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
Maine Coon
Bernie
2 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping
When I came home from work today, my 2 year old Maine Coon (who is a very rambunctious cat!) greeted me in the kitchen for his evening meal. He ate well, but was limping and favoring his left leg. He then layed down and was reluctant to move. I picked him up and took him to my bed where he stayed. Later I picked him up again and took him to the litter box but he wasn't interested. I then limped to his cat roost and pulled himself up and into a little boxed area.
I have noticed that his respirations are increased. He hissed at me twice when I picked him up but didn't try to bite me and it was only a hiss to tell me that he wasn't happy. He appears to be comfortable enough when he is still and lying down.
I plan on taking him to my vet tomorrow morning to get him checked out but am worried about whether I should take him to the 24 hour animal emergency center.
Sure wish he could talk and tell me what happened!!
Aug. 16, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Bernie I cannot say for certain what happened, however it is possible that he has sprained his leg and is in pain which would account for the increased respiration and the warning hiss to leave him alone. You should restrict his movement and not allow him to walk, run or jump; visit your Veterinarian in the morning to get him seen and to receive pain relief. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 16, 2018
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Cat
Starfire
2 Months
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Crying In Pain
Today we found a kitty that’s like 2 or 3 months old, she seems to have a broken or fracture leg. She’s in pain we wanted to know if there is anything we can give her to help her because she has an appointment till tomorrow
Aug. 13, 2018
0 Recommendations
Until you visit a Veterinarian, the best course of action is to keep her rested; give food and water as needed but it is important to restrict movement to a cat carrier or box to not prevent further injury. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 14, 2018
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Tuxedo breed
Chaplin
16 Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Limpin And Favoring One Leg
My sweet boy is 16 and came into the bedroom calling out as usual,but I notice he was walking awkward. He seems to be favoring his hind leg. He is able to put some pressure on it and jump to the bed or in the bathtub but it's obvious he is not comfortable. It just started today. Yesterday he was completely fine. It's not swollen or hot to touch. Should this be monitored for a day or 2 before seeking medical treatment?? I worry bc of his age mostly. He is an indoor baby so never outside.
Aug. 12, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
If Chaplin is putting weight on the leg, it seems reasonable to monitor it for 24 hours to see if it is improving, if he strained or sprained it jumping or landing somewhere. If it isn't improving, or he isn't putting weight on it, then he should be seen by a veterinarian to see if something more serious is going on.
Aug. 12, 2018
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Not sure
Millie
5 Months
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1 found this helpful
My 5month kitten got in a fight with an adult cat late last night and fell from a distance. Her leg had a small cut and she is limping this morning. The vet is closed until tomorrow and there is no emergency vet available. I tried icing leg but she won’t leave me what will I do?
Aug. 12, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
If there isn't any veterinary care available until tomorrow, the best thing to do for Millie for today and tonight is keep her confined to a smaller area where she can't jump up or down from anything, and put her food, water and litter near her so that she doesn't have to move around very much. Once your veterinarian is available tomorrow, you can take her in and have her seen.
Aug. 12, 2018
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Calico
Snooky
3 Months
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping
My kitten of 3 months just started limping last night out of no where . We let her for 5 minuets the most but when she came back her front right leg was limping. She was crying a bit but it was mostly bothering her. She still eats , walks, and tries to play but doesn’t use her leg just moves it around. I want to go to the vet but I don’t have much money for that. I want to know if it’s a broken bone or if it’s sprained because I know a broken bone is much more painful and expensive :/
Aug. 7, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Snooky and possibly needing an x-ray I cannot tell whether there is a simple sprain or something more serious; if Snooky is showing signs of pain constantly you should visit a Veterinarian regardless for pain relief (don’t give any human over the counter medications). In the meantime, restrict movement to a cat carrier or similar to prevent further injury. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 8, 2018
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American Tabby
Shelby
2 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
No Additional Symptoms.
My 2 yo Shelby is limping ant non weight bearing on her back left leg. She’s quiet unless I talk or get near her, then very vocal. She’s still jumping but won’t eat. I notice a small amount of swelling of the limb. I can’t afford a vet until payday tomorrow what can I do? I don’t want her to be in pain.
Maincoon
Fluffy
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swelling
Limping
My cat loves to play and jump around .. one day i got home and found him limping so i called his vet and booked an appointment, he told me it wasn’t serious and not broken and advised me to put some ice on it and consider giving him baby aspirin if needed
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.
