TL;DR: A cat crossing its legs while walking likely has ataxia, a sign of coordination or neurological issues, and should be evaluated by a veterinarian within 24 to 48 hours unless symptoms are severe.
What does it mean if my cat is crossing their legs while walking?
If you notice your cat crossing their legs while walking, they are likely experiencing a condition known as ataxia or a gait abnormality. This lack of coordination often indicates that there is a disruption in the communication between the brain, the spinal cord, and the limbs. It can manifest as a "drunken" walk, stumbling, or legs scissoring over one another. Common causes include neurological disorders, spinal injuries, inner ear infections affecting balance, or metabolic issues.
When should I treat my cat crossing their legs as a medical emergency?
- Schedule a veterinary assessment within the next 24 to 48 hours for general gait abnormalities.
- Seek immediate emergency care if your cat is unable to stand or appears to be in significant pain.
- Seek urgent care if your cat has cold hind paws or if the symptoms appeared suddenly following a trauma.
- Visit a veterinarian immediately if the behavior is accompanied by lethargy or a refusal to eat.
How does a photo or video help my vet triage my cat's condition?
- Provide a video of your cat walking at home to show natural movement, as cats often hide symptoms or refuse to walk in a stressful clinic environment.
- Use video to help the vet identify whether the movement issue is localized to the spine, the brain, or a specific limb.
- Capture these visual details to ensure a more efficient, accurate, and faster diagnostic process.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Lameness in cats, which may manifest as the affected limb being pulled back and down quickly during walking, giving the impression of the foot "slapping down" on the ground, can be caused by fibrotic myopathy, particularly of the semitendinosus muscle, or by restrictions due to annular ligaments, adhesions, or severe fibrosis. Aortic thromboembolism, often secondary to cardiomyopathy, hyperthyroidism, or congenital heart disease, can also cause hindlimb paresis or paralysis, characterized by pain, reduced or absent femoral/pedal pulses, and cool, swollen gastrocnemius muscles; Doppler ultrasonography can help assess blood flow. Treatment for thromboembolism includes analgesics, nursing care, anticoagulants (e.g., heparin), and addressing the underlying disease, although the prognosis remains guarded with a high mortality or euthanasia rate during the initial episode.
Chapter: Neurology, Orthopedics
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1096)