Cat Sprains and Strains in Dubai | Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention Guide

What are sprains and strains in cats?

Sprains and strains are injuries to the soft tissues that support your cat’s joints and limbs. Though often used interchangeably, they’re actually different:

A sprain involves damage to a ligament, the tough band of tissue connecting bone to bone and supporting joints.

A strain affects the muscle and/or tendon, the strong cord of tissue attaching muscle to bone.

These injuries typically occur in:

• Wrist (carpus)
• Elbow
• Shoulder
• Hip
• Knee
• Hock (tarsus or ankle)

Just like in people, these injuries happen when your cat slips, falls, overstretches, or overexerts themselves.

Symptoms of sprains and strains

Cats are masters at hiding pain, which makes spotting injuries challenging. You might notice your cat limping one moment and walking normally the next. Here’s what to watch for:

Obvious signs:

• Sudden limping or favouring one leg
• Refusing to put weight on the affected limb
• Reacting when you touch the injured area (they may hiss, pull away, or even scratch)
• Stiffness when moving
• Reluctance to jump onto furniture or climb cat trees
• Difficulty using stairs

Subtle indicators:

• Excessive licking or grooming
• Swelling or warmth around a joint
• Moving more slowly
• Avoiding the litter tray or having accidents outside it
• Reduced appetite
• Becoming more withdrawn or hiding more often

Are some cats at higher risk?

Any cat can suffer a sprain or strain, but certain factors increase the likelihood:

Outdoor cats: jumping from heights or getting into scraps with other cats leads to a higher risk of injury.

Senior cats: ligaments become weaker with age and they have reduced flexibility, making them more vulnerable to soft tissue injuries.

Overweight cats: carrying more weight puts excess strain on their joints.

How do vets diagnose sprains and strains?

Sprains and strains are diagnosed using a combination of the following:

• Observing how your cat walks and moves
• Performing a hands-on orthopaedic examination to assess joint stability and pain responses
• Checking for swelling, heat, or abnormalities

Depending on the findings, your vet may recommend:

• X-rays: to rule out fractures or bone problems
• Ultrasound: to evaluate soft tissue damage
• Advanced imaging: such as MRI, for complex cases

Vet treatment options

The treatment approach depends on injury severity and your cat’s overall health.

Mild injuries

Many minor sprains and strains respond well to conservative management:

• Strict rest
• Cold therapy when tolerated
• Close monitoring for improvement

Moderate to severe injuries

More significant injuries may require:

• Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling
• Pain relief tailored to your cat’s specific needs

Advanced treatment

In some cases, we might recommend:

• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation to restore normal movement
• Referral to a specialist for complex injuries
• Alternative therapies such as laser therapy or acupuncture

Your vet will discuss all options with you and create a treatment plan that fits your cat’s needs and your circumstances.

Helping your cat recover

Most mild sprains and strains heal within a week with proper rest. Here’s how to support your cat’s recovery at home.

Strict rest:

• No stairs, jumping, or rough play during the recovery period
• Keep your cat in a single room with everything they need at ground level (food, water, litter tray, bed)
• Consider using a large crate
• Remove cat trees and ensure windows and balconies are securely closed

Gradual return to activity once your cat has recovered:

• Allow access to more of your home first
• Only permit outdoor access when they’re moving normally
• Monitor closely for any signs of re-injury

Cold therapy:

Applying a cold compress can help reduce inflammation and pain in the first few days after injury:

• Use a cold pack wrapped in a towel (never apply ice directly).
• Apply for 5-10 minutes at a time. Aim for 2-3 times daily.
• Only do this when your cat is relaxed; never force it.

Most cats won’t tolerate this well, so don’t worry if your cat refuses. Rest is the most important factor.

Prevention: Keeping your cat safe

Not every accident can be prevented, but these strategies can reduce injury risk.

Indoor living

Outdoor life in Dubai can be risky for cats due to extreme heat, busy roads, and high-rise buildings. Many owners find that keeping their cats indoors offers a safer and more comfortable environment, especially during the hot summer months.

If your cat does go outside, restrict access during the hottest parts of the day and avoid overnight outdoor time when visibility is poor and roads are busiest.

Maintain a healthy weight

Obesity significantly increases strain on joints. Work with your vet to:

• Assess your cat’s current body condition
• Develop an appropriate feeding plan
• Choose the right food for your cat’s life stage
• Set realistic weight loss goals if needed

Create a safe indoor environment

• Secure all balconies and windows with proper netting or screens
• Provide stable, non-slip surfaces for jumping
• Place non-slip mats on tiled floors

Regular vet check-ups

Routine examinations with your vet will help catch early signs of joint problems, obesity, or other health issues before they lead to injuries.

When to contact your vet

Seek urgent veterinary care if your cat:

• Refuses to put any weight on a leg
• Shows signs of severe pain (crying, aggressive behaviour when touched)
• Has visible swelling or deformity

For urgent concerns outside regular hours, Modern Vet provides emergency services. It’s always better to have an injury checked early rather than waiting. Prompt treatment leads to faster recovery and prevents complications.

If you’re concerned about your cat’s mobility or would like advice on injury prevention, the experienced team at Modern Vet is here to help. We understand the specific challenges Dubai cat owners face and can provide tailored guidance for your cat’s health and safety.