Sprains in Cats

The cat who has injured one of its limbs will let its owner know that it’s in pain, especially if the pain is significant:

• Meowing or crying after getting hurt
• Lack of appetite
• Favoring the injured limb
• Inability to use the injured limb
• Panting
• Swelling of the injured limb
• Personality changes (a normally calm cat may hiss or growl when touched, for instance)

Veterinarians grade sprain injuries according to how much joint and ligament damage is present:

• Grade 1: Parts of the ligament are torn. The cat experiences some swelling and pain.
• Grade 2: Ligament is partially torn or greatly stretched. The cat experiences swelling and inability to comfortably use the limb.
• Grade 3: Ligament is completely torn. The affected bones are no longer joined by the ligament. Surgery is required.

Cats can suffer sprains for several reasons:

• Overweight cats are at higher risk of spraining a limb
• Rambunctious animals can be injured after hard play or even mild activity
• Sprain may develop after a traumatic accident

Once the vet has diagnosed a sprain in the cat, they will prescribe rest as the first course of treatment. If the limb continues to be used, the sprain, swelling and pain will not resolve. As long as the cat is restricted to a cage, where it can rest, its injured limb will begin to heal. Recovery can take a minimum of two weeks as long as the rest regimen is strictly enforced at home. Outdoor cats should not be allowed to go outside and roam, because the injury could be worsened, especially if the cat gets into a fight or has to run across the street to avoid a vehicle.

The vet may also prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. These medications help to reduce the inflammation in the cat’s injured limb, which helps to speed healing and recovery. These medications also help to reduce the pain the cat experiences.

Depending on the grade of the sprain, additional treatments may be prescribed, such as splinting the injured limb to protect the joint for a grade one sprain. After several weeks, the cat’s limb regains normal function.

A grade two sprain requires the anti-inflammatory medications, splinting and possibly surgery to help stabilize the joint. The cat may regain most of its normal function after surgery.

In a grade three sprain, surgery will be required. The cat’s recovery will take several months. Function in the limb may be limited.

After seeing the vet for treatment, the cat owner should restrict the cat’s movement. A splint, if used, should be kept dry and clean and the owner should make sure the edges of the splint don’t rub the cat’s sensitive skin. Prescribed medications should be given as ordered.

Additional treatments such as natural remedies may be given. These may strengthen joints and muscles in the cat’s body. While the cat is on restricted movement, the vet may recommend supplements, remedies, or medications to promote rest help the cat to stay comfortable and calm during physical therapy.

Cats who suffer sprained limbs will recover well from their injuries as long as they were diagnosed correctly and given prompt treatment. The limp will resolve within a few weeks and it usually isn’t necessary for the cat to be seen for a follow-up appointment, except in surgical cases. 

Once the cat has fully recovered, the owner should try to keep the cat indoors if it has been allowed to roam before being injured.