Kitty can't walk all of a sudden

alainneanam

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I have this kitten that is about 10 weeks old. She has never been outside. Yesterday we shut her in my daughter's room (as we always do; that's where her box and food are) and went to church. When we returned, she was limping and crying out. As the day went on, she got worse. She cries out if I leave her side. She only eats if I hand feed her. She won't drink without help. She hasn't used her box. This morning she can't walk. She scoots herself till she can get her front legs under her then she takes very quick short steps. She can't make it far before she falls in exhaustion. It's her front legs.

What should I do? I can't afford a vet visit till Friday. I've been trying to find her a home (she's the last of her litter) but now I don't know. I'm not gonna do that to her and will probably keep her. My other cat has accepted her so...
 

solomonar

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There are 2 possible situations, in my humble opinion:

a) broken bones (fracture)

b) head trauma

I suspect the kitty fell. Not for sure, but likely.

Check the paws as well. If the cat miows or bites then the paws are injured as well.

I am afraid that it is very little you can do. The situation is a vet emergency.

You may ask a vet who do home-visits, or take the cat to a shelter vet for first aid at least.. If broken legs and get fixed in a vicious position, the kitty will suffer entire life.  I do not know whether the backbone is also injured or some other bones. Difficult to say.

Today is Monday, in my opinion it is not advisable to wait until Friday. If stops eating and drinking, in absence of a specialized assistance, the end is due in a matter of hours.
 
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stephenq

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I have this kitten that is about 10 weeks old. She has never been outside. Yesterday we shut her in my daughter's room (as we always do; that's where her box and food are) and went to church. When we returned, she was limping and crying out. As the day went on, she got worse. She cries out if I leave her side. She only eats if I hand feed her. She won't drink without help. She hasn't used her box. This morning she can't walk. She scoots herself till she can get her front legs under her then she takes very quick short steps. She can't make it far before she falls in exhaustion. It's her front legs.

What should I do? I can't afford a vet visit till Friday. I've been trying to find her a home (she's the last of her litter) but now I don't know. I'm not gonna do that to her and will probably keep her. My other cat has accepted her so...
She needs a vet now, see if you're vet will accept  delayed payment?
 

solomonar

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Make sure the cat do not attempt jumping. By all means, prevent the cat to try jumping (I understand she cannot jump, but she may very well attempt to do it).

Do your best to feed and hydrate her.  

Try to improvise a soft restraint to support the cat in order not to put pressure on the broken legs (some small pillows under her body, for instance). 

Manipulate the cat as little as possible (backbone can be injured as well).

===

The above are from the assumption the cat fell. Have a look in the room. to identify potential places that could serve as "launching posts) for the cat. Please be aware that cats do not manege to fall safely from less than 30 cm (12 inch or so). 

But it may be very well some intoxication. Have a look in the room to spot such sources of intoxication, especially pills.

====

If you cant go to any vet, try call one. Or go to a vet college - some may offer free assistance, I do not know. Some cabinets may offer free of charge as well in particular circumstances - you may shop around.
 
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alainneanam

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Headed to vet. Thanks everyone. Will update soon.
 
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alainneanam

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She is on antibiotics, de-wormed, and had both a topical and pill flea treatment. She was running a fever. I got her home and she already seems better.
 
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