Cat Limping in Dubai: Causes, Treatment & When to Visit a Vet

What to do if your cat is limping

• Restrict movement immediately. Keep your cat indoors, in a quiet, safe room. Prevent them from climbing stairs or jumping as much as possible.
• Gently inspect the affected limb if safe to do so:
  • Look for thorns, foreign objects, cuts, or swelling.
  • Check if any nails are overgrown or broken.
  • Feel for swelling, heat or pain responses. Comparing with the opposite leg often helps.
  • Be cautious: Even a usually placid cat may bite if the area is painful.
• If possible, make a few videos of your cat limping from different angles. This helps your vet later, especially if the limp is intermittent, and also helps assess progression.
• Call your veterinary clinic to discuss the next steps, especially if your cat seems to be in pain or there are visible injuries.

Common causes of limping in cats

• Paw pad injuries, burns or abrasions are common in very hot weather. The hot ground, sharp surfaces or rough pavements may cause burns or abrasions to paw pads.
• Foreign bodies like thorns, cactus spines, bits of glass or grit can embed between toes and cause irritation and discomfort.
• Broken or ingrown claws.
• Wounds or abscesses from cat fights or other injuries.
• Sprains, strains, or soft tissue injuries from jumping, sudden twisting or landing awkwardly.
• Fractures & dislocations from falls or being hit by vehicles.
• Developmental problems.
• Arthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease.
• Neurological problems or spinal injuries.
• Blood clots (such as a saddle thrombus) may cause limping in cats with underlying heart disease.

When to worry about limping in cats

You should seek veterinary care urgently in the following situations:

• Your cat refuses to bear any weight on the leg
• The limb appears deformed or “twisted”
• There is swelling, heat, bleeding, or an open wound
• Sudden paralysis of hind legs (possible vascular event)
• Your cat becomes lethargic, refuses food, hides or vocalises in pain
• Multiple limbs are affected

Cats are masters at hiding pain, so a limp often signals something that requires medical attention. Even a mild limp needs to be checked if it lasts more than 24 hours or worsens.

Diagnosis of limping in cats

To determine what is causing the limp, a veterinarian will usually:

• Ask when the symptoms started, how they have progressed over time, any known injuries, and any history of disease.
• Observe your cat moving, and watch any videos you may have of the limping.
• Perform a physical examination, checking all joints, bones, and soft tissues for pain, swelling, and range of motion.
• In some cases, imaging tests may be recommended, such as X-rays, CT scans or MRI.
• If an underlying disease is suspected, further tests may be recommended, such as bloodwork, urinalysis, joint fluid analysis, or even biopsies in rare cases.

Home care for limping in cats

These steps may help in mild cases or while you wait to see the vet:

• Strict rest: confine your cat to a small room or a comfortable crate area, with litter box, food and water easily accessible but not right next to each other.
• Apply a cold pack wrapped in a towel to areas of swelling. This can be done for 5–10 minutes at a time, a few times per day, and only in the first few days after an injury.
• If there is a superficial cut or wound, gently flush the area with sterile saline (1 tsp salt in 500 ml cooled boiled water) twice daily.
• Use an Elizabethan collar (cone) or a cat body suit to prevent licking.
• Keep your cat comfortable, with soft bedding, warmth, and minimal stress.

Only administer medications prescribed by a vet! Do not give human painkillers (e.g., ibuprofen, paracetamol) – they are toxic to cats.

Veterinary treatment of limping in cats

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:

• Pain relief or anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by your vet
• Antibiotics for infected wounds or abscesses
• Surgery to repair injured tissues, bones or joints
• Physical rehabilitation and controlled exercise
• Nutritional support and joint supplements with omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine

Risk factors for limping in cats

Certain cats are more prone to limping:

• Outdoor or free-roaming cats are at a greater risk of injuries
• Young, playful cats who jump and explore
• Older cats will eventually develop arthritis
• Overweight cats, as the extra weight puts extra stress on joints
• Cats of some breeds are at higher risk for joint disease
• Cats living in high-rise buildings or on balconies are at risk of falling injuries

Preventing limping in cats

• Consider keeping your cat indoors or providing a secure “catio” or balcony enclosure to reduce fall or traffic risk.
• Ensure balcony railings and screens are cat-safe (so they don’t slip or fall).
• Trim the nails of indoor cats regularly to prevent them from snagging or breaking.
• Keep the home environment safe: remove sharp objects, thorny plants, and glass fragments.
• Ensure your cat maintains a healthy body weight to reduce joint stress.
• Provide low furniture jumps or ramps so cats don’t strain when accessing high perches, especially for older cats.
• In multi-cat households, reduce the risk of fights by managing introductions and space carefully.

Concerned about your cat’s limping or other symptoms?

Book a check-up or emergency appointment today at Modern Vet Hospital in Dubai. Our skilled veterinary team offers diagnostic imaging, wound care, surgical intervention, pain management, and ongoing treatment tailored to your cat’s condition. From routine examinations to emergency care, Modern Vet Hospital is your trusted veterinary clinic in Dubai, delivering compassionate and comprehensive care for your furry companion.