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 old cat having trouble jumping and walking slowly?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 9 lbs

My 16yo cat is having difficulty jumping up, has to clamber up, very tentative going from one level to another, seems to be slow walking. Doesn't appear to be in pain when we stroke his legs, we will be ringing our own vet in the morning but wonder what could be wrong. I hate seeing him like this it really distressing me, as I know he's suffering.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on March 19th, 2017

Poor Shadow! It's possible that he may have injured his back somehow, or he could have pain or stiffness due to arthritis. Some systemic illnesses, such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism, can also cause weakness and difficulty jumping or walking in older cats. It's good that you're planning to talk with your vet in the morning, since it sounds like Shadow really needs to be seen for an exam and some lab work to help determine the problem - most of these problems are very treatable once a diagnosis is made :)

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 1st, 2018
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m sorry that Shadow isn’t feeling well! The signs you describe are definitely concerning, as they can mean Shadow has a neurological disease, herniated vertebral disc, or toxin ingestion. I recommend having her seen by a vet immediately, as with some of the conditions above, the prognosis decreases dramatically the longer the signs continue. Your vet can take x-rays and perform bloodwork to determine the cause and begin the appropriate treatment. I hope all is well with Shadow!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

Why is my senior cat suddenly struggling to jump and showing leg pain?

At his age, he likely has some arthritis. I suggest you get him started on a joint supplement. https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/198944_HomeDelivery.pml?productId=120626 Give it a good 4-6 weeks to see if it helps him. If not, then please post again and we'll see if we can give you some more suggestions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why are my 8-year-old cat's back legs suddenly weak and stiff?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These are general signs that can be seen with a lot of conditions. It could be due to a neurologic condition or perhaps an orthopedic condition causing some kind of pain or discomfort. If this continues, I recommend you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to start with a good physical examination and possibly diagnostics to get to the bottom of this so that therapy if any can be started. Have a great day!

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

Why is my senior cat struggling to walk with a lump on his side?

Poor Grady! Unfortunately, this swelling could be due to a malignant tumor, especially if he's an older cat. The difficulty jumping and walking could be due to arthritis. I would have Grady seen by a vet today or first thing tomorrow. The cause of the swelling needs to be diagnosed so the vet can decide if there is any treatment available for him. Should he have arthritis, the vet can prescribe pain medications for him. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My 19-year-old cat is wobbling and dragging her leg. What's wrong?

Yes, you need to take Katie to the veterinarian. Weakness in the hind limbs can indicate many things ranging from hyperthyroidism to a spinal issue. A physical exam, blood work and potentially x-rays are needed for the correct diagnosis and treatment. Certain conditions, if caught early, are highly treatable. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my senior cat stumbling or wobbly when walking on the bed?

She may. have some arthritis pain that is causing this (and its more obvious when she's on an uneven surface such as the bed), or she maybe having some age related weakness, or possibly some issues with her back or spinal cord causing the stumbling. You can take her to your vet for an exam, pain medication may be helpful, or if your vet suspects more of a neurologic issue therapies such as acupuncture or laser may be recommended.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Is my senior cat's difficulty jumping onto furniture normal?

Many cats show signs of osteoarthritis on radiographs as seniors even when they don't seem to be obviously painful. Since this is a recent change I'd recommend seeing your vet for a physical exam. If they agree that your cat may have arthritis they might recommend a joint supplement like Dasuquin or a trial of pain medication to see if it helps with mobility.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share