The cat does not step on his front paw reasons ⋆ Online magazine for women

A pet does not always remain healthy and cheerful. Like all pets, cats sometimes get sick. Having noticed that the cat does not step on its paw, the owner must find out the reason for this phenomenon and, if necessary, provide high-quality treatment for the pet by visiting a veterinarian. Usually the front paw is affected. However, the posterior part of the body is not immune from damage.

Most often, the reasons why a paw hurts and a cat begins to limp are minor and can be easily eliminated within a few days. However, we cannot completely exclude the possibility that the paw has significant damage, for which the animal needs full-fledged therapy. It is often quite difficult to independently determine the reason why an animal does not step on its paw. There is a particular danger in a situation where a kitten is limping, as it could break a leg.

Causes

There are several reasons why the paw experiences problems, and all of them, as a rule, are traumatic in nature. An exception is inflammation of the joints, which can affect older animals. In such a situation, the paw tightens when moving, and the cat begins to spend more time lying down, trying in every possible way to avoid movements. In other cases, the cat’s inability to stand on its paw is due to injury.

Bruise or sprain . Most often in this case the cat does not step on its front paw. The problem is most often encountered by young individuals who are especially active and, at the same time, when jumping, cannot fully calculate the distance between objects and height, and also have not learned to control their body 100%. With such damage, the paw swells and is painful when palpated. Breaking a limb is quite difficult, and the injury is not very common. There are no disturbances in the structure of the bones, which makes it easy to distinguish an injury from a fracture. Treatment will speed up the process of tissue restoration, but even without it, the paw will regain mobility within 7-10 days. There is no need to undergo any medical procedures.
Wound . If a wound or crack forms on the paw pad, between the toes, or slightly above, the cat stops stepping on the sore limb due to pain when the edges of the wound diverge and fear of infection. On an intuitive level, cats try not to litter the sore spot. It does not matter whether the right or left paw is injured, the treatment is the same. Upon inspection, it is not difficult to identify such a defect. If the paw does not have suppuration and the wound is small, then it is possible to carry out therapy on your own. You should start by washing the damaged area with chlorhexidine and then treat it with levomekol ointment. If possible, apply a bandage. If there is suppuration, everything is much more serious. In such a situation, the cat really injured his paw quite dangerously and needs help. The veterinarian usually gives an injection of antibiotics and cleanses the wound. Without treatment, the paw will not go away at all, and the condition will only get worse. The animal may die.
Splinter or splinter . It is not uncommon for a cat, without noticing the danger, to step on an object that digs into its paw. After injury, the cat can no longer stand on its paw, as this causes him very severe pain. The affected paw swells and becomes somewhat hotter than healthy ones. After examining it, the owner will most likely be able to determine the cause of the problem. You should not pull out a splinter or splinter on your own if it is large in size. After removing the foreign object from the paw, the wound is treated according to the standard scheme used for ordinary open wounds.

Why does a cat trample you with its paws?

Why do cats shift from paw to paw? Trampling is a characteristic behavior of domestic cats where the animal alternates between its left and right front paws.

Cats often make these movements on soft surfaces, including pillows, blankets, other animals, and even people. It is not known exactly why cats shift, but there are some hypotheses.

The most popular of them says that kneading has its roots in infancy. While feeding, the kitten will trample the area around the mother cat's nipple to ensure a flow of milk.

In adulthood, a cat will probably stomp when it is happy and in a good mood. It reminds her of the good feelings she had when she was close to her mother. In addition, some cats can lick and even suck the surface on which they trample.

According to another version, kneading takes us back to a time when wild cats allegedly patted the leaves beneath them to make the surface soft for sleeping or giving birth. This behavior now may instinctively mean calming down.

On the other hand, stomping may be a way for cats to mark territory—their glands in their paw pads have a special scent.

To be honest, I didn't know. More than once I have seen my cat trample on a blanket and pillow, and then lie down to sleep on them. Well, who, except the cats themselves, knows which version is more accurate.

My villain cat not only tramples, but also releases his claws. Every morning begins with a massage. And for him this is an obligatory ritual, try not to let him in, he will break through and crush his paws in any way!

My cat loves to trample on the blanket, and also purrs. I agree that in this way the cat is trying to find peace and affection, remembering its mother’s love. At these moments I feel very sorry for her

The first hypothesis, most

Why does a cat limp on its front leg?

In most situations, lameness on the front paw indicates the non-contagious nature of the pathology.

