet. You can try over the counter joint supplements like Cosequin to help replenish fluid in the joint and also to help slow down the progression of arthritis. If he develops pain or limping then it is best to have the limb radiographed to get a better idea of what is happening internally, and also to get a prescription for stronger medications to help with pain.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My senior cat is limping on a front leg. What causes it and what helps?

So sorry that he is having this problem. You could try a joint supplement, like Dasuquin or Cosequin for cats, and see if that helps. If not, he should be examined by a vet to determine the cause. Your vet can take an x-ray to help diagnose and then determine the best way to treat. He may need an anti-inflammatory and pain medications and your vet can prescribe.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Old cat fell, now growls when touched on hip. Does she need a vet?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Masha. It sounds like she is doing better, but still painful from her fall. It is best for her to see her veterinarian as x-rays may be needed. She should be prescribed pain medication to make her more comfortable as well. If you do not want to take her in, you will need to monitor her at home. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as can be toxic cats. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My elderly cat limps and has hip pain. Could it be arthritis?

Hip disease is more common in older cats, it's usually due to arthritis but can be caused by other joint conditions as well. you will have to take her to the vet in order to get it checked, the vet might need to do an xray to evaluate the severity of the condition.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why did my healthy senior cat suddenly develop a bad leg limp?

Poor Kosho! She could have accidentally injured her limb at night while you were asleep. She could have severely strained a ligament, torn a ligament, broken a bone, or potentially could have an osteosarcoma. An osteosarcoma is a tumor of the bone in cats, the most common bone tumor cats can get. It would cause sudden and severe lameness. Unfortunately, cancer is always a possibility in an old cat. I would take Kosho into the vet today for an exam. The vet can do a physical exam, routine blood tests, a urinalysis, and x-rays to determine what is causing her limp and how best to treat it. She will also need some pain medication as well. Do not give her any human pain medications. Many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. Please take her into a vet now.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My old cat is limping after vet visit. Could the vet have injured her?

I'm sorry Shadow is limping! No, it's not likely the vet injured her during the first visit. When we do a lameness exam, yes we do manipulate the legs but not enough to cause injury. If she does have spinal issues, it does make sense that she will show varying degrees of limping at times. I'd recommend having x-rays done on her spine to see if she is suffering from spinal problems. Unfortunately, kidney failure is very common in senior cats. It can be managed symptomatically, but it cannot be cured.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat limps, can't jump; vets disagree on her joint problem.

You do not mention when she had the virus - this is commonly associated with severe lameness which resolves over time in most cases (there does also appear to be poor fusion or injury of one elbow). The xrays are very difficult to assess of the screen, especially as there are no markers to identify right from left limbs and the colour does not always reflect accuratley when transferred. They should not be diagnostic without comparing them to the full physical exam for muscle loss etc. A full review of her diet history would be worthwhile as poor kitten nutrition can lead to complications but generally it appears at an earlier age.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share