Why is my old cat limping? 10 causes and what to do

You have noticed it over the past few days, maybe even the past few weeks. Your senior cat walks across the room and something is not right. She is favoring one leg, putting less weight on it with each step, or perhaps she holds it up slightly as she moves. Maybe she hesitates before stepping down from the bed, or she seems to wince when she lands after a short jump. She might be walking more slowly than usual, taking smaller steps, or avoiding movement altogether. Your old cat is limping, and your instinct is telling you that something is wrong.

Your instinct is right. Limping in a senior cat is always significant and always deserves veterinary attention. While cats are legendary for hiding their pain, a limp is one sign that even the most stoic feline cannot fully conceal. By the time you can see your cat favoring a leg, she is likely dealing with more discomfort than she is letting on. The good news is that most causes of limping in older cats can be identified with a proper examination, and many can be treated or managed effectively to restore your cat's comfort and mobility.

This guide will help you understand why your senior cat is limping, what different types of limps can tell you and your vet, when limping is an emergency, and what you can do to help your aging cat feel better.

Reading your cat's limp: what to observe

Before you call your vet, take a few minutes to observe your cat's limp carefully. The details you notice can give your veterinarian valuable diagnostic clues. Here are the key things to pay attention to:

• Which leg is affected: Try to identify which leg your cat is favoring. A cat with a sore front leg will often bob her head up when the painful leg hits the ground and drop her head down when the sound leg bears weight. With a hind-limb limp, you may notice your cat shifting her weight forward onto the front legs or swinging the affected hip to reduce the stride length
• When the limp is worst: Does your cat limp more after resting and then improve as she moves around? This pattern often points to arthritis. Does the limp get worse with activity? This may suggest a soft tissue injury or a fracture. Is it constant and unchanging? This can indicate a more fixed problem like a tumor or a joint that has lost cartilage
• How suddenly it started: A limp that appeared overnight suggests an acute event like a fall, a fight injury, a blood clot, or an abscess. A limp that has been developing gradually over weeks or months is more likely caused by a chronic condition like arthritis, a slowly growing tumor, or progressive joint disease
• Whether your cat will bear weight at all: A cat who limps but still puts weight on the leg is in a different category from a cat who holds the leg up completely and refuses to use it. Non-weight-bearing lameness is generally more urgent
• Other symptoms present: Is your cat also eating less, hiding, grooming less, losing weight, or behaving differently? These additional symptoms can help your vet determine whether the limp is caused by a localized problem in the leg or part of a systemic illness
• Any swelling, heat, or sensitivity: If your cat will allow it, gently feel the affected leg for any swelling, warmth, or areas that make her pull away. Do not force this if your cat is in pain or becomes aggressive, as painful cats may bite

As with any gait change, try to capture a short video of your cat walking on your phone before your vet visit. Cats are notorious for hiding their symptoms in the clinical setting, and a video taken at home in a relaxed environment can be worth more than a thousand words. Film from behind and from the side if possible.

Warning signs that need immediate veterinary attention

While many causes of limping can be investigated at a scheduled appointment, certain situations require urgent or emergency care. Seek veterinary help right away if:

• The limp came on suddenly and your cat is in obvious pain: Sudden severe lameness with crying, hiding, or aggression suggests a serious acute problem such as a fracture, dislocation, or blood clot that needs immediate attention
• Your cat cannot put any weight on the leg: Non-weight-bearing lameness, where the leg is held up completely, indicates significant pain or instability and requires prompt evaluation
• The leg feels cold and the paw pads appear pale or bluish: This can indicate a blood clot (aortic thromboembolism) cutting off circulation, which is a life-threatening emergency
• There is an open wound, exposed bone, or the leg is hanging at an abnormal angle: These signs of a fracture or severe injury need emergency treatment
• The limb is significantly swollen, hot, and painful: Rapid swelling with heat can indicate an abscess, deep infection, or in some cases a tumor that has fractured the bone
• Your cat is also lethargic, not eating, or breathing heavily: These systemic signs combined with limping suggest a more serious condition affecting more than just the leg
• Your cat has a known heart condition: Cats with heart disease are at risk for blood clots. Sudden hind-limb lameness in a cat with a known heart murmur or cardiomyopathy should always be treated as an emergency
• The limp is getting rapidly worse: A limp that progresses from mild to severe over hours to days warrants urgent investigation rather than a wait-and-see approach

When in doubt, call your veterinary clinic and describe what you are seeing. They can advise whether your cat should be seen immediately or whether it is safe to schedule an appointment in the coming days. Never give your cat human pain medication like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin, as these are extremely toxic to cats and can be fatal even in small doses.

