TL;DR: A cat that is both limping and hiding is likely in significant pain and should be seen by a veterinarian within 12 to 24 hours. Seek immediate emergency care if the limb is dangling, there is significant bleeding, or your cat is unable to move.
Why is my cat limping and hiding?
When a cat exhibits both limping and hiding behavior, it is a strong indication that they are in significant pain or distress. Because cats are naturally both predators and prey, their instinct is to conceal vulnerability. Hiding under a bed is a defense mechanism used when they feel unable to protect themselves due to an injury, such as a sprain, a broken bone, an infected bite wound (abscess), or a sudden flare-up of a chronic condition like arthritis.
Is my cat limping and hiding a medical emergency?
- The urgency level for a cat that is limping and hiding is Medium.
- While it may not be a 'red-alert' life-threatening emergency like difficulty breathing, it indicates that your cat's pain has exceeded their ability to mask it.
- You should aim to have your cat evaluated by a veterinarian within 12 to 24 hours.
- If the limb is dangling, there is significant bleeding, or the cat is completely unable to move, you should proceed to an emergency clinic immediately.
How does sending a photo or video help the veterinarian triage my cat?
- Capturing a photo or a short video of your cat is an invaluable tool for your veterinary team if it can be done without stressing them further.
- A photo of the affected limb can reveal subtle swelling or an abnormal angle that might be hard to describe.
- Videos of the cat attempting to walk help the vet categorize the type of lameness.
- This visual evidence allows the triage staff to prioritize your cat's case and provides a clear 'before' picture if the cat's behavior changes once they reach the clinic.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
In cats presenting with lameness, the stride may be shortened on the affected side, and in hindlimb lameness, the head is often dropped during weight bearing. Limbs should be assessed from distal to proximal, palpating bones, joints, and soft tissues for abnormalities such as swelling, pain, instability, crepitation, reduced range of motion, and muscle atrophy. Subtle lameness may require serial examinations before and after exercise. Diagnostic imaging, including survey and contrast radiographs, ultrasonography, nuclear scintigraphy, CT, and MRI, can be helpful. Changes in behavior, such as hiding or withdrawal, can also indicate pain. Fear may also lead to avoidance, withdrawal, and hiding. For fractious animals, sedation with butorphanol and acepromazine, propofol, medetomidine (alone or combined with butorphanol or hydromorphone), or a combination of ketamine, diazepam, and acepromazine may be required to facilitate palpation, radiography, and arthrocentesis.
Chapter: Orthopedics, Neurology, Anesthesia
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1193)