My stray kitten is limping on her back foot. What should I do?

It could be soft tissue damage from an injury causing limping but it could also be a result of an orthopedic issue. Kittens can also get viral infections like calicivirus that can cause limping. I'd recommend keeping Binks quiet by confining her to a small area and not allowing her to run, jump, or use stairs. If she continues to limp or any other abnormal signs develop she should be examined by a veterinarian as she may need X-rays or pain medication. Please remember there are no safe over the counter pain medications for cats so you will need to get these from a veterinarian. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Binks is on the mend soon!

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!

Ideally, he should be physically examined by your veterinarian. He may have been bitten by another cat which would explain his symptoms. A cat bite can be difficult to detect and can abscess and be quite painful. Antibiotics and pain medication may be indicated.

I'm sorry Luna is in pain and limping! Yes, you are correct she could have slipped on the wet floor causing the limping. I would rest her for the next couple of days. Keep her confined to a small room (be sure to put a litter box, food, and water in with her) so she doesn't move as much, and do not allow her outside if she is normally allowed outside. Monitor her, and if she is still limping by Monday, I would take her into the vet for a health check. It's very important not to give her any human pain medications. Many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. The vet can prescribe her pain medication as needed.

If it just started you can let her rest for a few days with minimal walking and minimal physical exercise, if it does not improve within 3-4 days you will have to take her to the vet in order to get it checked and treated, she might need pain killers for a few days. if the vet think it's something more serious such as a fracture, joint injury or foreign body, he might recommend to have an xray done as well.

I would rest them over the weekend. No running, jumping, or playing. Keep them indoors at all times if they are allowed outside, and put them each into their own rooms to keep them quiet. If they still appears painful after this time, then I would take them into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. They may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give them any human pain medications, as many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given.

Hi there. Sorry this happened. You CANNOT give a cat any over the counter pain medication like aspirin, ibuprofen, etc. Please don't do this. Cats are extremely sensitive to these medications and you can cause her severe damage (even death) if you give her any of these medications. I know you want to help her but she will need medication from a vet. Vets have medications that are specific for cats that work amazingly well. So, my recommendation is to get her to a vet for an exam and they can prescribe some pain medications for her. You could always catch her and the kittens and take them to your local shelter. They will accept them and get the mom the proper treatment. I hope this helps. Best wishes and thanks for looking out for her!