Disclaimer: This article has been reviewed and evaluated by a qualified veterinarian using information available at the time of review. However, the purpose of this article is not to replace a veterinary examination and advice but rather to provide general guidance on medical and behavioral conditions. Cat owners are urged to seek appropriate advice for their pet from a veterinary professional. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the writers.
It’s always a stressful moment when we notice something wrong with our pets. We don’t want to think about our beloved feline friends being injured, hurt, or unwell, especially when they can’t talk to us to let us know what might have happened or how they’re feeling. They also won’t understand our offering words of reassurance the same way a child or partner can.
If your cat has started to fly but he is still jumping and running around, you may be wondering what could be wrong with them. In fact, you might think there’s nothing really wrong at all because they’re still on tour.
This is where different communication and understanding have to come in. Your cat can’t tell you what’s wrong, but limping is a sure sign that they need to see a vet, even if they’re still running and jumping. Let’s look at some of the possible reasons.
Why Is My Cat Closed But Showing No Signs of Pain?
Although cats are predators and can often be considered ruthless creatures, they happily and fearlessly hunt mice, birds, and other small prey. However, despite this, they are also prey animals. Perhaps because of the risk of being targeted by another animal, a natural tendency to not show or show pain (injury and illness) remains in cats, even if they are domesticated and not wild.
Cats will not openly express pain unless it is really important or the pain or illness has reached a point where they have no option but to show their pain or weakness.
While there are many reasons for their purring, which we’ll look at next, don’t assume that your cat isn’t in pain or feeling distressed just because they’re jumping, running, etc. Generally, your cat changes their weight because of something. is painful Alternatively, there may be a root problem. There are subtle signs of the disease that you can watch for, but any strain should be cause for concern.
Causes of Cat Limping
Cats don’t go limp for no reason, so if you see that they’re lame in either their front or back leg, it needs to be investigated. The severity can range from a mild limp to no weight loss. Usually, it’s just one foot, but not always. There are many reasons behind blinking, and it needs to be looked at and evaluated by your veterinarian.
Some of the most common causes of tinnitus in cats include:
- Fracture or dislocation
- Sprain or strain
- A foreign body, such as a thorn, stuck in the foot or paw pad
- Damaged or torn nail
- Ingrown toenail
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Bone pain
- Tumor (anywhere on the affected leg, not just the foot)
- Cat bite or abscess
- Ligament or tendon damage
- Beating
- Wounds (sores, sores, or grass)
- Burns (heat, cold, or chemical)
Signs Your Cat Is Sick
As discussed, your cat will show more subtle signs of illness than the obvious ones. These signs may become more apparent as the disease progresses or increases, but learning how to read cats is a huge benefit to their health. This means you can act more quickly and your kitten will receive help sooner rather than the problem getting worse and their well-being declining.
- Lightning itself is a sign of disease and not the actual problem or cause
- Reduce food or no food
- Sleep more/less activity
- Sleeping in a different place than usual
- Behavioral changes
- Assault
- Retreating or hiding
- Being more vocal or louder
- They are not happy when you touch or stroke them
- Pull the affected foot away from you if you try to touch or examine it
- Lick the sore spot
Should I Go to the Vet?
Blinking or any other sign of pain and discomfort is always worth a trip to your vet or at least a phone call, especially if you can also see other signs of discomfort or if the lameness persists for more than 12-24 hours. Better to err on the side of caution. While you wait for your consultation, keep your cat relaxed.
Treatment for the Limping Cat
In order to diagnose the cause of your cat’s depression, your veterinarian will need to investigate the issue further. This can and will likely take different routes and will be different for each cat. There are a variety of diagnostic tools and treatments available, but what your cat will receive depends on the findings and the cause found.
Here are some common examples of investigations and treatments your veterinarian may prescribe. They may use one of these, all of them, or order additional tests and treatments not mentioned here.
- Physical examination
- Blood test
- Urine tests
- X-rays
- Ultrasound scan or MRI
- More and more detailed examination under sedation or anesthesia
- Operation
- Wound flushing and care
- Bandage or dressing support
- Medicines (oral or injectable), such as antibiotics and pain relievers
Conclusion
Cats are complex and mysterious animals, and we love them for it. However, blinking is a sure sign of illness and something is wrong, even if they may still run around and jump on the couch.
The instinct to not appear weak is as strong today in domesticated cats as it was in their wild ancestors and fellow big cat friends. Ignore a cripple who thinks they’re okay just because they’re moving. Instead, get them checked out by a veterinarian to prevent the situation from worsening and so that your cat can receive proper treatment instead of being uncomfortable for longer than necessary.
Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
