You'll know your cat's back legs are weak if they have a wobbly or unsteady gait, stumble, struggle to jump/climb, limp, or their legs give out, often accompanied by less grooming, more rest, or difficulty with litter box use, indicating potential serious issues like blood clots, nerve problems, or diseases, requiring immediate vet attention.
Weak back legs and loss of balance in cats often indicate vestibular system damage or inner ear infection. Symptoms include unsteady walking, falling to the side, and weakness. Diagnosis requires veterinary examination.
Vigorously scratch the top of your cat's rear end. Some cats find this stimulating and will shift their weight from side to side. This exercise strengthens the hind and/or front limbs. To strengthen the front limbs, lift the cat under the abdomen so rear legs are off the ground.
A full physical examination will be performed, including gentle manipulation of the affected limb/limbs, and perhaps a test to determine whether your cat has a pain response. Further diagnostic testing may be required possibly including an MRI scan, CT scan, or X-rays.
The most common cause of rear limb paralysis in cats is a blood clot that goes to the back leg, called a saddle thrombus or arterial thromboembolism (ATE). This clot blocks blood flow to the affected limb(s). A clot in the back leg suddenly causes the cat to be unable to put full weight on the affected leg.
Signs That a Cat is in Pain
Frequent or ongoing meowing or howling. Litter box accidents, urinating outside of their litterbox. Tail flicking. Won't eat or reduced appetite.
Also known as CH and wobbly cat syndrome, it is a neurological disorder that causes sudden jerky movements, uncoordinated motion and loss of balance. In CH cats, the cerebellum of the brain fails to develop properly. Cats with CH have a normal life expectancy. It is not a life shortening condition.
Cat Walking Funny: Possible Hind Leg or Back Issues
Cats may develop arthritis or nerve issues affecting mobility and hind leg function. A cat walking unusually or avoiding jumping can indicate hind leg weakness, spinal problems, or nerve damage. Symptoms include altered gait, reluctance to jump, or clawing to climb.
Regardless of the type, the clinical signs of Cushing's disease are essentially the same. In the early stages, cats may develop weight gain, a bloated-looking or pendulous abdomen, muscle loss over the spine, and an enlarged liver. A few cats will lose weight.
Sudden Hindquarter Paralysis
If your cat suddenly cannot move their back legs, seek emergency care immediately. This terrifying symptom often indicates saddle thrombus—a blood clot blocking blood flow. Affected cats typically vocalize painfully and have cold rear limbs.
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often progressing until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart muscle disease, both often showing few symptoms until advanced stages, along with Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver), leading to sudden illness or organ failure if undetected. Early detection through regular vet check-ups, blood tests, and monitoring for subtle changes like increased thirst/urination, weight loss, or hiding is crucial for managing these common, often hidden, feline diseases, says this article.
Cats that ultimately regain rear limb function are generally showing improvement within 4 days though it can take as long as a couple of weeks. The cat may require a great deal of nursing care until he/she is able to walk. For information on care of a pet with rear limb paralysis click here.
The final stage signs that show a cat approaching the end of life include: Unresponsiveness or lack of alertness. Shallow breathing, gasping, or death rattle.
A loss of balance can occur when a cat is suffering from vestibular disease. Your cat may experience issues with standing on all four legs, and you may even notice your cat leaning or falling over at times, which can be a frightening sight.
Back legs are also important to keep an eye on – if your cat suddenly develops a stiff-legged gait or has rear-leg weakness, kidney problems are likely prevalent within your pet.
Some cats become clingier or demand more attention, while others just become cranky. Generally, sick cats also have lower energy levels. The only thing you may notice is that your cat sleeps more, does not play as much, or is restless.
What Are the Warning Signs of Cushing's? Vets refer to the five P's: polyuria and polydipsia (increased urination and drinking), polyphagia (excessive hunger), panting, and a pot belly appearance. Owners may notice changes in the skin and coat, such as symmetrical hair loss on the body or a thinner skin.
The LDDST requires three blood samples. The first sample is taken before dexamethasone injection, and the second and third samples are taken four and eight hours after injection. Cushing's disease diminishes or loses this negative feedback loop because cortisol is always high.
If you haven't been using a glucocorticoid medicine, these tests may help pinpoint the cause of Cushing syndrome:
The cat may remain compressed with their legs tucked underneath themselves while lying down instead of stretching out. The cat may make facial expressions that are out of the ordinary, such as closing their eyes, squinting, or flattening their ears, and their cheeks, nose, and mouth may appear more tense than usual.
Look for these signs:
The first signs of feline leukemia (FeLV) are often subtle and include loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, and a poor coat, but many cats show no signs initially until the virus weakens their immune system, leading to recurrent infections (respiratory, skin, bladder), persistent fever, enlarged lymph nodes, pale gums, and chronic diarrhea. These symptoms stem from FeLV attacking blood cells and suppressing immunity, making cats vulnerable to other illnesses.
The number one killer of cats depends on age and lifestyle, but cancer is the leading cause of death in older cats, while Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), accidents/trauma (especially for younger cats), and diseases like kidney/heart issues are major factors, with FeLV often cited as the top infectious killer. Causes range from diseases like FeLV, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and FIP, to organ system failures (kidney, heart), and external factors like poisons or trauma.
Weak back legs in cats are actually pretty common, especially as they get older and enter their senior years. As our feline friends age, their muscles and joints naturally weaken, causing mobility issues. But it's not just older cats. Sudden weakness in the hind legs can happen to any kitty at any age.
Cats have a unique way of expressing discomfort, often choosing isolation when they're not feeling well. To better understand this behavior, it helps to explore the instincts that influence cats to hide when they're sick and what cat owners can do to interpret these signals effectively.