A cat with a front leg limp can do so for many reasons. But do not worry, there are many solutions to overcome it. In this article, I give you the causes leading to this type of problem as well as all the solutions to implement.
Cat limping in the front paw: The different causes
A front leg problem can have several causes. Each of them will require different solutions, which I will tell you about right after.
Your cat has something in its paw
Like a splinter for example, which hinders his mobility because each effort made with the dough will cause pain at the level of the foreign object. It had to be a splinter for example.
You can remove it yourself if it is not too deep and apply aloe Vera to promote healing. If the object is inserted too deeply, have it removed by the veterinarian to avoid making the problem worse.
Be careful because your cat can scratch and bite you and it is essential to keep it still while you remove the object.
He is hurt
Your cat may have injured muscles and ligaments and this can cause pain when moving around the affected front paw. He may have fought or hit something. If the problem persists, take him to the vet for proper treatment.
In the meantime, take a cat healing spray to sanitize the area and use a protective sock to keep the paste under control. It will also be necessary to ensure that it does not put itself in danger, a cat which has access to the outside will often go there if it is not neutered for example. And if there’s a busy road nearby, make sure to secure the area he has access to.
If the problem persists, a visit to the veterinarian will be essential and in the meantime, minimizing its movements can only be favorable to your cat.
Health issues
Arthritis, neurological diseases… cats can have many diseases, especially with age and they will generally have other symptoms at the same time, such as a lack of appetite or breathing problems. Signs of mental or physical weakness should put you on alert.
It is vital to take him to the vet so that the problem does not get worse, especially in the event of a breathing problem because cats cannot breathe through their mouths and need clean air.
Musculoskeletal disorders
This is generally more common with age and the advice of a veterinarian is essential because he can find the exact cause of the problem and provide a suitable solution. If your cat has problems of this type, you can give him a diet more suited to this problem and ensure that he does not have to force himself to access certain places (stairs, litter that is too high, etc.).
Nervous system disorders
Again, age is the main culprit and I advise you to take him to the vet to find a solution to the problem.
Ingrown nail
Cats file their nails on their own but with age they can lose this reflex with age and the nails can become ingrown. If the nail digs in slightly, you can try to remove it yourself, but call in a professional if it’s pressed in deeply.
Maintaining his nails will be necessary if he refuses to file them, but be careful to do it correctly because a cat needs his claws on a daily basis and you must avoid cutting them too much. There too, you can delegate this to a professional.
After removing the ingrown nail, disinfect well with a disinfectant suitable for the skin of cats to avoid infection of the area which can progress to necrosis.
A wasp or insect sting
If you have an outdoor cat, it may have been bitten and should be disinfected and applied aloe vera to promote healing. But for safety, take him to the veterinary emergency if the bite is in a fragile place or your cat is weakened.
What to do ?
A cat with a front paw limp needs to stay as still as possible for the problem to be resolved. He will normally take this reflex naturally.
Omega-3s can also help him get better in case of osteoarthritis for example, and will be good if your cat is older.
Aloe vera is also a perfect solution to act quickly, it will not necessarily solve the problem but can at least relieve the pain occasionally.
Binding his paw is sometimes necessary. If you want to bandage him yourself, you will need a bandage and a splint and wrap his leg with the splint and 3 layers of dressings. You can cover it to prevent it from biting and scratching you. Pheromones can help calm him down.
What will the vet do?
If necessary, the veterinarian will be essential. He will be able to identify the problem more easily, first of all by examining it then if necessary by using X-rays and an MRI.
He can then provide him with the most appropriate treatment.
To help him better, you can film your cat when he limps so that he can refine his diagnosis. He will ask you many questions (frequency, since when, in what context, etc.).
The different levels of severity
A limping cat can suffer different levels of severity, each with consequences and actions to implement so that nothing changes negatively.
Mild or temporary lameness
In this case, it is a simple discomfort, which remains to be monitored to prevent it from getting worse over time. Take a look at it to see what is causing the problem.
Continuous lameness with support
He can still put the painful paw on the ground but constantly limps and if the problem persists, action must be taken to solve the problem which will not resolve itself naturally.
Continuous lameness without support
Your cat cannot put its paw on the ground without suffering and therefore no longer uses it to move around, it is essential that it goes to the veterinarian to put an end to the problem.
Cat with limp front paw: The final word
If your cat limps in the right or left front paw, the first thing to do is to look at the area causing the limp and monitor the level of limping and its context and evolution to put in place the most suitable solution.