[Katherinehsp]

Hi all, I am new.

I am seeking out advice on my cat Buckwheat. I do have a vet appointment for Saturday but would prefer not to take him. Buckwheat is a 3 year old domestic short hair. He is 16 lbs. And seemingly healthy. Several times in his life he had hurt his back leg and actually lifted it up and fell back when it hurt -- wincing in pain. Both times I took him to the vet and he seemed to recover (in about a week). The vet indicated he might have just jumped on it wrong. She gave me some pills for joints and told him to go on a diet. X-rays were taken but they were fine. Both times my pet insurance wouldn't pay for my visits as *just a joint issue* isn't really covered.

So, after a scare with kidney problems I have been potentially feeding him a bit more. He could have gained a little weight although at last check up he had lost. I am currently juggling getting new food for him -- low protein. Changed from diet food.

So last Saturday he starts slightly limping. In fact I was fortunate enough that I was leaving for LA and I had a vet tech from the vet come pet sit. I told her and she said she would keep an eye on it. She never even saw him limping and thought he was fine. But when I returned I could see it. He seems to limp the most when he gets up from sitting.

Yet he absolutely acts like he doesn't notice it. Although on occasion he lifts his paw... that he is limping on... he runs around my place like a hellion. He charges at his reflection in the window. He charges at me when I come home. He doesn't wince in pain and if I was not looking closely I would have no idea. I am actually stressed trying to keep him still.

Yet he clearly favors the leg. Not only when walking but when sitting down he rolls the leg up under him. It has been now 4 days and I feel like that should have been enough time to see improvement but I don't see any.

I have checked his paws and I don't see anything. He is one of those cats that always complains whenever you try to examine any part of him so it is hard to tell if he is sick or in pain from touching them or simply thinks he is going to get his nails cut. Which he hates.

I don't want to go to the vet for several reasons (1) Buckwheat always comes back in worse shape than he left. So if he has something wrong with his leg I don't want it getting worse because he is struggling to open his cage; (2) I am pretty sure the pet insurance wouldn't pay for it; and (3) some part of me feels like I shouldn't go if he isn't in pain or meowing.

But then again, I think if there is something wrong and my cat is merely one of those high tolerance for pain cats, and I didn't get it taken care of, I would be kicking myself. Any advice?

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[vengeancethecat]

My advice is for you to take your cat to the vet. Not all cats meow when they're in pain, they just put up with it. In fact you'll probably find that in the wild canines and felines don't make a big song n dance after they've been injured because if they are showing that they are in pain, they are displaying a sign of weakness which will attract attention from other predators and they'll more likely get eaten.

If it has been 4 days and you haven't seen any improvement, then he definitely needs a vet visit. Your cat is your responsibility and it's better to be safe than sorry.