"Ritalin Cat" limping

Swiffer Mop is a super active "kid" (aka Ritalin Cat) but yesterday morning he started whimpering and although he tries to walk

he tries to keep weight off the front leg an licks it, pretty constantly.

I checked for swelling or bumps and don't think he broke anything.

How long would Swiffer Mop be limping,  how long does a sprain heal?

Any other advise besides rest?

Thanks so much. 

Sorry Swiffter Mop is having problems with his leg.

If it is a simple sprain, about a week.  He could also have pulled a tendon.

But I an concerned that he is licking and whimpering--cats are nortious for hiding pain and the fact that he is verbalizing pain, would make me worry.

So at the least I'd call the vets.

When Ritz injured her back leg, it took a couple of days for her to walk normally again, but then she reinjured it (she has FHS so during one of her episodes she ran back and forth thus reinjuring)  so it took a few more days.  The second time I started giving her glucosamine and chondrotin + MSM (brand name is sometimes Cosequin or Dasequin).  You can get it PetSmart/PetCo.  Seems to help.

And yes do call the vets for their advice.

Thanks, Ritz,

SwifferMop is back to his old self-  runnung 100mph down the hall until he "breaks" by smashing into the closed door. Swiffer is unique in that he needs to be center of attention. When he doesn't get it he starts moving picture frames, slap the wind chimes around or bug the other cats.  Basically, that's why his nickname is Ritalin Cat.

He verbalized his pain for the super attention he got, at the time. Once I saw he was putting more weight on his paw after about 3-4 days, I knew he was getting better. Now, after 8 days he forgot about his hurt paw and he's back to normal.

My house is full of handicappers (cats) and abandoned furballs.  I too do rescues and feed the strays around the neighborhood.

Thanks again for the reassurance.  Hope your day goes well.  Nonna aka Diana Hanson