My Cat Has a Broken Leg, What Should I Do?

Between laidback purrs, naps, and acrobatic adventures, your cat may have a mishap that catches you by surprise. You may have missed when it happened, but now you notice that your cat is limping and seems to be in pain.

If you think your cat has a broken leg, you don’t want to waste time guessing. Just like with human bone breaks, it’s necessary to get immediate care.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CAT BROKE HER LEG

As a dedicated pet owner to your beloved furball, you’ll want to do what’s best for her. So, let’s walk through the steps you need to take if you notice your cat might have a bone break.

Step 1: Note the symptoms

If you notice any of the following, you should bring your feline friend to your nearest VEG, ASAP. Not only is it important to treat a broken bone, but your cat is likely in a lot of pain.

• Limping – your cat is favoring one leg, resulting in a lopsided gait and she’s barely touching her paw to the ground
• Not using one leg – cats can be curled-up connoisseurs of comfort. Unfortunately, this makes it easy for a problem to go unnoticed. But when she does get up to walk, she might keep her paw off the floor altogether, if she has a broken leg
• Vocalizing pain – how do you know if your cat is in pain? It’s not always easy. but you may hear anything from a constant meowing to a low, purring growl
• Hiding – Cats often hide when they have pain. Don’t be surprised if you find kitty under your bed or in a closet. That’s a good indication of a painful problem.

Step 2: Stay calm and keep her comfy

Some days, your cat seems to really test out those nine lives! She jumps, she pounces, and she’s waaaay up high on the bookcase and you don’t know how she got there. You know her normal activity level, and now you’ve noted that it’s changed a lot. Once you suspect your cat has a broken leg, make your pet as comfortable as you can as you get ready to transport her to the vet. You can do this by gently wrapping her in a towel to limit any movement.

Step 3: Follow the road to recovery

What does recovery look like when your cat? Hang in there, baby—it can take anywhere from a few weeks to months for your cat’s broken leg to heal. At VEG, we’ll give you a specific recovery plan tailored to your pet’s needs. It’s really important to follow these recommendations to ensure your feline companion’s speedy recovery. Depending on how bad the break is, we may recommend an orthopedic specialist for your cat.

VEG VET HOSPITALS ARE ALWAYS OPEN FOR CAT EMERGENCIES

Remember that VEG is here to help every step of the way! Caring for a cat with a broken leg can be a little challenging, but just remember, you’re not going through it alone. Our team of highly-trained VEGgies are here for you and your pet with 24-hour emergency vet care. Our services include diagnostic testing and personalized treatment plans that suit the needs of your kitty. Just give any of our VEG locations a call, so we can help your cat land on all four paws in no time!