How To Tell if Your Cat Has a Broken Leg: Our Vet Explains the Signs
A broken leg can be very serious, and very painful—for anyone! Humans and animals alike. With people, it is easy to diagnose a broken leg, as we can talk and say, “It hurts!” As animals obviously can’t talk, and as cats are especially good at hiding illness, knowing when your cat may be suffering from a broken leg may prove to be more difficult.
Here are some tips to identify a possible broken leg in cats. Remember to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible if you suspect your cat may have a broken leg! Generally, they will want to see your cat for an exam, and sometimes an X-ray.
The 5 Ways To Tell if Your Cat Has a Broken Leg
1. Limping or Not Putting Weight On It
It may sound obvious, but one of the easiest signs that your cat could potentially have a broken leg is if they are limping. This can, however, look very different, depending on the cat, as all cats react to pain differently. Some cats may limp only slightly, while others may not put any weight on the limb in question—choosing to hold it up, instead.
A broken leg can also impact how a cat sits. Some cats with broken legs will hold the limb at an unusual angle when sitting or lying down.
If you notice a more subtle limp in your cat, it can be helpful to take a video of it. This can then be brought to a vet appointment, or even emailed ahead of time so that your vet can better determine what might be going on. This is especially important, as cats may be nervous when going to the vet’s, and may and experience an adrenaline rush that can cause the limping to temporarily disappear.
2. They Are Not Walking
Another obvious sign that your cat may have a broken leg is if they are not walking. Some cats will simply avoid walking if it hurts, and will instead choose to lay down.
If you notice that your normally-active cat is suddenly reluctant to move around, this can be a cause for concern. You can try encouraging your cat to get up and walk by offering food or treats, but never force them to move if they seem painful or uncomfortable.
Not wanting to walk or move is not always unique to a broken leg, as cats that don’t feel well will sometimes act similarly. However, this is a subtle yet strong indication that something is not right with your cat, which should absolutely be taken seriously.
3. They Don’t Want Their Leg Touched
Even if your cat isn’t obviously limping, if they are suddenly reluctant to have one of their legs touched, that can indicate a problem. Some cats are so good at hiding discomfort, that they may still walk and have only a subtle limp. However, many will still react if you try to touch the limb in question, even gently.
It is not recommended you try touching your cat’s limb if you think there is a problem! Instead, take this as a sign that he or she needs to see a veterinarian.
4. They Are Hiding (More Than Usual)
Another general indicator that a cat is unwell is a change in behavior, especially a sudden increase in hiding. Some people may think their cat is simply sleeping in places they normally wouldn’t, or that their cat is just out and about for long periods of time.
A cat with a broken leg may hide as a natural reaction to self-protect from predators or because they are simply too uncomfortable to move. Regardless, hiding behavior in cats may indicate a serious illness, especially if it is a new and unusual behavior for the particular cat. If you notice this behavior with your cat, contact a vet for guidance on how to proceed accordingly.
5. They Are Vocalizing When Walking
Though it may sound like a no-brainer, if your cat suddenly starts vocalizing when walking or putting weight onto a certain limb, this can indicate pain or discomfort. Again, taking a video to show your veterinary team can be very helpful, as many cats won’t display the same behavior when at a veterinary clinic.
Conclusion
Signs of a broken leg in cats can range from obvious to subtle. While the signs we mentioned may be more subtle indications of a broken leg, you should still reach out to a veterinarian to have your cat seen if you notice any of them.
Remember that cats are masters of hiding illness and pain, so if ever in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution and contact a vet for further advice!
Sources
Featured Image Credit: lagunabluemolly, Pixabay
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Dr. Lauren Demos DVM (Veterinarian)
As a veterinarian, Lauren is eager to share her experience in emergency medicine and cats, with our readers. She loves sharing helpful, real life tips for having cats as part of your life, and what to do in critical situations with your pets.
Lauren is a vet with over a ten years of experience in cats and dogs, along with infectious diseases. She enjoys teaching, and lectures for students, pet owners, and clinicians, on various topics.
Lauren received her degrees from Murdoch University, in Perth.
