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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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
Top
Sprains Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
domestic short hair
Petunia
4 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping
My 4-year-old cat started limping about 10 days ago. She is an indoor-only cat, but she can be pretty rambunctious when she plays (and she loves to play, a lot). The limp is intermittent, is worse after exercise, and seems to be originating in or around her shoulder, based on her gait. She can put weight on it, and she can still run, jump, play, etc. There are no noticeable signs of swelling, heat, injury, or pain when I touch or examine her leg or paw. She otherwise seems completely normal and herself. Today, I noticed that she wanted to lie on the opposite side with the affected leg stretched out, and it seemed uncomfortable to her. She kept curling her leg underneath her, instead. Earlier in the day, it had seemed like the limp was better.
Aug. 25, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Petunia it is difficult to say how severe any injury may be, but it would be best to give her plenty of rest and restrict movement to a cat carrier or similar to prevent further injury from running, jumping or playing. Give strict rest for a few days and follow up with your Veterinarian if there is no long term improvement. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 25, 2018
My 1mth old kitten woke up & fell 4 steps down from my kids bunk bed. Right after he started lifting his arm, crying & wouldn't let us touch his arm. Can you please tell me if its broken
Sept. 10, 2018
Amanda S.
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Calico
Josie
3 Months
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping
My kitten is 3 months old. She started limping about a week ago im not sure if she was playing to hard with my dog or if she jumped off something and hurt her paw or what happened. At first she wasn't using her paw at all but now she's putting weight on it and runs like it doesn't bother her. But also when she first wakes up she is still limping for a few steps.Or when she's sitting she will favor one paw and hold the other in the air. I'm not sure if it's getting better or not what can I do?
Aug. 23, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
If Josie seems to be improving and uses the paw normally more and more, you should be fine to keep an eye on her for continued improvement. It may take time to fully heal.
Aug. 23, 2018
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Medium hair
Milo
4 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Slight Unnoticeable Limp
Hello! My cat injured himself a couple weeks ago and I had to take him to the vet for the open wound, they put him under & shaved off some fur so they could get to the wound and clean it being that there was acsess. Fast forward 2 weeks later after the medicine and wipes were done we thought he was finally healed. If you just look at him you wouldn’t even notice... Except I was paying close attention & noticed his right leg seems to pop out a little when he walks. But he does still lay on it, run around and do all of his normal activities. I’m concerned but aware that he’s okay now, what should I do AND what could be wrong?
Aug. 22, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Milo it is difficult to say and it may be just an angular limb deformity that you’re just noticing due to the extra attention you’re paying to the leg; if Milo is moving around without any pain or issues I doubt there is a dislocation but this is something to follow up with your Veterinarian for flexion tests etc… Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 23, 2018
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tabby
bella
8 Weeks
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain When Walking
My eight week old kitten was on top of my sons bunkbed she’s been up there before and never jump down on her own so usually meow or something the other day after work I came home to her on the floor just laying there. After a while she got up to go eat and she was Limping on her front left paw after a day or two she would limp sometimes and sometimes she wouldn’t but when she stands still she puts weight on the leg. I could see that her joint right above her paw is a tad bit swollen and on the inside of the joint. She lets me hold the leg and caress it but when I put pressure on it Or try and bend it she doesn’t Hiss or scratch. She just lets out a little wine but will continue to let me pet that area. In the morning while she walks she won’t put weight on it but throughout the day you’ll see her putting weight on it just limping. I’m wondering if it’s just something that begins to her again after consistent use. I’ve been putting ice packs on it two times a day for 15 minutes she’s eating. in the morning while she walks she won’t put weight on it but throughout the day you’ll see her putting weight on it just limping. I’m wondering if it’s just something that begins to her again after consistent use. I’ve been putting ice packs on it two times a day for 15 minutes she’s eating She never really learned how to use The litter box yet but she still using the bathroom she lays down with me she comes up against me and purrs when I pet her. She only seems to get up if it’s a complete necessity she doesn’t go to switch spots but will get up to eat. I’m not a cat but I’ve broken and sprained my wrist before. When it was broken I couldn’t touch it at all lifting it would hurt it. When I sprained it is basically hurt the same amount to bend it as when it was broken but if I touched it it wouldn’t hurt and putting on pressure hurt. Also I’m wondering if it could’ve been something with the other kitten that we have here is a little older Please give me some ideas on what I could do because I cannot afford a vet until Friday and I really don’t want to port girl suffering
Aug. 22, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
If you can have Bella seen on Friday, that should be okay if she is putting weight on the leg throughout the day. It may be strained or sprained, and it probably does hurt, but most OTC pain medications are toxic to cats, so you will want to get a prescription pain medication for her. Keeping her somewhat confined where she cant jump down and re-injure herself until then may help heal the leg.
Aug. 22, 2018
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N/a
Shadow
3 Months
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping
Not Eating, Staying In A Corner
Not Using His Leg.
Cries When Touched In The Area
I believe my cat sprained his leg. But can’t really tell if it’s sprained or broken. He also isn’t eating or using his limb. Is staying away and in a corner on the floor.
Aug. 22, 2018
0 Recommendations
Unless it is an obvious open fracture, sometimes the only way to know if there is a fracture to have an x-ray done; if Shadow is vocalising pain when he attempts to use the leg, you should definitely visit your Veterinarian for an examination and for pain relief. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 22, 2018
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DOMESTIC
Tazo
One Year
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My 1 year old cat got into a surprise fight with another kitten and I can see he is not using his back right leg. He is holding his hip up in order to move and went right into hiding.
I am so afrain it is a dislocated joint. Today is Sunday and I do have to wait until MOnday to get hold of a vet. What do I do in the meanwhile? Is it possible to give him a baby aspirin for pain?
Sprains Average Cost
From 540 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$300
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
