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My cat came home weak, limping, and can't jump. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | British Shorthair | Female | spayed | 1 year and 6 months old

Our cat went missing for 9 days thankfully found her way home. She has returned very under weight & no muscle on her back legs which are very weak. She is unable to jump onto sofa & walking with slight limp though on examining her legs she does not seem to be in pain

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 5th, 2017

I'm glad Panda returned home! Limping is a sign of pain in cats, and if she can't jump onto the sofa, then I suspect she may have an injury to her spine, hips, or back legs. Muscle wastage and weakness in her back legs is serious as well. I would take her into a vet immediately. The vet can do a physical exam, blood tests, a urinalysis, and a lameness exam to determine what is causing her symptoms, and how to treat them. She could have gotten hit by a car while missing, or attacked by another animal. Please take her into the vet now.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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