The following are the reasons why a domestic cat falls on its front limb:

Injuries: sprains, bruises, fractures, punctures, cuts, dislocations, dog bites, splinters. In most cases, upon examination, a wound or swelling is discovered.
Ankylosing spondylosis , called by analogy with the human disease osteochondrosis. Develops in kittens and older pets. Young animals suffer due to the owners' addiction to overfeeding liver or uncontrolled use of vitamin preparations. Hypervitaminosis A causes excessive calcification and fusion of the vertebrae. The nerves are pinched and the cat begins to limp.
Arthritis, arthrosis. The disease is typical for older animals in which the cartilage on the articular joints has worn out.
Dysplasia (improper development, deformation) of the elbow joint. Hereditary disease of large cats. The development of pathology is facilitated by excess weight, adynamia, and excess protein in the diet.
Osteomyelitis is inflammation of the bones. Most often, fingers are affected when opportunistic microflora (staphylococci) enter the site of a bite or puncture.
Side effects of injection medications. If a cat is given an injection in the front paw, a pain reaction may develop, which spontaneously disappears after a few days.

Causes of the disease

The development of arthritis in cats is observed more often in old age, but there are a number of clinical cases where young cats suffer from inflammation in the joints. Degenerative processes that develop in the joints most often cause arthritis.

Young cats may suffer from joint inflammation due to injury or genetic predisposition. The following cat breeds are at risk: Scottish Fold, Maine Coon, Exotic.

In veterinary medicine, several types of inflammatory processes in the joints are determined. The gradation depends on the causes of arthritis and the nature of the lesion. The nature of the lesion can be inflammatory and degenerative.

Inflammatory arthritis is characterized by a pathological process that develops in the synovial membrane (the inner part of the surface of the articular cartilage). There are several types of inflammatory arthritis, depending on the reasons that caused it. There are:

Rheumatoid arthritis
is the most commonly diagnosed pathology in cats. As a result of autoimmune processes, a disruption occurs in the functioning of connective tissue structures. The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are severe damage to herpes viruses, retroviral infections and mycoplasmosis.
Infectious arthritis
is an inflammation process that occurs due to the introduction of pathogenic bacterial or fungal microflora. Infectious arthritis can be caused by viruses or parasitic infestations. Penetrating into the systemic bloodstream, the infection also enters the joint, accompanied by severe pain, intoxication and feverish conditions.
Reactive inflammation of the joint
is a secondary lesion of the joint itself, occurring against the background of general intoxication due to infectious lesions of the digestive tract, urinary and reproductive systems, as well as the respiratory system.
Metabolic arthritis
occurs against the background of metabolic disorders. Metabolic arthritis is often caused by an unbalanced diet (lack of calcium and phosphorus), as well as heterochromatosis and some other pathologies.

Degenerative arthritis occurs due to damage to the superficial part of the joint. The following types of degenerative arthritis are distinguished:

Traumatic
– developing against the background of inflammatory processes as a result of mechanical injuries. Various sprains, bruises, hematomas cause bleeding into the joint capsule and lead to non-infectious inflammation.
Osteoarthritis
is a pathological process that affects the joints of older cats due to physiological wear and tear. The cartilaginous tissue structures and bones of the joint are involved in this process. Growing bone tissue leads to trauma to the joint itself, it loses its natural elasticity and mobility. When moving, the animal has a characteristic crunching sound.
Functional
is one of the types of traumatic arthritis that develops against the background of serious mechanical damage. In case of strong impacts with the paws (fall from a height), the main load falls on the knees and knee joints.

In addition to the types of arthritis in cats, there are several types of disease. There are acute, subacute and chronic forms. Acute and subacute forms of the disease are characterized by the formation of a specific serous exudate. In this case, the process is complicated by the loss of fibrin sediment and the inflammatory process with the formation of purulent exudate, which disperses into nearby muscle and bone structures.

The chronic form of arthritis occurs for a long time without visible symptoms. Against the background of chronic inflammation of the joint capsule, the lining of the inner part of the surface of the cartilage grows and its granulation occurs. As a result of the pathology, deformation and contracture of the joints develop.

The main causes of arthritis in cats are:

Genetic predisposition
– about 70% of domestic cats have a genetic predisposition to developing arthritis.
Obesity and excess body weight
lead to degenerative processes in the joints against the background of increased load on the musculoskeletal system. First of all, the limbs suffer, since they bear the entire main load when jumping.
Disruption of metabolic processes
leads to thinning of cartilage tissue, creating the risk of developing metabolic inflammation of the joints.
Severe mechanical injuries
lead to further instability of the joint capsule in cats.
Infectious diseases of internal organs
- when entering the systemic bloodstream, various viral agents, pathogenic bacterial and fungal microorganisms can lead to dangerous consequences for the entire musculoskeletal system.
Frostbite and hypothermia
are a factor that provokes a weakening of the body’s immune forces.
Hormonal disorders
- increased production of growth hormone by the body leads to autoimmune processes that disrupt the functioning of cartilage tissue and joints.
Age-related changes
- degenerative processes that develop in cats after 7 years of age throughout the entire body, also affect cartilage, which subsequently provokes the onset of arthritis.

Infectious causes of lameness in cats

Lameness on the front paw is a characteristic symptom of calicivirus, a viral disease that affects unvaccinated cats. Pets 2-24 months of age can get sick.

