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Why is my cat walking funny and his legs bowing out after play?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 2 years and 3 months old | 12 lbs

My cat is two. He's developing a funny gait with his backend. He's rather knock-kneed most of the time, but then, seemingly after lots of play, his legs will bow out for an hour or so. It doesn't seem to hurt him at all. He'll continue to play, jump, run. He does a LOT of stretching his backend, too. He's done that since I've had him, but (maybe I'm hypersensitive), it seems more often. This all seems to happen every few days. Something to really worry about or just watch?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Published on May 11th, 2017

Your cat may have either a metabolic condition like diabetes, or a developmental growth problem or orthopedic condition. The only way to know for sure is to have him examined, and have bloodwork and X-rays taken. This way you'll know what is going on and if there is any treatment you can provide him to help.
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