I’m really worried and hoping to get some advice. Our cat, Luna, got into a bit of trouble yesterday evening. She’s always been so curious and playful, but I think she somehow managed to jump down awkwardly from the bookshelf. I noticed her limping and she can’t seem to put weight on her back leg. I’ve tried calling around, but no vet in our area is open on the weekend, and the emergency clinic is way too far for us to get to right now. She’s still eating and drinking, which is kind of reassuring, but I can tell she’s in pain and it breaks my heart. I’ve been cautiously checking for swelling or any signs of fracture, but she doesn’t like being touched on that side so it’s hard to tell. If anyone has advice on how to make her more comfortable or if there’s anything else I can do until I can get her to a vet, I’d be so grateful!
I'm so sorry to hear about your cat's injury. Let's talk about how we can support your feline friend until you can get to a vet. First, try to assess the injury to determine its severity. Common issues can range from cuts and scrapes to sprains or bruises. Carefully check if there's bleeding, swelling, or an unusual angle to a limb that might indicate a fracture.
If there's bleeding, gently press a clean cloth over the area to help stop it. For surface wounds, you can clean them with some saline solution or warm water. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as these can be irritating to your cat's skin. Observing your cat’s behavior is essential. If your cat is hiding, limping, or refusing to eat or move, it could indicate pain.
Keep an eye out for signs of a more serious issue, such as excessive swelling, severe bleeding, not using a limb, or difficulty breathing. These signs indicate that your cat might need urgent veterinary care.
In the meantime, try to keep your cat calm and in a comfortable, quiet area to prevent any further stress or injury. If you notice any of these concerning signs or if your cat’s condition worsens, I strongly recommend booking a video consult through Dial A Vet so we can guide you through the best next steps.
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