
Jump to section
A vet explains a sprain in a cat as a “soft tissue trauma” that happens in the ligaments of one of the cat’s limbs. The affected limb may be swollen and hot to the touch.
A sprain is usually a minor injury to the ligaments in the limbs of a cat. Sprains are also the most common cause for a cat to begin limping after receiving an injury. When cat owners see their pets refusing to put weight on the injured limb, crying out, or favoring that limb, they should make an appointment with the vet. After doing some diagnostic work, the vet may find that the injury is truly a sprain, or they could find another, more serious cause for the cat’s symptoms.
Sprains Average Cost
From 540 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$300
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:
Veterinarians grade sprain injuries according to how much joint and ligament damage is present:
Top
Cats can suffer sprains for several reasons:
Top
A vet may suspect a sprain if they see the cat limping or avoiding use of the limb. To confirm or rule out their tentative diagnosis, the vet will give the cat a full physical exam, focusing the most on the injured limb. If they feel extra warmth around the limb, along with excessive swelling, they will have the cat X-rayed to confirm their diagnosis. The last diagnostic procedure is a joint tap, where joint fluid is aspirated from the joint for evaluation by a pathologist. The joint tap may be completed on the cat so the vet can rule out other suspected causes of its lameness and pain.
Top
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.
Top
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.
Top
*Wag! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Items are sold by the retailer, not Wag!.
Sprains Average Cost
From 540 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$300
Top
Ask a Vet
cat
Two Months
Unknown severity
10 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
She fell off our bed getting down the hard way she didnt cry but today shes not putting much weight in one leg ive fed her some wet food and milk replacer and keeping her warm
Jan. 16, 2021
Owner
Dr. Sara O. DVM
10 Recommendations
Hello, she may have fractured her leg, dislocated something, or has a sprain. If she is not better by morning it would be best for her to see your vet. Also, try to keep her confined and let her rest. There are not any safe over the counter pain medication so if she needs pain medication she will need to see your vet.
Jan. 16, 2021
Was this experience helpful?
shorthair
Seven Years
Unknown severity
8 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My cat fell from the first-floor to the ground floor. We got an x-ray and it shows that he has a sprained right forearm. The vet recommended either splinting or surgery. I went ahead with splinting but I am not sure whether this was the best option. Also, I was quoted a cost of $7,000 for the surgery. I want to make sure i give the best care to my cat without being ripped off by animal hospitals. I would love to hear your recommendation. Thank you in advance. Gizem
Dec. 12, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
8 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I'm a little bit confused, if your cat has a sprain and not a fracture of that leg. If your cat has a sprain or trauma, but the leg is not broken, there is no need for a splint or surgery. If your cat has a fracture, that sounds like a lot of money, and I might get a second opinion.
Dec. 17, 2020
Was this experience helpful?
Tabby cat
Eighteen Months
Unknown severity
20 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Is this something I should take Jackaby to the vet for? He started limping two days ago, he’s an indoor outdoor cat. But the limp has gone away and came back. I was petting him and it seemed to be his upper front leg that has been bothering him. He’s been playing, been eating well, and otherwise acted normally besides the slight limp he gets in his front left paw. I’ve only really noticed it if he’s been playing outside all day
Sept. 28, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
20 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. If he seems generally comfortable, and the limp is getting better over time, you may be fine to monitor him for improvement. Strains or sprains can take weeks to fully resolve, and he may just need time. If it isn't getting better, then having him seen by a veterinarian would be a good idea.
Oct. 9, 2020
Was this experience helpful?
Domestic shorthair
Four Years
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
We took our cat to the emergency vet after we woke up the other day and she was hiding under a table and struggling to walk. All tests came back fine, she just had a slightly elevated fever. But it could be from stress - vet took it twice while she was there 103.2 and 102.6. She hasn’t had an appetite, will eat only things she wants at certain times, hasn’t gotten up much, and we were told to keep her quarantined to a small room to help her heal. We are worried because she is not eating/moving and she just seems very lethargic.
Aug. 24, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question, I'm sorry your cat is not feeling well. That is not a high fever, and I agree that I would be concerned. Since your veterinarian was able to see your cat and run tests, I think it would be best to give them a call and let them know that she is not better, if she is not better. They will be able to direct you as to what treatment might be able to be given to her, since they are able to see what might be going on with her. I hope that everything goes well for her.
Aug. 24, 2020
Was this experience helpful?
Unknown
Four Months
Unknown severity
3 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
She has been limping 3 days. She plays like normal sleeps and eats just limps. No signs of anything in foot.
Aug. 4, 2020
Owner
Jessica N. DVM
3 Recommendations
Hello- Thank you for your question. It sounds like she likely has a soft tissue injury, but I would recommend having her seen by your vet since she is still limping after three days. I would also recommend keeping her nice and quiet as puppies tend to forget their pain and play hard which makes it difficult to heal. Your vet can also provide appropriate pain medication to help with inflammation and get her more comfortable. I hope she heals quickly.
Aug. 4, 2020
Was this experience helpful?
Micino
Persian
15 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
Our 15 year old Persian Micino was jumping off the bed earlier got got his front paw claw stuck and literally collapsed onto the floor and his front paw looks bent now. He has trouble standing up all the way and has been laying in one spot ever since. We will take him to the vet in the morning but I'm just concerned with him being so old that it may cause him to have a heart attack or something else. When you call his name he opens his eyes and looks right at you. He's eaten a little and has drank a little water but really hasn't moved.
Huckleberry Finn
Russian Blue
5 Years
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
I recently noticed my cat licking his left leg a lot then usual and the two times I touched it he has hissed at me and made this weird noise not a normal meow. I can tell it’s bothering him and most likely he’s in pain but I don’t know what to make of it.
Meowzers
tabby
3 Years
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
My cat is around 14-16 pounds & 3 years old..he plays on the daily with my other cat.. around 2 weeks ago I came home & he was limping.. he still walks on his paw occasionally & still plays & claws at his scratchers but he still goes back to hopping on 3 legs.. I made a vet appt but canceled bc ik they will want to do xrays but I don’t have that much money rn. & like I said he still walks on it occasionally & plays & acts like it doesn’t hurt so Idk what to do.. but it’s also been 2 weeks now & he’s still doing it & I don’t want long term damage to his arm/paw if there is something wrong
Shnikclefritz
Black Bombay
9 Years
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
Took my cat to the vet because he held foot out. The vet said he had a pulled ligament. The vet massaged his leg and i was relieved. Today he is limping more than yesterday (when he saw the vet) he's on some pain medicine. I'm concerned about weather is normal or if i should question the vet.
Ziggy
Tabby Cat
16 Weeks
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
My kitten jumped from the top of a bunk bed onto the floor, it started meowing very loud. It still has the same personality naughty and playful but it isn’t putting pressure onto the leg it hurt, but it is laying down on it and climbing up onto my bed and back down again? Please could you tell me the possible things what has happened to it?
Sprains Average Cost
From 540 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$300
About Wag!
© 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.
About Wag!
© 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.
Security