Sprains in Cats
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 12/01/2016Updated: 04/15/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
Sprains in Cats - Signs, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost
What are Sprains?
A sprain in a cat is known 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 veterinarian. After doing some diagnostic work, the veterinarian may find that the injury is truly a sprain, or they could find another, more serious cause for the cat’s signs.
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Sprains Average Cost
From 540 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$300
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Symptoms of 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.
Causes of Sprains in Cats
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
Diagnosis of Sprains in Cats
A veterinarian may suspect a sprain if they see the cat limping or avoiding use of the limb. To confirm or rule out their tentative diagnosis, they 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 may recommend X-rays to confirm their diagnosis and rule out other injuries. Another diagnostic procedure might be 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 veterinarian can rule out other suspected causes of its lameness and pain.
Treatment of Sprains in Cats
Once the veterinarian has diagnosed a sprain in the cat, they will likely 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 or small area in the house, where it can rest, its injured limb should 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.  
The veterinarian 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 may regain 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.
In a grade three sprain, surgery will be required. The cat’s recovery may take several months. Function in the limb may be limited.
After seeing the veterinarian 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 directed.
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 veterinarian may recommend supplements, remedies, or medications to promote rest help the cat to stay comfortable and calm during physical therapy.  Any medications or supplements being considered should be discussed with your veterinarian.  
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Recovery of Sprains in Cats
Cats who suffer sprained limbs should recover well from their injuries as long as they were diagnosed correctly and given prompt treatment. The limping should 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.
Sprains Average Cost
From 540 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$300
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Sprains Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
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Cat domestic
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One Year
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Back Leg Pain
My car has a sore leg, took to vet and they coculdnr find anything but have diagnosed him with asthma as his breathing was funny. Cat now sleeping with said leg stretched in air. Any ideas
July 14, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Sometimes cats will have abscesses that do not show up right away, or there may be a problem with a bone or joint. If the leg does not get better, it may be a good idea to have a recheck, or a second opinion to see what's going on. If it is a strain or a sprain, it should get better over time. I hope that all goes well for your cat.
July 14, 2020
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Local Breed
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Appa
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6 Months
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My cat always get shocked on his own, hurting his hind legs which makes it hard for him to walk properly. It already happened 3 times and he was able to recover on his own but it happened again today. We don't know why his legs seem to be weak.
Sept. 25, 2018
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Cat
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Stuart
dog-age-icon
7 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping But No Swelling Or Obvious
Limping But No Swelling Or Injury
Hi there , my 7 year old Cat has a limp. He is not bearing eeight on his left leg. He is in no visable pain , he is eating well snd very hapoy in himself. There is no swelling or visable injuries and all his joints seem to bend ok ehen he is lay down. Im going to take him to thr vets but here is the problem...getting him into his carrier. He hates it and it turns out into a distressing time trying to get him in it. For both of us. Have you any ideas what could be wrong and any tips on getting him unto the carrier without a hoohar. Any advice would be most aporeciated
Sept. 24, 2018
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Calico
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QUEENIE
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6 Weeks
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping
My 6 weeks old kitten started limping yesterday, I suspected she's hurt herself playing with her sister, she would howl in pain when being picked up, her leg is not warm or swollen, I've wrapped her leg with gauze. When she walks, she limps and drags the back leg and she still cries out in pain. She's eating good but sleeps more now. I'm worry if whether this is a sprain or broken. Please help.
Sept. 24, 2018
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Local indian
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Joey
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2 Months
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping
My kitty has broken ligaments in metatarsus. Unable to use the foot. Vet hasn't advised any bandage or rest, just massage. He's playing, eating, acting normal. Advise something please!
Sept. 20, 2018
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European Shorthair
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Arlo
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1 Year
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Drooling
Limping
My cat has been lying around more than usual and he has been salivating a lot and at first I though he got into something but then I noticed that when he would try to walk, he was trying not to apply any pressure to his left leg, and when he would lay down, he would lye on-top of the leg. Although I personally don’t think it’s broken because he still can walk, he just try’s to not apply too much pressure. I’m just wondering if there is any over the counter meds I can give him and advice to help him heal. Thank you.
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Cat
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Simba
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4 Weeks
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping
my kitten was limping last night, he wouldn’t put any pressure on his front right arm. i made sure he slept next to me the entire night. i woke up this morning and he was walking on it . slow but surely . but when he tries to run he’ll limp or fall over. he’ll let me move his arm around up and down , and it circular rotation. so i don’t know what’s wrong with his arm . any suggestions?
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DOMESTIC
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Pepper
dog-age-icon
Two Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping
My cat is very playful but scares easily she got frightened and jumped from the counter and seemed ok but in the morning I noticed she had a limp from her right front leg she’s eating and drinking and using cat box but she’s sleeping a lot more and she’s tossing from one side to the other to find comfort we looked at her paw nothing went up and down her leg it feels warm but I don’t know if that’s normal we live in AZ it’s 100 degrees she walks on three legs and when I do pick her up she’s ok but putting her down she grunts and hisses and growls it’s the weekend and no vet open I really don’t want her hurting I don’t want to run to emergency vet either anyone with advice and advice on what I can give her to rest / sleep thank you
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Maine Coon
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Meow Meow
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9 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
No Jumping And Meowing
Two weeks ago my cat walked in the house on three legs. Holding up her right hind leg. Don't know what happened . She doesn't go far . Now lower back pain . I can't tell if its her leg or spine, slipped disc , pinched nerve ?
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Domestic shorthair
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Tuggs
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6 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping
In the process of destroying a table of antiques, my most skiddish, unsocial, 6 year old, overweight rescue took a HUGE, flying leap and is now limping favoring her rear left leg. She did emerge for breakfast, she is using the litter box. She is a pitch-black cat with very dainty, tiny paws. She is naturally reclusive, but is avoiding the other two cats in the house. Catching her and crating her to make a run to the vet would be VERY traumatic for all parties concerned. I hate to put her through it if she may just be tender and needing to rest up. I do tend to panic when my pets are involved and last time spent nearly $900 to find out that cat was simply overweight and much older than I thought. Struggling, single mom......cannot afford another unnecessary jaunt...Thoughts?
Sprains Average Cost
From 540 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$300
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