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Why did my healthy senior cat suddenly develop a bad leg limp?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 12 years and 6 months old

My cat is 11 years old (female) and has been extremely healthy her entire life. However, we went to bed on Monday night and she was fine. We woke up Tuesday morning and she had a NASTY limp. She is favoring her left, hind, leg...???

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 5th, 2016

Poor Kosho! She could have accidentally injured her limb at night while you were asleep. She could have severely strained a ligament, torn a ligament, broken a bone, or potentially could have an osteosarcoma. An osteosarcoma is a tumor of the bone in cats, the most common bone tumor cats can get. It would cause sudden and severe lameness. Unfortunately, cancer is always a possibility in an old cat. I would take Kosho into the vet today for an exam. The vet can do a physical exam, routine blood tests, a urinalysis, and x-rays to determine what is causing her limp and how best to treat it. She will also need some pain medication as well. Do not give her any human pain medications. Many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. Please take her into a vet now.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Kosho may have injured her leg when jumping off the couch or bed and may have ruptured the cruciate ligament in her knee. She may also have gotten injured somewhere else in her leg or hip. I suggest you take Kosho to your veterinarian for an exam and x-rays. If the pain is severe you may have to take her to a Pet ER ASAP.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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