10 common causes of limping in senior cats

1. Arthritis (degenerative joint disease)

Arthritis is the single most common cause of limping and reduced mobility in senior cats. Studies have shown that up to 90 percent of cats over 12 years old have radiographic evidence of arthritis, making it nearly universal in the aging feline population. Despite its prevalence, arthritis remains dramatically underdiagnosed in cats because their symptoms are more subtle than those of dogs, and many owners attribute the changes to normal aging.

In arthritis, the cartilage that normally provides a smooth, cushioned surface within joints gradually degrades and wears away. As the protective cartilage thins, the underlying bone becomes exposed and inflamed, causing chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. In cats, the joints most commonly affected include the elbows, hips, knees (stifles), ankles (hocks), and the small joints of the spine. Many cats have arthritis in multiple joints simultaneously, which is why the limp may seem to shift from one leg to another or why your cat's overall movement looks stiff rather than showing a clear single-limb limp.

What an arthritis limp looks like:

• Stiffness when first getting up that may improve with gentle movement as the joints "warm up"
• A subtle limp that comes and goes, often worse on cold or damp days
• Shorter, more cautious steps and a loss of the cat's normal fluid grace
• Reluctance to jump up or down, or jumping to lower heights than before
• Difficulty with stairs
• Favoring one side over the other when lying down or getting up

Arthritis cannot be cured, but it can be managed very effectively to restore your cat's comfort and quality of life. Your veterinarian may prescribe a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as meloxicam or robenacoxib for long-term pain control. Solensia (frunevetmab), a monthly injection that targets nerve growth factor, is specifically designed for feline arthritis pain and has transformed management for many cats. Gabapentin can help with neuropathic pain. At home, provide heated beds, low-entry litter boxes, ramps or pet stairs to favorite resting spots, and rugs or mats on slippery floors. Weight management is critical because excess weight places additional stress on painful joints. Joint supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids may provide supplementary support.

2. Soft tissue injuries

Even indoor senior cats can sustain sprains, strains, and muscle injuries that cause limping. A misjudged jump off the counter, a slip on a hardwood floor, a tumble off the back of the couch, or even an overly enthusiastic play session can strain a ligament, sprain a joint, or pull a muscle. While younger cats tend to recover from these minor injuries quickly, senior cats heal more slowly and their already aging joints and tissues are more vulnerable to injury.

Soft tissue injuries include sprains (stretched or torn ligaments that stabilize joints), strains (stretched or torn muscles or tendons), and contusions (bruising of muscle or tissue from impact). Cats can also tear their cranial cruciate ligament (the feline equivalent of the ACL), though this is less common than in dogs.

What a soft tissue injury limp looks like:

• Sudden onset of limping, often after a fall, jump, or slip that you may or may not have witnessed
• Swelling around the affected joint or area
• Your cat may lick or overgroom the sore area
• Pain that worsens with movement or when the area is touched
• The limp may improve with rest and return with activity
• No obvious wound or external sign of injury

Mild soft tissue injuries often improve with rest over a few days to a couple of weeks. Confine your cat to a small, quiet space to discourage jumping and running. Avoid applying ice or heat unless directed by your vet, as cats can be difficult to treat topically and may become stressed by the attempt. If the limp does not improve within a few days, or if it worsens, see your veterinarian. More severe injuries like ligament tears may require surgery or extended treatment. Your vet may prescribe pain relief to keep your cat comfortable during recovery.

3. Bite wound abscesses

Abscesses from cat bites are one of the most common causes of sudden, severe limping in cats, and even indoor-only senior cats can be affected if they live with other cats in the household. When a cat is bitten, bacteria from the biting cat's mouth are injected deep under the skin through the small puncture wound. The skin heals over quickly, sealing the bacteria inside, where they multiply and form a pocket of infection called an abscess.

Cat bite abscesses on the legs are particularly common because the legs are frequently targeted during scuffles. The abscess typically develops over two to five days after the bite, and the cat may seem fine initially before suddenly becoming very lame, feverish, and painful once the infection takes hold. The legs, tail base, and face are the most common locations for bite wound abscesses.

