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

My kitten has a broken bone. What emergency steps should I take?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | 27 days old

Sir,my kitten's bone has broken..it's about to die..pls suggest some treatment..pls..

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 26th, 2017

A broken bone can not be fixed at home. The kitten needs to see a veterinarian if you want any chance of saving her. Broken bones are not usually fatal so if she is "about to die" then something else may be going on (like she is in shock or has internal bleeding). She may have internal injuries if she sustained some trauma that broke her leg. Please get her to a veterinarian as soon as possible. It is cruel to leave her in pain and suffering.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 8th, 2018
Unfortunately there are no safe over the counter medications for pain available. All the ones you could buy for humans would be life-threatening. You should really take your kitten to an emergency vet or Pet ER today for pain relief and proper diagnosis and stabilisation of the fractures. If you cannot do this , put her in a small box with soft bedding, and make sure she eats and drinks. If she does not eat or drink or is in a lot of pain you must take her to a vet today. While kittens can heal well and fast, they can also die fast, and broken legs do cause bleeding into the muscle which can actually cause a kitten to ebcome very anemic as well, and therefore weak.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Can a one-month-old kitten die from an untreated broken bone?

Apart from suffering a lot of pain, it can indeed die from an untreated broken back or leg, as it may get sepsis. Please take Eden to a veterinarian for treatment, if you suspect a broken leg or back. Please do not let her suffer the pain. She will also need pain medicine.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

How to help a small stray kitten with a broken leg, no surgery?

It's a little difficult to see in your copy of the x-ray, but it looks like the left femur might be fractured. If the broken bone is above the knee then a cast won't help because it's not possible to stabilize the fracture. If they have recommended pain medication and rest I think that probably is the best option with a broken hip - kittens can heal quickly and it's possible that he will have decent function in the leg. If not, then a surgery called a femoral head osteotomy might be an option once he's big enough for surgery.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My kitten's leg looks deformed. Broken? How to help it walk again?

Great question! The only way to tell is by having an x-ray done by your veterinarian - this will show exactly what is wrong with the bone, and will also give the information needed to determine whether it can be fixed or not. I would recommend taking the kitten to your vet for an exam and x-rays as soon as you are able to - he/she will be able to advise you further on what can be done to help the kitten, depending on what the x-rays show.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My kitten was stepped on but is still alive. What do I do now?

Ouch! Poor kitten! Please take the kitten to a veterinarian as soon as possible. They are delicate and when stepped on a broken bone or internal trauma can happen. At the very least a veterinarian can prescribe pain medication. Please remember, there are no safe over the counter pain meds for cats or kittens.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat fell from a height. Is her leg broken? What to do now?

If you suspect a broken leg then I suggest you get her to a vet as soon as possible. A broken leg would be very painful and I'm sure if you had a broken leg you want to go to a doctor! Remember, not all injuries can be seen externally. She could have some internal injuries that you cannot see. Over the internet this is all I can offer you. Without examining her myself and/or taking an x-ray of her leg I cannot tell you what to do other than to get to a vet. Best wishes.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What should I do for a friend's cat with a broken leg and open wound?

You should really convince your friend to take the cat to a vet as soon as possible. This can be corrected if a vet gives treatment soon enough and they can also give medication to control the pain. Otherwise, it is considered cruel to not give the cat appropriate care and the cat will be prone to infections and life-threatening complications. If your friend can't take the cat to the vet, then I would recommend calling animal control. I hope that helps and the cat gets treatment soon.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My kitten broke leg. Can it heal without a splint? Is she in pain?

I am so very sorry Willow broke her leg! I certainly understand being distraught and upset over this, it is an upsetting situation. Kittens have a great blood supply to their bones due to their growth, and broken bones tend to heal very well; in fact, cage rest is sometimes all that is needed. And yes, splints are often not needed! It can heal without a splint. Kittens can be good at hiding their pain, but one way to tell is if she is eating and drinking. A kitten in pain will not eat or drink, and if she is eating and drinking, that means she is feeling good, so she won't be in pain. If you do have concerns, however, you can give your vet a call to discuss things. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share