I'm kind of freaking out right now and could really use some advice. My cat, Luna, who is usually super energetic and playful, suddenly started having trouble walking today. She's three years old and has been the picture of health until now. This morning, I noticed she was limping a bit and didn't want to put much weight on her back right leg. By afternoon, it seemed to get worse, and she's dragging it a little while she's trying to get around. She's indoors most of the time and I don't recall her jumping off anything unusual or having any accidents recently. Luna doesn't seem to be in pain when I touch her leg, but she's definitely not her usual self. I'm deeply worried and not sure what might be causing this. Has anyone experienced something like this with their cats? Do you think it's something temporary, or should I rush her to the vet right now? Thanks in advance for any thoughts or advice you might have.
I'm sorry to hear that your cat is having trouble walking. Let's see how I can help you understand what might be going on. There are several reasons why a cat could have difficulty walking, including injury, arthritis, neurological issues, or an underlying illness. Cats are experts at hiding pain, so it's possible something more serious is happening.
First, think about whether anything happened recently—has your cat had a fall, been in a scuffle, or could have gotten into something toxic? If so, an injury might be the cause. Arthritis is another possibility, especially in older cats, causing stiffness or pain in the joints.
For now, make sure your cat is in a safe and comfortable place where they can rest without needing to move around too much. Encourage them to drink water and offer their favorite food close by so they don't have to go far.
However, if your cat seems to be in pain, is vocalizing unusually, or you've noticed changes like dragging a limb, weakness, or unresponsiveness, these could be signs of a more serious problem. It’s best to talk to a vet who can help you decide on the next steps. I recommend booking a video consult with a veterinarian at Dial A Vet so you can get personalized advice for your cat’s condition.
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