What is wrong with my 4 week old kitten?

Question

My kitten is only 4 weeks old and now she walks, runs, climbs on the couch and plays a lot. I just noticed that she might have hurt her front right leg. She doesn't use it to walk anymore and she use to scratch me with her nails and now she wont even stick out her nails. I'm worried. Can I fix this problem myself or should I take her to the vet?

Answer 1

First of all, I have to say, I disagree strongly with the person who says your kitten might be "playing" games with you--playing games is learned behavior, and a 4 week-old kitten has not learned that behavior yet, they are still learning how to eat and climb!

This could be anything from a hip dysplasia to an injury, or a neurological problem.  Please do not hesitate to

1.  Call a vet immediately and get an informed opinion based on your answers to the proper questions they will ask you in order to do a remote diagnosis.  Make sure you get to speak with a vet, and not an assistant (they may just tell you to put ice on her leg, and although there are a lot of really good vet assistants out there, you may want to ask them what level of training they are at, or how long they have been assisting the vet), and

2. Go directly to a vet ASAP if advised to or if her condition worsens or spreads; if you have a walk-in vet clinic in your area go there if your regular vet can't take you right away.

It is always better to get an informed medical opinion when in doubt or if the condition seems serious, and though there are a lot of very good responses on this forum, it alarms me to see how many are ill-thought and ill-informed--though well-meaning enough.  I can't stress this enough: It is always safer to err on the side of caution, and get your little one to a doctor who can truly diagnose the problem, hands-on.  Or at least call a doctor and ask.  Keep in mind when we post responses to questions here, we are often missing important details a good vet will quickly unearth.  Such as, is she still with her mother?  Or, do you have another pet in the house who may have bitten him?  Or, do you know where she was born and who her mother is (if she came from a pet store or a kitten mill, there could be neurological problems caused by inbreeding which might in turn cause paralysis)?  These are extreme, yes, but until you're sure, consider all possibilities, then get a well-informed diagnosis.  Keep in mind also that kittens who aren't yet weaned don't yet have all the benefits of the antibodies in their mothers' milk which protect them from common ailments an older cat might recover more rapidly from.  Better safe than sorry.

Good luck, I hope your baby will be OK, or is already showing signs of recovery.

PS - Get your vet to recommend a good cat health reference book, or several-they have saved me a lot of worry and even helped me diagnose (and subsequently get to a vet) a medical condition in my cat.  The information within (going by symptoms) will help you to figure out if you really should get to a vet ASAP, or wait for the symptoms to pass.  Mine (3) have been life-savers for me.

Answer 2

I'd get her to the vet ASAP, but don't for get to take mum and siblings along so she doesn't get so scared.

Answer 3

I am not sure what is wrong but I would have her checked out by the veterinarian. There might be a foirgn body stuck in there (i.e. thorn or acorn chip etc.) Or maybe something pulled one of his nails or brused it.  Or maybe she is just playing with you! My cat does that. He acts like he broke his leg but as soon as you get him to the vet he just jumps out of his cage and starts walking around!!

Anyway I would have him checked out by the vet. I hope he gets better and I hope you find a good answer!

Answer 4

I think you should check out the paw and see if maybe there's something stuck in it....see if she cries when you touch it and if u dont see anything, take her to the vet

Answer 5

take her to the vet or at least call the vet first and ask about this.

Answer 6

First clam her down and apply a littel bit of pressure to her leg if she cries or hisses her leg might be broken. If she gets on counter tops and near stoves she might had have burned her paw or leg and refuses to walk on it. If or when you take her to the vet wrap her leg/paw in a light blanet or wound dressing so it doesn't hurt her in the car. If your cat jumps off of high places she might have fell. Make sure to watch her eating habits too. Also when to check for these thing make sure to clam her down so she doesnt freak out and not trust you anymore. **** Luck with your baby kitten.