Cat having trouble walking

**shoiji** · 08-28-2011, 09:00 AM

My cat tried to jump on the bed which she always does. This time she didn't make it and fell hard. I just heard her thump. So I went to check on her and she was having problems getting her hind feet working. I went to her and checked her hips and feet. At first she looked hunched and like she was dragging her hind feet.

Now with a little coaxing she seems to be able to walk upright on her hind feet but is a little unsteady. Not sure what is going on with her. The vet opens in an hour. I can call them. Not sure if she strained something when she fell or what is going on.

Suggestions?

**ladykemma2** · 08-28-2011, 09:33 AM

sounds like spinal cord damage, herniated disk?

**Contrary Housewife** · 08-28-2011, 10:11 AM

If she let you touch her and does not seem sensitive (hissing or scratching when you touch her) I would watch her for a few hours and see if it gets better.

**Debbie-cat** · 08-28-2011, 10:14 AM

Poor thing! I would take her to the vet as soon as it opens. If it was just a torn ligament or muscle, it wouldn't affect both legs and feet. I hope she is okay and gets better soon. Hugs

**shoiji** · 08-28-2011, 10:29 AM

She seems to be doing better. I am able to move her hind legs and touch her feet and put pressure on them. I think she may have sprained her foot or toe when she fell. Just had her walk around to be sure she was ok. Now letting her rest.

Think it was is a sprain since she let me pull and push on her hind legs and when she walks she is not favoring any hind foot. Will just keep an eye on her. Neighbor told me to let her know if I need to take her to the vet.

Between the earthquake and hurricane think I may be more alarmed than need be. Don't worry I will keep on checking on her just to be sure.

**Daisygirl** · 08-28-2011, 04:56 PM

Fingers crossed that your kitty recovers quickly - how is she doing now?

**shoiji** · 08-28-2011, 07:01 PM

Right now she is snoring away under the bed. She has been able to walk but I can tell she is being careful standing or sitting. When I call her name she does not raise her tail. A friend is taking me tomorrow morning to the vet. There are not any vets open today. She seems to be doing ok but think she should get checked out.

**Daisygirl** · 08-28-2011, 07:23 PM

Thanks for the update - I hope she is feeling much better soon. Get some rest too, mama!!

**nodmicks** · 08-28-2011, 08:59 PM

I hope she recovers soon. hugs

**Debbie-cat** · 08-28-2011, 09:22 PM

I hope she recovers quickly. Hugs.

**cheryl65** · 08-29-2011, 12:03 AM

I hope your kitty is feeling much better. Hugs to you both!

**shoiji** · 08-29-2011, 10:21 AM

Just got back from the vet. He thinks she has a soft tissue injury to her back. He liked that fact that she could scurry away when we put her on the floor. He gave her a steroid shot and steriod pills and antibiotics to give her. The antibiotics are for any cuts on her skin we can't see. The vet thinks she should be fine in a couple of days and to just let her rest.

Thanks for the support everyone. Was really scarry seeing her drag her hind legs behind her. She can walk now but you can tell she is being careful. The vet also said sometimes when they fall they can jam their tail which might be what happened.

Just glad went to the vet and she should be fine in a couple of days.

**Libby** · 08-29-2011, 10:57 AM

Glad to hear she's somewhat alright. Maybe some quality snuggle time is in order later today?

**cheryl65** · 08-29-2011, 11:01 AM

Glad to hear the good news.

**Rhayne** · 08-29-2011, 12:02 PM

Glad to hear she should be ok. I agree with the tail idea since they use that for balance. She may not be trying to be careful as much as she's just trying to find her balance. We had a cat once who's tail was run over and had to be removed. Took him a while to regain his balance (fell and stumbled for about a month) but then was fine.