Additional symptoms:

refusal to eat;
ulcers and stench from the mouth;
cough;
runny nose;
conjunctivitis.

Lameness occurs suddenly and disappears spontaneously. Another cause of infectious origin is fungal diseases that affect the claws. The horny formations become fragile, break, and it hurts the cat to walk.

Diagnosis of cat lameness

In any case, if you find problems with your paw, you should definitely see a doctor. At the appointment, the veterinarian will need to perform the following diagnostic steps:

A survey of the cat's owner to determine how the animal was injured or the possibility of other symptoms.
Visual inspection. The veterinarian determines the sore spot, possible external signs of lameness, and also looks at how the pet stands and moves.
Neurological examination to exclude the possibility of damage to the nervous system and brain.
X-ray. It will allow you to see the causes of lameness inside the limb.

A cat is limping on its front leg: how to recognize a fracture or bruise

If the cat is limping, the owner needs to make a preliminary diagnosis in order to develop an algorithm for his subsequent actions.

When a fracture occurs, the following signs are observed:

the paw swells along the entire length, and not just at the site of injury;
upon palpation, displacement of the bone or joints is felt;
the integrity of the skin may be compromised;
the cat is in severe pain and meows all the time;
the cat does not try to lean on the broken paw;
the injured limb looks unnatural.

How can you tell if your cat has front leg lameness?

What is it - lameness or a fracture of the front paw?

Everything greatly depends on the health status of the particular pet, the severity of the individual episode, most often the signs are as follows:

the animal does not step on the sore leg, tries to transfer weight to the healthy limb;
the cat has an uneven, slow gait;
does not want to perform the movements that are familiar to her;
the pet does not allow anyone to touch its sore paw and is in pain;
The cat endlessly licks the sore limb.

The cat is limping on its front leg: what to do, treatment

If the pet rests on its paw, it does not have a fracture. When an animal is given an injection in the front paw, the lameness is explained by a painful reaction to the medication.

If after 24 hours the swelling has not subsided and the injury site is hot, a visit to the veterinarian is necessary. If you suspect a fracture, your pet should be taken to the clinic immediately and given first aid.

First aid for a cat

In the first minutes after a bruise, cold is applied to reduce blood flow and minimize the volume of hematomas. If 15-20 minutes have passed, the procedure is useless.

If a fracture is suspected, especially when the integrity of the skin is broken, the damaged area is cleaned of dirt with a soft cloth. Do not wash the wound with water. The site of injury is treated with Chlorhexidine or Miramistin, the limb is immobilized and taken to the clinic.

Drug therapy

If the injury occurs as a result of a cut, puncture, or a splinter has stuck into the paw, the foreign body is removed and the injured area is treated with an antiseptic. In such a situation, the limb heals in 2-3 days, and the lameness will disappear.

With the development of joint inflammation, pain can occur not only in the front paw. The veterinarian prescribes anti-inflammatory drugs and feed additives containing chondroprotectors.

Elderly animals, depending on their condition, are transferred to therapeutic food for cats suffering from musculoskeletal pathologies.

If the claw is damaged and test results show infection with fungi, external antifungal agents are prescribed. If the fall on the paw is caused by calcivirus, the veterinarian will use medications to treat the underlying disease. When the cause of lameness cannot be determined, antispasmodics or analgesics are used.

Surgical intervention

The clinic examines the damaged paw; if necessary, the veterinarian prescribes laboratory and instrumental tests.

If the claw is damaged, it is trimmed. In case of complex fractures or multiple fragmentation of bones, osteosynthesis surgery or amputation is suggested.

Treatment Options

The owner can help the pet on his own only if he discovers an overgrown nail, a splinter, or a small wound on a limb. If lameness is caused by a wound, the wound surface should be thoroughly cleaned of contamination and treated with a disinfectant solution. Even with minor damage to the skin, the animal should be shown to a veterinarian.

If a dislocation is suspected as the cause of the lameness, under no circumstances should you adjust it yourself. If a cat has a swollen paw or is limping, the pet should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.

This should be done quickly, as swollen tissues make it difficult to diagnose and reduce the dislocation. In a clinical setting, if necessary, the animal will be given anesthesia to relieve pain and relieve muscle spasm, and the dislocated joint will be set back into place. After this manipulation, the cat will be given a fixing bandage or splint. In some cases, for dislocations, surgical treatment is resorted to.

For fractures, veterinary specialists use immobilizing bandages and apply plaster. In the case of an open fracture, bone fragments are removed from the wound and, if necessary, surgical excision of the damaged tissue is performed.

Treatment of hip dysplasia and arthrosis of certain joints at first is conservative in nature and includes the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins, and chondroprotectors. Massage and physiotherapy provide good results. For exacerbations, painkillers are used.

For lameness caused by antiviral and antibacterial therapy. In case of osteodystrophy, the sick pet is prescribed mineral supplements of calcium and phosphorus, vitamin D. Correction of the animal’s diet and dosed ultraviolet irradiation have a good effect.

