Is your cat limping and you don't know why? It could be her paw, a muscle, or a joint that's bothering her — but she won't be able to meow the exact location of what's ailing her. Cats may limp for a variety of reasons. So, it's important to understand what to look for and learn how to help alleviate her distress.

Common Causes of Limping

Sometimes, your cat may be limping from a simple accident. She may have gotten something stuck in her paw pad, or she may even have a slight muscle strain. Wait until your cat is calm and lying down. Then, try to inspect her leg and paw. Look for noticeable swelling, redness or signs of pain like meowing or flinching when you lightly touch the area. Wag! points out that a cat with a paw pad injury, such as an ingrown claw, may also lick one paw excessively or avoid walking on that foot. Even if you don't see any swollen paws, and she seems to be doing most of her usual activities, a little limp may warrant calling your veterinarian to prevent an infection setting in.

One danger for cats that can sometimes cause leg injuries is "high rise syndrome," says the Animal Medical Center of New York. A curious cat can easily jump out of an open window and fall. Make sure your windows have strong screens and never leave them open when you're not at home. Even a jump from a high bookshelf can injure an elderly (or a very small) cat, so be aware of how much access she has to high perches.

Arthritis is another issue that can cause cat limping. An older cat who walks stiffly, no longer jumps onto or off of the couch, or suddenly becomes reclusive may be suffering from joint pain. Your vet may recommend changing her food to one that supports joint health or fixing her a new napping corner in a warm, low-to-the-ground spot.

If things do not improve within twenty-four hours, it is best to have the limp looked at by a vet to avoid any long-term damage. Cats are great at hiding their pain, so if she is showing signs, it is likely severe enough that your vet should take a look. Your vet may also take an X-ray to determine the cause of your cat's leg injury.

Getting to the Vet

If your cat is in pain, the process of coaxing her into her cat carrier for a trip to the vet may be more difficult than usual. Here are a few things to keep in mind to make the trip less stressful for you and your fur baby:

• Try putting a blanket or shirt that your cat likes to snuggle up to on inside the carrier — one that smells like you may calm her down. Line it with a sprinkle of catnip or a treat and one of her favorite soft toys.
• If your cat will not go into the carrier on her own, handle her gently and be cautious about forcing her into the carrier. You don't want her to injure herself more. You can put her on a blanket and wrap her up to help her feel secure before placing her in the carrier to risk injury to her or yourself.