It can be alarming to notice your cat suddenly limping or favoring one leg—especially if the limp lasts more than a day or two. Cats are skilled at hiding discomfort, so even a mild limp can signal that something more serious is going on beneath the surface.

At Red Oak Animal Hospital, we frequently see limping cats for a wide range of reasons, from minor sprains to underlying medical conditions. If your cat has been limping for a few days, here’s what might be happening and when it’s time to call us.

Common Reasons Cats Start Limping

Cats are experts at hiding pain—it’s a natural survival instinct. In the wild, showing discomfort makes an animal appear vulnerable, so even today’s house cats mask injuries or illness by acting “normal” for as long as they can. This means limping, reduced activity, or subtle behavior changes may be the only visible signs that something is wrong. If your cat is showing even mild lameness, it often indicates the pain is significant enough that they can no longer conceal it.

1. Soft Tissue Injuries (Sprains or Strains)

Jumping off furniture, playing rough, or slipping while running can easily lead to pulled muscles or minor ligament injuries. These are some of the most common causes of temporary limping.

Signs: Mild limping, stiffness after resting, sensitivity when the leg is touched.

2. Paw or Nail Injuries

Cats can injure a paw pad or break a nail during play or scratching. Even a small cut or torn nail can cause days of limping.

Check for:

  • Swelling
  • Splinters
  • Torn or overgrown nails
  • Foreign material (litter, grass, debris)

3. Arthritis (Yes—Cats Get It Too!)

Many owners are surprised to learn that arthritis is extremely common in middle-aged and senior cats. Limping may come and go, especially after long naps or colder weather.

Clues: Reduced jumping, stiffness, irritability, difficulty with stairs.

4. Bite Wounds or Abscesses

Cats involved in scuffles—especially indoor/outdoor cats—may develop painful abscesses. These often start as small punctures from another cat’s teeth.

Watch for: Swelling, heat, a “ball-like” lump near the leg, or sudden pain.

5. Fractures or Joint Injuries

Falls, car incidents, or rough play can cause fractures or dislocations. Cats often hide the severity, so even a limp that seems mild may need prompt evaluation.

6. Foreign Objects Stuck in the Paw

Thorns, burrs, or debris from outside can lodge between toes and create sudden, persistent limping.

7. Underlying Medical Conditions

Certain systemic diseases—including bone infections or autoimmune disorders—can cause intermittent limping. These are less common but important to diagnose early.

Should I Wait It Out? When Limping Lasts More Than 48 Hours

A mild limping episode can sometimes improve with rest, but if your cat has been limping for more than 48 hours, you should schedule an exam. Because cats hide pain so well, ongoing limping almost always means something needs attention.

Seek immediate care if your cat:

  • Will not bear weight on the leg
  • Hides or stops eating
  • Has swelling, heat, or a visible wound
  • Cries out when touched
  • Has sudden onset lameness after trauma

Prompt care can prevent worsening injuries and help your cat feel comfortable faster.

How We Diagnose Limping in Cats

At Red Oak Animal Hospital, we take a comprehensive approach to limping cats, starting with a gentle physical exam. Depending on findings, we may recommend:

  • Orthopedic evaluation
  • Digital radiographs (X-rays)
  • Pain relief or anti-inflammatory medications
  • Wound care
  • Nail trimming or repair
  • Mobility support for senior cats
  • Treatment for infections or abscesses

Our goal is to identify the cause and get your cat comfortable as quickly as possible.

How to Help at Home (Before the Appointment)

You can support your cat while waiting for your visit by:

  • Limiting jumping and running
  • Confiding them to one area if needed
  • Checking the paw for debris
  • Avoiding over-the-counter pain medications (many are toxic to cats)

Never give human pain relievers—many can be life-threatening for cats.

When Your Cat Is Limping, We’re Here to Help

If your cat has been limping for a few days or seems uncomfortable, we’re here to provide answers and relief.

Call Red Oak Animal Hospital at 913-533-2370 to schedule an exam or speak with our team.