The cat has weak hind legs: what to do and what are the risks


Your cat can’t walk well? Here is what problem there is in the cat that has weak hind legs and how to cure it.

Does the cat have difficulty walking and we have noticed that it is ‘dragging’ its hind legs? It is almost certain that the problem is localized there. It happens especially in cats at an early age, which do not behave like everyone else because they move much less. Let’s see what are the possible causes to this problem and how to solve them to ensure the cat that has weak hind legs a normal life.


The skeleton of the cat: the bone structure

What’s under that hairy, soft blanket of our cat? Together with the joints, muscles etc., the cat’s bone system consists of about 280 bones: the number can vary depending on the number of bones in the tail (which changes depending on the breed). A peculiarity common to all felines is their quality: these are extremely flexible bones, which allow the cat to make big jumps, even from very risky heights.

In addition to the bones of the skull, jaw and teeth, there are:

  • 7 cervical vertebrae,
  • 13 thoracic,
  • 7 lumbar,
  • 3 sacrals,
  • 22 or 23 caudal (depends on the tail),
  • 13 ribs per side,
  • 41 bones of the front legs and 39 hind legs.

If the cat does not walk well…

Have you noticed that lately your cat staggers when advancing? It may not even be a problem related to the bones, but also for example to a strong otitis. The sense of hearing is in fact the one that regulates its balance and, when it does not work well, it is likely that the cat will skid and not deambulate well at all, with considerable imbalances even in the same posture when stationary.

Let’s look at the age of the feline: if it is an elderly cat. In fact, among the first signs of old age in the cat certainly include problems with bones, teeth and changes in the coat (which perhaps becomes gray and loses shine). for a cat of 6-7 years then could also (but not only) have balance problems for joint pain. But, in addition to old age, there may also be other causes, as we will see below.


How to notice that the cat has motor difficulties

It is not enough just to see it in action, because the cat will often tend to stand still and move as little as possible. Unlike its peers, we certainly won’t see them try its hand at stunts and jumps from incredible height: the fear of getting hurt will block its every movement. It will probably prefer to be alone and will not want to socialize, nor to be in company. Even in normal routine and grooming operations, the cat may be ‘different’ from others. So lameness is just one of the signs of this kind of problems.


The cat has weak hind legs: possible causes

When the cat does not walk well, it is normal to want to go to the bottom, especially if it is a young cat and not with the ‘usual’ age-related problems. Here are the possible causes for a cat that has this problem:

  • Nutritional deficiencies: perhaps in its diet there is no correct intake of vitamins, but also of minerals and proteins. Let our veterinarian advise us on a diet that contains these properties in adequate doses.
  • Diseases of the marrow: If the problem is at the nerve endings, it is likely that it cannot control the movements.
  • Osteoarthritis in the cat: it is often difficult to recognize because the cat, unlike the dog, limps much less and less noticeably than dog. In addition, the stage of walking difficulties is usually when the bone pathology has been ongoing for a while and manifests itself with this last ‘signal’.
  • Accident: If a cat has had trauma to the bones, it will no longer move with agility. It is not necessarily a blow to the bones, but also for example the weight in an obese cat, which pushes on the joints and weakens them.
  • Post-operative: after an operation, the cat’s paws can weaken, especially if the operation carried out was localized there. This is a side effect of the operation.

The cat has weak hind legs: care

If your veterinarian can figure out what the underlying problem is, they are likely to recommend a medication-based treatment or will recommend surgery directly. Maybe it is useful to prevent this type of problems with a healthy and balanced diet and constant control of the cat’s weight, to prevent it from gaining too much weight. We ask the expert for advice on the choice of foods, so as to also strengthen his immune system.


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