Arthritis requires complex treatment, which is based on anti-inflammatory, antibacterial agents and painkillers. An important role in the treatment of inflammatory phenomena in the joint is played by adherence to a special therapeutic diet.

If you notice lameness in your pet, you should not hesitate to visit a veterinarian, and also self-medicate. The phenomenon associated with gait disturbance can be caused by serious reasons (dislocations, fractures, joint dysplasia) that require professional help.

X-rays help make a correct diagnosis of a sick animal. In severe cases, veterinary specialists resort not only to conservative treatment, but also to surgery on the joint.

To learn how osteosynthesis is used to treat a tibia fracture in a cat, watch this video:

Sometimes it happens that a cat, which was generally quite healthy, suddenly loses its former agility and begins to limp. It also happens that the owners of the animal, despite this alarming symptom, do not take any measures, thinking that everything will go away on its own. But as experience shows, lameness in some cases portends serious illnesses. So what to do if your dog starts limping?

Cuts

First, try to understand on your own why your cat began to limp and try to eliminate the cause. If you see that the matter is serious, contact your veterinarian immediately.

This could be caused by almost anything. For example, a cat's paw pads can be damaged by foreign objects such as glass or nails. Having received such damage, the cat prefers to keep its paw suspended or even step on it, but not lean on it too much.

If your cat has actually damaged its paw in the above manner, then you should examine it and try to detect a foreign body, which may be very small. Try removing it with tweezers. If the splinter is deeply embedded in the paw, then first you should hold it in salty hot water. And if your attempts to remove the splinter have not led to the desired result, then you should seek help from a veterinary clinic.

A cat is a free animal, it can go wherever it wants, so danger can await your pet anywhere.

Bites

If your pet was bitten by another cat or a dog during a fight, then the site of the bite, as well as the cut, must be disinfected. Any disinfectant solution will do for this. And even in cases where the wounds look completely harmless, the animal needs to be shown to a veterinarian. Seeing a doctor in a timely manner may be a bit of a reinsurance, but in some cases it allows you to avoid serious complications.

Bites are one of the most common causes of lameness

Joint inflammation (arthritis)

As a rule, cats suffer from two forms of this disease. These are traumatic arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Traumatic arthritis is caused by trauma to a joint. It is possible that the animal simply jumped from a height unsuccessfully or got run over by a wheel. In this case, the owner may notice that his pet is moving stiffly or limping. In addition, the cat may meow restlessly while stroking an injured joint or walking.

Any sudden movements, such as jumping on any height, will cause your pet great pain. To understand the causes and find a solution to the problem, you need to undergo an examination by a qualified doctor who will give the animal a supporting bandage and prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs. The owner’s task at this stage is to provide his pet with the least active lifestyle possible, at least for a few days.

If for some reason the joint has lost mobility, then this is osteoarthritis. As a rule, older animals that are overweight, as well as those who have suffered injury, suffer from osteoarthritis.

One of the first signs of osteoarthritis is lameness. An important feature of this lameness is that it appears immediately after rest or sleep. After some time, the diseased joint begins to increase in size and then the animal limps constantly.

When the owner notices these signs in his animal, he should immediately contact a veterinarian, who will be able to conduct the necessary examinations and select the optimal course of treatment. However, for osteoarthritis, not only medications are prescribed. Other treatments include joint exercises, massage, physiotherapy and diet. In particularly advanced cases, surgical intervention is also possible.

Cats are particularly mobile. This may also result in some injuries. If a cat is limping on its front leg, the owner should definitely find out the cause of the problem and provide quality treatment to the animal. Without this, there is a high risk that the damage will not go away on its own, and the pet’s condition will continue to worsen. The owner can determine on his own the reason why the front leg is limping only if there are external signs of a violation of the integrity of the limb. In other cases, only a veterinarian can make the correct diagnosis.

Injuries and lameness

The obvious cause of lameness is injury to a pet's paw. A cat can protect a limb for the following reasons:

Splinter in the paw pad.
Injury.
Sprain.
Damage to claws.

It is important to try to recall in memory all the events preceding the onset of lameness. If the cat fought with other animals or fell from a great height, the paw hurts due to a bruise or sprain.

A splinter caught in the foot pad can cause severe discomfort. In this case, the cat cannot remove a small foreign body on its own. Since acute pain is felt when putting pressure on the damaged paw, the animal begins to protect it, which is why lameness appears.

Prevention

You can prevent lameness in your cat by minimizing the likelihood of injury. The main preventive measures due to which the cat does not limp are:

monitoring what is happening to the animal while walking down the street;
securely closing windows to protect your pet from falling out;
adequate feeding – proper nutrition provides the animal with sufficient bone strength and tendon elasticity;
Be careful when closing the doors so as not to slam the cat.