What an abscess limp looks like:

• Sudden, severe limp that seems to come out of nowhere days after a potential fight or scuffle
• Swelling, warmth, and pain in the affected area
• Your cat may have a fever and seem lethargic, off food, or withdrawn
• You may find a small scab or puncture wound when you part the fur
• The area may feel soft and fluid-filled if the abscess is mature
• If the abscess has ruptured, there may be a foul-smelling discharge or a visible wound

Abscesses need veterinary treatment. Your vet will lance and drain the abscess if it has not already ruptured, flush the wound, and prescribe antibiotics and pain medication. Some abscesses require a temporary drain to be placed to allow continued drainage. Left untreated, abscesses can spread into deeper tissues, enter the bloodstream, and cause serious systemic infection. If your senior cat lives with other cats and has a sudden unexplained limp with swelling, an abscess should be high on the list of suspects.

4. Fractures

While fractures may seem less likely in an indoor senior cat, aging bones become more brittle and vulnerable to breaking, sometimes from surprisingly minor trauma. A fall from a window, a misjudged jump, being accidentally stepped on, or even getting a leg caught in furniture can fracture a bone in an older cat. Cats with conditions that weaken bones, such as cancer that has spread to the bone or metabolic bone disease from chronic kidney failure, are at higher risk for what are called pathological fractures, where the weakened bone breaks under forces that would not normally cause injury.

The most commonly fractured bones in cats are the femur (thigh bone), tibia and fibula (lower leg bones), pelvis, and the small bones of the toes. Pelvic fractures are particularly common from falls or being hit by a car in outdoor cats, while long bone fractures can result from any significant impact.

What a fracture limp looks like:

• Sudden, severe lameness with complete unwillingness to bear weight on the affected leg
• The leg may hang at an abnormal angle or appear shorter than the other legs
• Significant swelling, especially in the hours after the injury
• Extreme pain when the area is touched, your cat may cry out, hiss, or bite
• Your cat may hide and refuse to move at all
• You may feel or hear crepitus, a grinding or crackling sensation if you gently palpate near the break, though do not attempt this at home

Fractures require veterinary treatment. Diagnosis is made with X-rays, and treatment depends on the type and location of the fracture. Some fractures can be managed with splints or casts, while others require surgical repair with plates, pins, or external fixation devices. Pelvic fractures in cats often heal well with strict cage rest alone. If a fracture is caused by an underlying bone disease like cancer, the prognosis depends on the underlying condition. If you suspect a fracture, try to keep your cat as still as possible during transport to the vet. Do not attempt to splint the leg yourself, as improper splinting can cause further injury.

5. Aortic thromboembolism (saddle thrombus)

A saddle thrombus is one of the most serious and time-sensitive causes of sudden limping in cats, and it is critical for every cat owner to know its signs. This condition occurs when a blood clot, usually formed in the heart due to underlying cardiomyopathy, breaks free and travels through the aorta until it lodges at the point where the aorta divides to supply the hind legs. When the clot blocks blood flow, the result is sudden, severe pain and loss of function in one or both hind legs.

While a saddle thrombus most commonly affects both hind legs, it can sometimes affect only one leg if the clot lodges asymmetrically, or it can lodge in other locations and affect a front leg. This means that sudden, severe lameness in any leg in a senior cat, especially one not known to have been injured, should raise suspicion for a blood clot, particularly if the cat has a known heart condition.

What a saddle thrombus limp looks like:

• Sudden, severe lameness or complete paralysis, often affecting one or both hind legs
• Intense pain, your cat may scream, cry, pant, or breathe with her mouth open
• The affected leg or legs feel cold to the touch compared to the unaffected limbs
• Paw pads on the affected leg appear pale, blue, or purple rather than pink
• The muscles of the affected leg feel firm or hard rather than soft and pliable
• Your cat may drag the affected leg or be completely unable to use it
• Rapid or labored breathing may be present if there is underlying heart disease

A saddle thrombus is a medical emergency. If your cat suddenly cannot use one or both hind legs, is in extreme pain, and the affected legs feel cold, get to a veterinary emergency clinic immediately. Do not wait. With aggressive supportive care including pain management, blood thinners, and treatment of the underlying heart disease, some cats can recover function over days to weeks. However, the prognosis is guarded, and this is a condition that requires an honest conversation with your veterinarian about quality of life and treatment options. For cats already diagnosed with heart disease, preventive blood-thinning medication such as clopidogrel can significantly reduce the risk of clot formation.

