Injured cat

[D.]

My female cat is laying in my closet right now, Iam not sure what has happened. I was on the phone and I heard a vicious catfight outside. 5 minutes later my cat is at the back deck wanting in. I didn't notice anything unusual but she went and layed on my bed for about an hour, I thought this strange because it's a beautiful day and she always wants to be outside when it's like this. Then she came downstairs and I noticed she was limping: she wouldn't put any weight on her back leg. I examined her leg but didn't see any noticable signs of injury. She tried to get comfortable, but went upstairs and hid in my closet. I noticed she has been breathing kind of hard. I would like to take her to the vet but she can be very aggresive and she will not go willingly. Iam scared because of the way she is acting. I know she needs to get to a vet, as for going there right now, that's out of the question, so if anyone knows of why she might be acting like this I would appreciate any comments until I can get her some medical attention.

[Tina B and crew]

You need to get her to the vet ASAP...don't wait. Often injuries are difficult for us to find because with a fight they are often puncture wounds and not visible because of the fur. It is best to get it take care of ASAP so that it doesn't become infected or abcessed. I assume you have a carrier, simply talk to her calmly and put her in it and get her to the vet. She will be better off for it if you don't wait.

[Traci]

If you care about your kitty, you will put the vet visit apprehension out of your mind and get her to the nearest vet immediately.

Cat fights can be serious, mainly abcesses develop from a bite/puncture wound. Without treatment, these abcesses develop and cause worsening infection that left unattended, can enter the bloodstream and cause a miriad of health problems (sometimes deadly). You can't see the puncture or claw wound because it is deep into the skin, a small enough hole you won't find until her fur is shaved and until your vet completely examines her for any number of wound sites.

Within hours, your kitty may develop a huge swelling near the puncture or claw mark, will develop a high fever, and infection has already set in. The limping is a red flag to you that she has an injury.

Don't wait on this, the sooner you get her seen, the sooner treatment can be given and the sooner she will heal.

Acclimate your kitty indoors only from now on please. As you've witnessed, the outdoor dangers are just too great. Plus, if your kitty is not up-to-date on her vaccinations, you are risking her health by exposing her to other unvaccinated cats outside. For safety's sake, I would double-check your kitty's last record of rabies vaccination and if she's overdue, then you need to get another vaccination as soon as she has recovered from wounds and treatment your vet will provide her.

To your vet NOW please..