My cat isn't jumping or active. When should I worry and see a vet?

I would absolutely 100% take Nimby into the emergency vet right away. Hopefully it’s nothing more than some muscle soreness from her Olympic jumping event and the adrenaline wearing off. However, I have seen cases like this where there is trauma to the spleen, etc. causing bleeding into the abdomen and shock. These cases can require IV fluids, blood transfusions or even emergency surgery in some cases. Because of this, I’d head in to get Nimby a good physical exam, and blood pressure check and X-rays if needed. (PS I’ve seen cats with broken bones who do not show any sign of pain on physical exam.) Absolutely do NOT give Nimby ANY over the counter pain medication. NONE are considered safe for cats and Tylenol can be lethal. Best of luck to you and Nimby!

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.

Poor Felix. I'm concerned that he is in pain. Unfortunately there are no OTC pain relievers you can give him. Many human ones are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. I'd have him seen by a vet now.

If the lameness has persisted for 3 weeks and you notice that there is a difference in the shape of the shoulder area and leg position, I fear that the injury could be more serious than a sprain. Muscle injuries normally recover in 4-5 days of rest and antinflammatories. I would recommend to have him reassessed, there is a medication that can be given at home prior to the visit to help with the stress, I would ask your vet. Hope this helps !

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.

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.

Ouch, poor Tiger. Rest him today as much as possible. No running, jumping, or playing. Keep him indoors if he's allowed outside. If he still appears painful the morning, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to cats and are be fatal if given.