If a cat is limping, you must definitely understand what happened to him.

A domestic cat, especially if it is a young animal, personifies not only peace and comfort, but is also associated with an active lifestyle. Fluffy pets play with pleasure, jump from heights, run, and frolic.

If a cat is lame on its paw, the owner will immediately notice the problem. The reasons can be very diverse - from minor injury to serious problems with the musculoskeletal system.

Read in this article

Infectious causes of lameness

Damage to the front paws and lameness are characteristic symptoms of calcivirosis. A disease of an infectious nature is easily transmitted from a sick animal to a healthy one. Pets are usually vaccinated against this disease, but vaccination is not always sufficiently effective, so the animal remains at risk of infection throughout its life.

Breathing disorders;
Nasal discharge;
Conjunctivitis;
Ulcers on the mucous membranes;
Damage to the joints of the paws.

Calcivirosis is often accompanied by arthritis, which causes lameness. This disease causes inflammation of the joint capsule and manifests itself mainly on the front legs.

Another cause of sudden lameness is a fungal infection. Dermatophytes can affect not only the skin of the animal, but also the claws and joints. The fungus on the pads may not be visible externally if the pathogenic microflora affects the joint. Against this background, inflammation develops, as a result of which the cat limps on its front leg.

Reasons why a cat is limping

There are many reasons why a cat does not step on its hind paw, as well as its front paw. Often the owner can immediately understand what happened, but there are also situations when an adult pet or kitten simply returns from a walk, limping heavily and mewing pitifully. In this case, the first thing to do is to carefully examine the paw, which the animal cannot stand on normally.

Sometimes the case is quite simple, and the owner can independently provide assistance, thanks to which the cat does not limp on the same day. This is possible with minor physical damage. Complex injuries are often characterized by the fact that both hind legs are immediately affected and lameness persists for a month or more. Treatment in such a situation should be started as soon as possible.

The following reasons may cause the problem:

Stinging insect bite - the bites of wasps and bees are painful, and therefore, if a cat steps on an insect, he is guaranteed lameness for 2-4 days, even after the owner removes the bee sting or treats the wasp sting. The left or right limb may be affected. If the bite occurred 7-9 days ago and the cat is still limping, a visit to the veterinarian is required;
Injury to the interarticular area - often occurs during a fight between cats if teeth are used; and also during active climbing on trees that have sharp thorns or twigs. If a cat is not careful, or gets too carried away with tracking birds, it can run into them. The injury most often affects the hind legs, since the animal usually still sees the place where the front paw is placed;
Dislocation - occurs when unsuccessful jumps and falls cause unnatural movement of the head of the bone in the joint, causing it to come out of it. The paw completely loses mobility and hangs helplessly. Acute pain at the time of injury can cause the animal to go into shock. In this case, the cat may limp on its right or left hind leg. Even with treatment, the cat limps for a long time;
A sprain is the most common limb injury in cats, in which a minor tear of part of the fibers of the ligaments occurs, causing pain and swelling in the paw. The cat limps quite heavily, but his general condition does not suffer. The animal remains cheerful and does not lose its appetite. Lameness usually goes away within a few days even without treatment. In case of severe sprain, to speed up the recovery of the ligaments, a course of therapy with the drug travmatin, which is administered in the form of injections, is indicated. The animal limps long and hard;
A bruise is of a traumatic nature. If the injury is not severe, then the cat limps slightly and not for long. With a severe bruise, the cat falls seriously on its back paw, which looks swollen. The pet is limping in such a way that it cannot be ignored. If you move the fur apart, a pronounced hematoma will be clearly visible;
A fracture is the most severe injury in which the integrity of the bone is disrupted. The cat is not only limping, but almost unable to stand on his paw. Occurs when a strong blow or paw is pinched. In rare cases, physiological fractures are possible, which occur due to the fact that the bones lose their natural strength. Such fractures occur even with minor impact on the bone. The cat is limping and cannot stand on its paw;
Spinal injury in the lumbar region - with such damage, a disturbance in the transmission of nerve impulses occurs, due to which the movement of the hind legs is difficult and limited. In severe cases, complete paralysis of the hind limbs occurs. In case of injury without paralysis, lameness is observed immediately on 2 hind legs and can be very specific;
Arthritis or arthrosis of the hip joint - the disease can be unilateral or bilateral. The animal limps in front of him, also wobbling its pelvis. It occurs most often in older cats, but can also affect young animals if they have suffered serious trauma to the pelvic area. With this phenomenon, lameness increases gradually, worsening the cat’s quality of life. Treatment is aimed primarily at slowing the progression of the pathological process. A complete cure is impossible.

The owner will not always be able to pinpoint the exact reason that caused the lameness, and therefore a consultation with a veterinarian may be required.

