It’s always upsetting when a pet seems unwell and our normally playful buddy just isn’t acting right.
That was the case with perezcious reader, Jennifer Heard, who asked Dr. Patrick:
i have 12 cats but the one has a lot of trouble jumping, she is in no pain and she can walk but i think she has something wrong with her hips. She is still young and lively and lives a happy life but she cannot jump up fences or jump from one object to the next, and if she falls from a height she is not landing as a normal cat does and can sometimes land on her back.
Also when landing she does not bend her back legs, i always thought it might be hip dyslasia, but i didnt think that that would affect cats. It would be a great help if you could recommend something to help her.
Thank you xxx
Dr. Partrick responded:
Jennifer,
Thank you for your question regarding your mobility compromised cat.
If she has trouble jumping, then she is likely having some degree of discomfort, likely in her hind end. The issue could be with her low back (lumbar spine), hips, knees, ankles, toes, or other. Her issue could be hip dysplasia or a variety of other orthopedic or soft tissue conditions that affect both cats and dogs.
If she is not properly able to use her legs (any of the 4 that she has) to support herself when she falls, then she could seriously injure herself.
Schedule an examination with your veterinarian and definitely get some radiographs (xrays) to best evaluate her overall health. Supplements like Glucosamine/Chondroitin and Omega 3 Fatty Acids (fish oil) can benefit your cat’s joints and reduce her reliance on other medication to control pain that can potentially have serious side effects.
Until you schedule the examination and have a better idea what is going on with your cat, it is best to prevent her from further traumatizing herself by keeping her inside and off of elevated surfaces (from which she could take a dangerous tumble).
Good luck,
Dr PM
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