Help! Cat walking weird!

sarah schnoor · Jan 1, 2016

Hi,

So my kitten (4 months old; all shots/boosters/spayed done by 2 months) suddenly started walking weird tonight. I would describe it as a monkey's gait: She moves her front two legs forward and then brings her back legs up to adjust, instead of walking left-side-then-right-side.

It is also worth noting that the only reason I was inspecting her so closely was because of an intial red flag: She slept ALL day. (I was home for the holiday and thus was around to monitor her activity.) She did not move up from the spot she curled up on in my bed, where I placed her this morning.

When she finally arose some 12 hours later, I inspected 1) her behavior: Normal. 2)Her appetite: Normal. 3) Her usage of the liter box: Normal.

The only thing that was off was how she was walking. She's not shaking, so I don't think it is a fever. Also, she is still social.

What could it be? Does she need medical attention? Is it brain damage? What's wrong with my kitten?!? :/

jano437 · Jan 1, 2016

I would have her checked out just to be on the safe side of precaution

LTS3 · Jan 1, 2016

Unfortunately no one here on TCS or the Internet can diagnose your kitten. You really need to take your kitten to a vet as soon as you can. I know today is New Year's Day and many vets are closed but give your vet a call anyways. The after hours voicemail message will tell you who to call for emergencies. There's likely a vet ER in your area. You can also check for one using this directory: http://www.veccs.org/facility-directory/

A good general rule is to at least call the vet if anything seems off with your pet, whether it's something relatively minor like an itchy scabby patch of skin or something more serious like frequent vomiting or not walking normally. The vet tech / receptionist will determine if your pet needs to be seen immediately or within a reasonable amount of time or may even refer you to a vet ER.

handsome kitty · Jan 1, 2016

There was an thread regarding the same thing ( I will look for it in a minute) and it was a virus. First limping, then a fever, lasts like 3 days. You must make sure the kitten eats and drinks.

Here is the link to the thread. @catwoman707 knew about it.

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/311372/...mping-lethargic-wont-eat-and-has-a-fever-help

Does this sound like your kitten?

I think you need to see the vet and ask them to check for this.

catwoman707 · Jan 1, 2016

Handsome Kitty said:
There was an thread regarding the same thing ( I will look for it in a minute) and it was a virus. First limping, then a fever, lasts like 3 days. You must make sure the kitten eats and drinks.

Here is the link to the thread. @catwoman707 knew about it.

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/311372/...mping-lethargic-wont-eat-and-has-a-fever-help

Does this sound like your kitten?

I think you need to see the vet and ask them to check for this.

What I question here is your cat is eating, with normal behavior and social, the strain of calicivirus that the referenced thread talks about is distinct in that it does cause a fever and sleepiness, lack of eating, and hiding away while it works itself through.

I highly recommend seeing a vet asap.

stephenq · Jan 1, 2016

Sarah Schnoor said:
Hi,
So my kitten (4 months old; all shots/boosters/spayed done by 2 months) suddenly started walking weird tonight. I would describe it as a monkey's gait: She moves her front two legs forward and then brings her back legs up to adjust, instead of walking left-side-then-right-side.

It is also worth noting that the only reason I was inspecting her so closely was because of an intial red flag: She slept ALL day. (I was home for the holiday and thus was around to monitor her activity.) She did not move up from the spot she curled up on in my bed, where I placed her this morning.

When she finally arose some 12 hours later, I inspected 1) her behavior: Normal. 2)Her appetite: Normal. 3) Her usage of the liter box: Normal.
The only thing that was off was how she was walking. She's not shaking, so I don't think it is a fever. Also, she is still social.

What could it be? Does she need medical attention? Is it brain damage? What's wrong with my kitten?!? :/

When cats suddenly starting walking REALLY weirdly, i.e. Not just a limp I get very concerned. It could be neurological but if this was my cat I'd be straight to the vet inc,using after hours 24/7 vet if need be.

sarah schnoor · Jan 2, 2016

Thank you all! I will get her to a vet, even though she has no signs of fever or of being in any pain. I have a feeling that she had a growth spurt while she was sleeping all day and it caused some growth problems. The vet will probably prescribe exercise! Lol

Help! Cat walking weird!

sarah schnoor

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jano437

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LTS3

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handsome kitty

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catwoman707

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stephenq

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sarah schnoor

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