Joint diseases

Lameness can be caused by a congenital abnormality of the structure of the joints - dysplasia. In this case, the animal will have difficulty stepping on the affected limb from childhood. Other joint pathologies include arthritis and degenerative changes in the joints of the front paws. As a rule, such diseases are rare and mainly occur in older cats with metabolic disorders, acromegaly or obesity.

Symptoms indicating problems with the front paw of a pet:

Change in gait.
Refusal to jump on chairs and other surfaces.
Lethargy.
Frequent licking of the sore limb.

When the owner tries to touch the sore paw, the cat reacts sharply, pulling it away, running away or hissing. If this condition persists for more than a few days, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. To make a diagnosis, the doctor will palpate and examine the affected limb. Radiography is mandatory.

Diagnosis of the disease

A veterinary medicine specialist, upon admission of a sick animal with suspected arthritis, conducts a general clinical physical examination and prescribes a number of studies to confirm the preliminary diagnosis. The doctor palpates the affected joints, determining the condition and possible degree of impairment.

During the diagnosis, the following studies are prescribed:

radiographic studies to reveal the degree of proliferation of bone tissue structures and narrowing of the joint gap;
inoculating the selected synovial fluid for the presence of pathogenic microflora - makes it possible to identify the pathogen and determine the sensitivity of antibiotics for further treatment;
general and biochemical blood test - allows you to determine the degree of the inflammatory process, as well as detect possible concomitant pathologies in the body.

The results of radiographic examination are the most accurate. The diagnosis of arthritis in a cat is confirmed by the following indicators:

neoplasms in bone tissue structures - deposits of salts, calcifications and osteophytes;
visible pathological narrowing of the joint space;
sclerotic formations in the subchondral bone tissue;
thickening and swelling of the soft tissue around the joint;
the presence of effusion in the affected area.

One of the above structural changes is the main prerequisite for the development of serious degenerative processes. But in some cases, radiography is not an indicator of the development of the disease.

Less commonly, veterinary clinics conduct studies of synovial fluid collection and further cytological examination. As a rule, this is done when several joints are affected at once, as well as in cats at a young age. Cytology is also advisable for dysplasia, effusion and cruciate ligament ruptures after injury.

Treatment of lameness in cats

First of all, if you notice that the cat cannot step on its front paw, you should carefully examine the limb. Any damage to the foot pads, claws, or the appearance of rough crusts indicate the traumatic nature of the lameness.

As a rule, when a splinter gets into a soft pad, it makes itself felt over time with swelling or inflammation. In this case, it is enough to remove the foreign body with tweezers and treat the wound with an antiseptic to help your pet. After a few days, the wound will heal and the cat will stop limping.

You can suspect a bruise or sprain by the cat's behavior. In these cases, the animal will drag its paw, trying not to step on it. If the joints are affected, the cat walks normally, but redistributes its body weight in such a way as to minimize the load on the affected limb.

Treatment of degenerative changes and age-related arthritis in cats is carried out with the help of drugs that restore the elasticity of cartilage. Such medications can only be prescribed by a veterinarian. If joint pathologies are caused by excess weight and metabolic disorders, the animal is prescribed a strict diet to normalize body weight.

In other cases, symptomatic therapy is used. The exact treatment regimen depends on the cause of lameness, which can only be reliably determined by x-ray.

Treatment methods

If lameness is caused by an infection, the cause is first eliminated. A number of diseases, such as calcivirosis, do not have specific therapies and are treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics in combination with immunostimulants, anti-inflammatory drugs and vitamins. A cat can be prescribed a 7-10-day course of Flemoxin at a dosage of 12.5 -22 mg per kilogram of weight. Antibiotics are necessary to protect the body weakened by the virus from bacterial infections.

Anti-inflammatory drugs are a common treatment for skeletal and joint problems. Non-steroidal drugs prescribed for arthritis and other disorders include Ketofen. It is often used in the form of subcutaneous injections (1% solution) or tablets (once a day). Corticosteroids are also prescribed to cats. Dexamethasone is one of the most powerful drugs in this category. The medicine is given to the animal in the form of injections (0.1-1 ml, depending on the pet’s condition), but only on the recommendation of a veterinarian. For lameness, painkillers are also used (No-spa, Papaverine, etc.).

The duration and intensity of treatment depend on the disease. Osteomyelitis disappears on its own with age. Osteochondrosis, arthritis and arthrosis often become chronic. In this case, the owner can stop outbreaks of the disease with anti-inflammatory and painkillers. In severe forms, surgical intervention is required, which may even replace the affected joint with a prosthesis.

The type, dosage and combinations of medications are determined by your veterinarian. Attempts at self-treatment create the risk of developing allergies and other serious consequences.

If an animal has a fracture, the injured limb must be immobilized. Then the pet needs to be taken to a veterinarian, who will set the bone, apply a plaster cast (fixing bandage) and perform other manipulations. If the lameness is caused by a splinter, you can try to solve the problem yourself. To do this, it is better to use the help of a partner or restrain the animal, since it will not allow you to examine the paw, which is not stepped on due to a foreign body. As in humans, a splinter is removed using a needle (pin) and tweezers with preliminary sterilization of the affected area. After the manipulations, the cat will continue to limp for some time. If the paw hurts for more than a couple of hours, it is recommended to consult a doctor due to the risk of remaining splinters or injury to the limb.

