Why Is My Cat Walking Funny
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
Abnormal cat gait: vestibular disease, injury, saddle thrombus, and neurological issues. Some causes are life-threatening emergencies.
Understanding This Symptom
A subtle shift in a cat’s behaviour is often the first and only early warning. Catching it depends entirely on knowing their baseline. This resource covers the most common causes, warning signs that indicate an emergency, and what you can expect at the veterinarian.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Go to an emergency clinic now for any of: laboured or open-mouthed breathing, collapse, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, or sudden inability to use the hind legs. These do not improve with waiting.
Common Causes
Less Serious Causes
More Serious Causes
- Poisoning or toxic exposure
What to Watch For
- Lethargy or reluctance to move or play
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in stool
Home Care and First Steps
Veterinary Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will typically:
- Perform a thorough physical examination
Treatment Options
Prevention
Long-Term Management
When to Get a Second Opinion
Related Symptom Guides
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- Why Is My Cat Vomiting?
- Why Is My Cat Hiding?
- Why Is My Cat Sneezing?
- Why Is My Cat Losing Weight?
Should I go to the emergency vet?
Go now if both back legs are cold, painful, and dragging, or if the cat is open-mouth breathing. That pattern can be a saddle thrombus. A head tilt with vomiting, in a cat that cannot stand, should be seen the same day. A stiff cat that loosens up after a few steps can be booked this week.
How much will treatment cost?
A wobbly or uncoordinated cat needs a neurologic exam. The clinic separates a vestibular problem, low potassium, arthritis, and a saddle thrombus. Bloodwork and blood pressure are common. Films or a referral are later. Ask what the first visit is meant to localize.
Can I treat this at home?
Confine the cat and note whether the head is tilted, the back legs are cold, or the cat is knuckling a paw. Never give ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen. Cold, painful back legs are an emergency trip, carried in a carrier.
Editorially reviewed by the Pet Care Helper AI editorial team
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