6. Nail and paw pad problems

Sometimes the cause of a senior cat's limp is as simple, and as treatable, as a problem with the nails or paw pads. Senior cats are particularly prone to nail problems because they tend to be less active, which means their claws do not wear down naturally through scratching and walking. In addition, older cats may groom less effectively, neglecting their nails. The result can be overgrown claws that curl around and grow into the paw pads, causing significant pain and infection.

Ingrown nails are remarkably common in senior cats and are one of the most overlooked causes of limping. The dew claws (the "thumb" claws on the inner front legs) are especially prone to overgrowth because they do not contact the ground. Other paw-related causes of limping include foreign bodies embedded in the paw pad, such as a thorn or piece of glass, cracked or injured paw pads, broken nails, and infections between the toes.

What a nail or paw pad problem limp looks like:

• Limping that is clearly localized to one paw, your cat may shake or hold up the affected foot
• Excessive licking or chewing at the paw
• You may notice a thickened, curled claw growing into the pad when you examine the paw
• Swelling, redness, or discharge around a nail or between the toes
• Your cat may be reluctant to have the affected paw touched
• A mild to moderate limp that has been getting gradually worse

The good news is that nail and paw pad problems are among the most treatable causes of limping in senior cats. Your vet can trim overgrown or ingrown nails, remove foreign bodies, treat infections with antibiotics, and provide pain relief. To prevent recurrence, check your senior cat's nails every one to two weeks and trim them as needed. Pay special attention to the dew claws. If you are not comfortable trimming your cat's nails, your vet clinic or a groomer can do it for you at a modest cost. Regular nail maintenance is one of the simplest things you can do to prevent pain in your aging cat.

7. Bone cancer (osteosarcoma)

While less common in cats than in dogs, bone cancer can cause progressive limping in senior cats that gradually worsens over weeks to months. Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumor in cats, though it occurs at a lower rate than in dogs. Other bone tumors seen in cats include fibrosarcoma and chondrosarcoma. These tumors destroy normal bone from within, causing pain, weakness, and eventually the potential for pathological fractures where the weakened bone breaks during normal activity.

Bone tumors in cats most commonly affect the long bones of the legs, particularly the femur, tibia, and humerus. They tend to occur in middle-aged to older cats and can be slow-growing, which means the limp may be subtle at first and easy to dismiss as simple aging or minor arthritis. However, bone tumors are progressive, and the limp will gradually become more pronounced and painful over time.

What a bone cancer limp looks like:

• A persistent limp that has been slowly getting worse over weeks to months
• Swelling or a firm mass that you can feel on the leg, often near a joint
• Increasing pain, with your cat becoming more reluctant to use the affected leg over time
• The limp does not respond to rest or basic pain medication the way an injury would
• Your cat may begin to lose weight, eat less, or seem generally unwell as the disease progresses
• In some cases, the first sign is a sudden severe limp caused by a pathological fracture of the tumor-weakened bone

If your vet suspects a bone tumor, they will likely start with X-rays, which often show characteristic changes in the bone. A biopsy may be recommended to confirm the type of tumor. Treatment options for bone cancer in cats may include amputation of the affected limb, which many cats adapt to remarkably well, as well as chemotherapy or radiation therapy depending on the tumor type and whether it has spread. The good news for cats is that osteosarcoma tends to be less aggressive than the canine version, and cats who undergo amputation often enjoy a good quality of life for a significant period. Your veterinarian or a veterinary oncologist can discuss the options and prognosis specific to your cat's situation.

8. Nerve damage or neuropathy

Damage to the nerves serving the legs can cause limping, weakness, and abnormal leg positioning in senior cats. Peripheral neuropathy, where the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord are damaged, can result from several conditions common in older cats. The most well-known is diabetic neuropathy, where chronically high blood sugar damages the nerve fibers, but other causes include physical trauma to nerves, tumors pressing on nerves, and in rare cases, toxic exposures or immune-mediated conditions.

Diabetic neuropathy produces a characteristic flat-footed gait in the hind legs where the cat walks on her hocks rather than on her toes. This is called a plantigrade stance and is highly suggestive of diabetes even if the cat has not yet been diagnosed. Other types of nerve damage may cause a limp that looks different depending on which nerve is affected and how severely it is damaged.