Legends have long been formed about the independent and self-sufficient nature of cats. And for good reason, because this is the only wild animal that agrees to live next to humans. Making friends with a cat is easy - all you need is a little time, patience and observation. And most importantly, always respect her interests and personal space.

It is not difficult to understand what exactly she wants to tell you. Body language, gaze, sounds, facial expressions - these are all the things with which the cat tries to “get through” to you, talking like a foreigner who doesn’t know the language well - slowly and clearly. Cats use more than 25 body positions, for all occasions.

Pose

Straight back, light, dancing gait, high-raised vibrating tail - “Bliss! I'm happy with life."
The cat persistently touches you with its paw - take a closer look, it wants something from you!
Gently stroking you - pleasure, gratitude.
A cat “butts” you with its head is a very eloquent gesture of gratitude.
Arched back, fur standing on end, ears flattened - rage, . The cat is very scared and wants to appear “big and scary.” At the same time, in small kittens this same pose can mean “play with me, please!”
Handling the owner's stomach or knees with his paws, the so-called “milk step”. This is how kittens get milk from their mother cat. An adult animal thus expresses its sincere affection for you. “I feel so good and cozy!” - she seems to say.
The cat persistently rubs against your legs - take a closer look, she really needs something from you! This is how pets attract the attention of their owners. It’s also quite possible that she “marks” you with her scent in this way.
The cat lies on its side or back, opening its belly - a trusting or fighting pose, depending on the circumstances. In relation to the owners or other cats, this is a gesture of complete trust. But this can also be a sign of threat towards enemies - dogs or other predators. In such a situation, the cat rolls onto its back, freeing all 4 paws for attack.
Sits in one place, turning to you - a request. For example, if she sits at the door like this, “Open the door, please!” Sits by the bowl - “Give me something to eat, give me!”
Hides his head during the game - a variant of the game of hide and seek. “Come on, try to find me!”
Turns his back to you, raising his tail high - absolute trust, gratitude. The same is true if the cat is sitting with its back turned to you.

Paws

Bent front paws - the cat is angry and ready to attack.
Bent hind legs - the cat is very scared. This pose signifies self-doubt and fear.
The cat is holding a relaxed front paw in the air - confusion. She seems to be asking: “What is this?!”
Gently touches you with his paw, or smoothly reaches it towards your face - interest. The cat really wants attention and affection from you.
Scratching something loudly with its claws attracts attention.

Head

The cat “nods” its head several times as part of the greeting pose. Along with a high tail and a welcoming purr.
With its head stretched forward, the cat is ready to communicate with you. She seems to say: “Well, what do you want?”
The head is lowered, the cat hides its gaze - fatigue, indifference, apathy. “Well, what else do you need?” - she says.
A drooping mustache means disappointment, fatigue. It is possible that the cat is sick.

Ears

Ears pressed to the head - defending or preparing to attack. If you notice such a pose in a cat for no apparent reason, perhaps she has spoiled something and is afraid of your reaction. At the same time, ears pinned down during play is normal, especially during “hunting” games. And in combination with sudden movements of the tail, the cat is very irritated by something.
The ears are alert and move like “radars” - interest. The animal listens carefully to what is happening around and assesses the situation.
Ears twitch sharply - anxiety. Please note that something is clearly bothering your pet. For example, a cat may twitch its ear several times to drive away an annoying insect.
Ears upright - curiosity. Hence the saying: “ears on top of the head.”
Ears forward - calm, interest.

Mouth and chin

A twitching lower lip and chin is a sign of disappointment, annoyance. It often happens if the cat got something tasty, or she missed the prey.
A cat licks its lips - a familiar eloquent sign of pleasure after the animal has eaten something tasty. But sometimes it can be a signal of anxiety or interest in something unfamiliar.
The tip of a relaxed tongue is visible - bliss! The cat is relaxed and in the most complacent mood.
At the same time he licks his lips and us - confusion, confusion.
Quick licking of one front paw – excitement, confusion. The cat is gaining time, not knowing what to do.
He licks himself defiantly, turning his back to you - an insult. The cat clearly tells you: “You made me feel bad, I’m very offended!”

