My cat is limping, and I'd like some advice.?

You're right. Definitely bring him to the vet. Cats are really REALLY good at hiding their pain. So, if he's showing some pain, it must be pretty serious. He may have gotten injured outside. But he may have arthritis, and the vet can give medication for that. But he's not going to limp over something unnecessary. Try really hard to get your parents to bring him to the vet. Throw out the "animal abuse word" a few times. You don't want to neglect this problem.

It's likely that he's just old and can't get around like he used to. If it's cold where you live it can slow him down and his bones may be weaker than when he was young. I would talk to a vet at least on the phone to discuss whether it is likely that he actually has a bone disorder or just old age. He should have his check up with the vet. Our cat was injured by jumping out our window (he got his leg stuck and strained it) and he healed within a few weeks. He just had to rest more. He is an outside cat. He doesn't like the house much either, but we left him a blanket to keep warm outside and a pillow to relax on. He actually used it and got well fast. If he whines or seems to be in pain, then it is serious enough to take him to a vet.

EDIT: Jeez Shelley, what the hell is your problem? A dirt nap? That's a horrible way to put it if you mean that the cat is too old or just nearing the end of his life. You really shouldn't say things like that to someone who is worried about their pet.

Short answer (and the correct one) - Take The Cat To The Vet.

Would your parents take you to a doctor if you started limping?

As for it being "old age" - we have had two cats who lived to be 20 1/2 years old and neither of them limped due to old age.

We've also had cats live to 16, 17, 18, and 19 years of age without any arthritis or other problems caused by age.

Of the 24 cats my wife and I have had, only two had any real problem with arthritis.

Take your cat to the vet.

Again - would your parents take you to the doctor if you started limping? - I hope the answer is Yes.

Tell them that your cat is a member of the family and needs the same quality and quantity of medical care that any other family member receives.

Also - make him an indoor cat from now on. There are just too many dangers outside.

Give him a lot of attention, play with him, and he will adapt to being inside.

Don't give in and let him outside. He doesn't need to go out.

If it just started, it may be an injury, but in a cat this age, it could also be more than that. I would suggest getting him in to the vet, but if your parents won't take him, then I am not sure what to do.

You CANNOT give any over the counter meds, as cats do not tolerate most of the ones that are out there.

If it goes on for more than 2 days, you need to get him in to the vet.

Older cats do usually develop some arthritis and it is more general over all the body joints. So if it's just the one leg it's most likely an injury. Pulled tendons can take a long time to heal.

I would encourage you to gradually increase his indoor time till he is pretty much there most of the time. Certainly try getting him to stay inside after dark.

Older cats also have diminished visual capability and hearing capability, response time to avoid problems, etc. It can cost him his life. Since he has done so well all these years you need to help him accept his limitations and enjoy the safety, warmth and companionship of inside life.

Well as a nurse at an animal center my advice is to keep the cat from putting pressure on the leg, AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. Feel the leg and try to find spots that feel most painful to him, when you do, get a cloth with water (as hot as he can stand it) and cover those spots. If you have an A.C.E bandage try to wrap up the leg. If you don't then get a shirt that you do not like and cut them up to wrap the leg. Remember to change the warm cloth ever hour. Do not let him go outside!!! Especially if you live in a Rocky Region. If he is bleeding or still has pain after about 1-2 days you really should get him checked.

Keep him indoors as he will not be able to flee from predators.

At 17 he certainly has arthritis and supplementation may be beneficial.

Cats as early as 1 year of age may have arthritic changes so supplementation is a good idea.

Cosequin or SynoviG3 and omega fatty acids will help decrease inflammation and lubricate his joints.

Take him to the vet to ensure he has not been biten by another animal.

Also an xray may be helpful.

I would probably take him to a vet now. He could have arthritis developing from old age. They may be able to provide medicine for it.

check the cats paw for anything that couldve gotten stuck. if he keeps limping take him to the vet

You should probly take him to the vet, he might have arthritis though.