What a neuropathy limp looks like:

• Weakness in the affected leg, particularly the hind legs
• A flat-footed, plantigrade stance where the cat walks on her hocks (highly suggestive of diabetes)
• Knuckling, where the paw flips over and the cat walks on the top of the foot
• Dragging the foot or scuffing the tops of the toes
• Reduced or absent reflexes in the affected limb
• The limp may be accompanied by other signs of diabetes such as increased thirst, increased urination, and weight loss

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Diabetic neuropathy is often reversible once blood sugar is properly controlled with insulin and dietary management. Nerve damage from other causes may or may not be reversible depending on the severity and duration of the damage. If your cat is walking flat-footed on her hocks, ask your vet to check for diabetes immediately, as early intervention gives the best chance of nerve recovery. Methylcobalamin (vitamin B12) supplementation may support nerve healing.

9. Joint infections (septic arthritis)

A bacterial infection within a joint causes sudden, severe lameness with significant swelling and pain in the affected joint. In senior cats, septic arthritis can develop when bacteria enter a joint through a bite wound, spread from a nearby soft tissue infection, or travel through the bloodstream from an infection elsewhere in the body. Cats with weakened immune systems, whether from age, chronic illness, or medications that suppress the immune system, are at higher risk.

Septic arthritis is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment. If left untreated, the infection can destroy the cartilage within the joint and cause permanent joint damage. The condition can also spread to other parts of the body, leading to sepsis, a life-threatening systemic infection.

What a joint infection limp looks like:

• Sudden onset of severe lameness in one leg
• The affected joint is noticeably swollen, warm, and extremely painful to the touch
• Your cat may hold the leg up completely and refuse to bear any weight on it
• Fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite are often present
• Your cat may be reluctant to move at all due to the pain
• There may be a history of a recent bite wound, surgery, or illness

Septic arthritis requires prompt veterinary treatment. Your vet may aspirate fluid from the joint using a needle to confirm infection and identify the bacteria involved. Treatment typically involves a long course of antibiotics, often four to six weeks, along with pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs. In some cases, the joint may need to be surgically flushed to remove infected material. With early and appropriate treatment, many cats recover well, though some may develop chronic arthritis in the affected joint.

10. Tumors of the soft tissue

Soft tissue tumors on or near the legs can cause limping in senior cats by creating pain, restricting movement, or compressing nearby nerves and blood vessels. These include fibrosarcomas, which are among the most common soft tissue tumors in cats, as well as other types like nerve sheath tumors, lipomas (benign fatty tumors, though rare in cats), and injection-site sarcomas. While injection-site sarcomas have become less common with improved vaccine formulations and injection protocols, they can still occur and commonly develop on the limbs or between the shoulder blades.

Soft tissue tumors can grow slowly enough that they are not noticed until they reach a size that starts causing problems. A tumor on or near a leg may cause limping because of its physical bulk impeding movement, because it presses on nerves or blood vessels, because it causes pain as it invades surrounding tissues, or because it restricts the range of motion in a nearby joint.

What a soft tissue tumor limp looks like:

• A gradually worsening limp that has progressed over weeks to months
• A visible or palpable lump or mass on or near the affected leg
• The mass may feel firm or soft depending on the tumor type
• Swelling that does not resolve with rest or anti-inflammatory medication
• Your cat may lick or overgroom the area around the tumor
• In advanced cases, weight loss, decreased appetite, or general decline

Any new lump or mass on your senior cat warrants veterinary evaluation, even if it does not seem to be causing problems yet. Early detection and treatment of tumors generally leads to better outcomes. Your vet may recommend a fine-needle aspirate, where a small sample of cells is collected with a needle, or a biopsy to determine the type of tumor. Treatment depends on the tumor type and location and may include surgical removal, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Many soft tissue tumors in cats can be treated effectively if caught early. Do not adopt a wait-and-see approach with lumps on your senior cat.

Diagnosing the cause of your cat's limp

When you bring your limping senior cat to the vet, here is what you can expect during the diagnostic process:

• Physical examination: Your vet will observe your cat walking (if she will cooperate), then perform a thorough hands-on examination of the affected leg, feeling the joints, muscles, and bones for swelling, pain, instability, and range of motion. They will also check the nails and paw pads and palpate for masses
• Neurological assessment: If nerve damage is suspected, your vet will test reflexes, proprioception (your cat's awareness of where her feet are in space), and muscle tone in the affected limb
• X-rays: Radiographs are often the first imaging step and can reveal fractures, joint changes consistent with arthritis, bone tumors, dislocations, and some soft tissue swelling. They are relatively quick and often do not require sedation in cooperative cats
• Blood work: A complete blood count and chemistry panel can help identify underlying conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, infection, or systemic illness that may be contributing to the limp
• Joint aspiration: If a joint infection or immune-mediated joint disease is suspected, your vet may collect a small sample of fluid from the joint for analysis
• Advanced imaging: CT scans, MRI, or ultrasound may be recommended if X-rays do not provide a clear answer, or if soft tissue, spinal, or neurological problems are suspected
• Biopsy: If a mass or tumor is found, a tissue sample may be taken to determine its nature and guide treatment decisions

Be upfront with your veterinarian about your budget and your goals for treatment. A good vet will tailor the diagnostic plan to your situation. Sometimes a thorough physical exam and basic X-rays provide enough information to begin treatment, with more advanced diagnostics pursued only if needed. The goal is to find the cause of your cat's pain and develop a treatment plan that makes sense for both your cat and your family.

How to help your limping senior cat at home

While veterinary care is essential for diagnosing and treating the underlying cause of your cat's limp, there are several things you can do at home to make your cat more comfortable:

Create easy access to essentials

A limping cat should not have to navigate stairs, jump onto high surfaces, or walk long distances to reach food, water, and the litter box. Place everything your cat needs on one level of your home, ideally in a quiet, comfortable area. Use a litter box with a low entry, no more than two inches high, so your cat does not have to step over a high rim. Elevated food and water dishes can help cats who have difficulty bending down.

Provide soft, warm resting spots

A limping cat needs comfortable places to rest that are easy to access from the floor. Provide a thick, supportive bed at floor level or very low to the ground. Heated cat beds or a warm blanket can be especially soothing for cats with joint pain. Place resting spots in areas where your cat likes to spend time so she does not have to travel far.

Add traction to slippery surfaces

Hardwood, tile, and laminate floors can be treacherous for a limping cat. Place non-slip rugs, mats, or carpet runners along the paths your cat uses most frequently. This gives her better footing and reduces the risk of slipping and further injury.

Provide ramps and steps

If your cat insists on reaching her favorite perch on the bed, couch, or windowsill, provide pet stairs or a gently sloped ramp so she does not have to jump. Many senior cats will readily adapt to using steps once they realize it is less painful than jumping.

Maintain a healthy weight

Every extra ounce of body weight places additional stress on sore joints and injured legs. Work with your vet to determine your cat's ideal weight and develop a safe feeding plan if she needs to lose weight. Weight loss in cats must be done gradually, as rapid weight loss can trigger a dangerous liver condition called hepatic lipidosis.

Keep nails trimmed

Overgrown nails alter your cat's gait and can catch on carpets or bedding, causing pain or further injury. Trim nails every one to two weeks, or have your vet do it at regular checkups. Pay special attention to the dew claws, which are prone to overgrowth in sedentary senior cats.

Gentle interaction only

Avoid picking up your limping cat unless necessary, and when you must, support her body fully to avoid stressing the affected leg. Let her come to you for affection rather than handling her in ways that might cause pain. Children and other pets should be supervised to prevent accidental rough contact with the affected limb.

When to follow up with your vet

After your initial visit and the start of treatment, keep a close eye on your cat's limp and contact your veterinarian if:

• The limp is not improving within the timeframe your vet outlined
• The limp is getting worse despite treatment
• New symptoms appear, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, or changes in behavior
• Swelling or pain seems to be increasing
• Your cat stops eating or stops using the litter box
• You notice that the affected leg feels cold or the paw pads change color
• Your cat develops a limp in a different leg

Keep a brief daily diary noting the severity of your cat's limp, her activity level, her appetite, and any observations about her comfort. It is surprisingly easy to miss gradual improvement or gradual decline when you see your cat every day. A written log gives both you and your vet an objective record of how treatment is working and whether adjustments are needed.

Seeing your senior cat limp is painful for any loving owner, especially when you remember how effortlessly she once leapt to the top of the bookshelf or chased a toy mouse across the floor. But limping is your cat's way of telling you that she needs help, and the most important thing you can do is listen. Whether the cause turns out to be as manageable as an ingrown nail or as complex as a bone tumor, there are almost always options to reduce your cat's pain and improve her quality of life. Schedule that vet appointment, bring your video, share your observations, and work with your veterinarian to give your senior cat the comfort she deserves. She has given you years of companionship, and she is counting on you now.