Eyes

Dilated pupils during the day, in bright light, are a sign of alertness. And in combination with a lowered head, flattened ears, and an unblinking gaze - a clear message “Don’t touch me! Otherwise it will be very bad for you...”
Half-closed eyes are a sign of trust, friendliness and comfort. The cat is not in danger, she is calm, relaxed, and immersed in her dreams...
The direct “unseeing” gaze of a calmly sitting cat is an analogue of sleep with open eyes.
Blinking his eyes slowly is a sign of affection and affection for you. It would be the same if the cat gave you a friendly wink.
Dozing, sitting with his eyes closed - peacefulness, bliss.
The eyes are closed, but the ears are pressed to the head - impatience. “Well, hurry up, hurry up!” - says the cat.
Large eyes combined with flattened ears are a warning, a threat. The cat is scared and ready to attack.
Large eyes combined with wide pupils during the day mean fear. The cat is paralyzed with terror.

Tail

Tail raised high, fluttering - everything is fine. Life is good!
The tail is raised high in a sharp movement - a greeting. This is how cats greet other cats and people.
The tail is raised at the top with a curved tip - one of the elements of the dominant pose. This is how a cat walks down the street, considering itself the owner of this territory.
The tail is raised high, but the tip is relaxed - joy. "Life is Beautiful!"
The tail sways from side to side - dissatisfaction, irritation. The amplitude can vary - from the tip of the tail barely moving (slight dissatisfaction) to the moment when the cat whips itself on the sides with its tail in rage.
The tail is lowered and ruffled - alertness, anxiety. The cat clearly doesn't know what to do in this situation.
The tail froze motionless below - disgust. The cat seems to be asking: “What kind of disgusting thing is this?!”
Tail clamped between paws - extreme horror, panic. The animal really needs your help and support!
A high, tense tail with fluffy hair is aggression. The cat clearly considers herself the main one in the house, and clearly demonstrates to you who is the “leader of the pride” here.
The cat moves the tip of its tail - curiosity. It can often be observed when your pet is hunting, or during “hunting” games.

Alarm Signals

Heavy breathing with an open mouth - overheating, extreme fatigue, pain.
Nervous “wave” in the fur – constant irritation, anxiety, fear.
The third eyelid is visible - an alarming signal! The cat is very tired, wants to sleep or is sick.
Ears droop in different directions on the sides of the head - relaxation, apathy, severe fatigue. “I’m exhausted...” says the cat.

And the most important thing is the voice.
The vocal capabilities of cats are extremely rich, and are not limited to the banal “meow”, as most people think. A cat can pronounce more than 15 sounds. Of these, the main ones are 8 consonants (“m”, “n”, “p”, “g”, “x”, “f”, “v”, “r”) and 3 vowels (“a”, “o” ", "y")

Even the usual “meow” can be pronounced differently by a cat, depending on what it wants to say – from a short “hello!” until the hearts said “get out!”

When talking to a person, a cat begins with monosyllabic expressions - for example, “MR!” If you don’t understand exactly what they want from you, the cat becomes more eloquent. She expands the range of sounds, vowels appear in her speech - for example, “m-u-r-r-r!”

Low sounds in a cat's voice express fear and aggression, high sounds - pleasure.
Meowing is most often a greeting or request.
An intermittent “me-oo!” turning into a squeal - the cat responds to your words.
Purring is not only a sign of pleasure. She may well be excited, sad or irritated by something. By purring, a cat calms and relaxes itself and you. Even seriously ill and dying cats can purr.
Calm purring is a pleasure.
Dissatisfied purring - pain, suffering.
A quiet dissatisfied purr, turning into a distinct rumbling - “Pay attention! My patience is running out!”
A short “mr!”, depending on the intonation - attracting attention or asking a question.
Questioning purring - the cat really needs your attention!
Rumbling - an animal is dissatisfied with something.
Howl – anger, strong irritation.
A short cry - the cat is scared.
A long cry – pain, despair, aggression.
Hissing, snorting, grumbling - all these are sounds with which a cat expresses its displeasure or irritation. Moreover, with a hiss the cat warns: “Don’t come near me!”, and with a snort it drives away potential enemies (“I’ll attack now!”). If this does not help, the cat switches to grumbling - the last warning before a furious growl.
Clattering of teeth is a peculiar sound that signifies disappointment and annoyance. It can often be heard from a cat when she is watching birds or chasing flies. It can be roughly translated as: “Oh shit, five didn’t work out!” What a shame!

What you shouldn’t do
If you don’t want to ruin your relationship with your pet once and for all, never:

don't yell at him
do not hit him - even symbolically, with a rag or newspaper! The cat will never forgive you for this
do not wake a sleeping cat unless absolutely necessary
do not disturb her while eating, when she is resting or washing herself
Do not allow children to mistreat the cat or disturb it. “He’s still small” is not an excuse. If you get an animal, take the time to explain to your child what is good and what is bad.

The illnesses of our little brothers greatly worry and upset their owners. However, you can fight them if you know what the animal is sick with and how to treat it correctly. It is noteworthy that cats, like other animals, quite often suffer from diseases that are associated with impaired functioning of the limbs (more about). However, such diseases do not always arise due to unsuccessful landings on the paws. Often, cats pull their paws due to problems with internal organs. Well, here’s what they are, and why – our publication will tell you about this today...