My stray cat is limping. Should I wait for the vet or can it heal?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Unfortunately, it is difficult to know what kind of injury he has sustained and what kind of therapy he needs. This could be as severe as a fracture or something more mild like a soft tissue injury. The fact that he is crying when the leg is manipulated indicates that he is quite painful requiring pain control medications at least. If he does have a fracture, he may actually require surgery. For this reason it is crucial that he is indeed evaluated by a veterinarian. You could consider taking him to your local humane society as often times they offer less expensive veterinary care. I hope you are able to get him some help. Good luck!

Ploffie is quite handsome. This could potentially heal on its own if it is a minor soft tissue injury or a minor fracture, but he needs to be confined and not allowed to roam or jump. My concern is that if it is secondary to an abscess or some type of infection or a large displaced fracture then it may not heal. If he isn't improving, I would try to figure a way to catch him and take him to your vet. Your vet will be able to determine the cause and get him started on the proper meds. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Bootsie! Causes of limping in kittens are: strain or sprain, infection, abscess, bite from another cat, less likely a broken bone in her case or even viral. If she is eating and active you can give her a day. But if she isn't better or normal by Friday I would have her seen before the weekend. I wish Bootsie the best!

This looks like a luxated metatarsal joint. We do not usually put a cast on this or do surgery. You may want to adopt this kitty and give her a loving home with regular food and lots of lovings. This foot should come alright by itself, however she will be in more danger of being attacked by dogs or even other cats while injured.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Momo! The most common reason for an outdoor cat to limp is from trauma. Either falling from something, get caught up or from fighting with another animal and suffering bite wounds and an abscess. I would keep him indoors and see if resting helps the limp, which it would if it was a strain or sprain. If he stops eating and is lethargic he may have a fever from bite wounds and infection. Bite wounds are treated with pain medications and antibiotics. These medications need to be prescribed by a Vet who can examine Momo. I hope this helps!

It is impossible to know what is causing him to be lame without an examination. The best thing would be to have a vet take a look at him to do an orthopedic examination and take an xray, if needed, to determine the exact cause. He could have an infection, fracture, or strain/sprain. Once diagnsed, your vet can decide the best way to treat his problem. He may just need an antibiotic and/or an anti-inflammatory/pain medications. I hope Smokey feels better soon!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. That is wonderful of you to try to help care for this stray cat! Wounds can be challenging to manage, especially if a cat will not tolerate you trying to clean it. It is possible that the wound will heal over time on its own with scar tissue. However, there is also a chance that the skin is too damaged or will become so infected with bacteria that it will not heal. I recommend monitoring the area frequently and bringing the cat back to the veterinarian if the skin appears to be becoming black or nonviable, or you notice excessive abnormal discharge that is yellow/thick. I hope this is helpful - and best of luck!