Q. Crouching while walking and purring loudly.

Behavior
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bennyy
Sat, Mar 11, 2023

Instead of walking with her usual upright stance, she crouches low and her toenails are sharp and out sometimes scratching the floor. When I lift her she feels stiff instead of relaxed like she usually is. And she gets agitated after 5 seconds in my arms
Cause, treatment, prevention


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Dr. Onesi
Veterinarian

Your cat may be experiencing some discomfort or pain. The crouching while walking and the stiffness you feel when you lift her could indicate that she is trying to protect a specific area of her body. There are several possible causes of this condition, including hip dysplasia, arthritis, injury or trauma, or a neurological disorder.

The excessive purring and head rubbing could also be related to pain or discomfort. Cats often purr when they are in pain as a way to self-soothe. Head rubbing can also be a way to relieve discomfort, as the pressure may help to alleviate pain or itching in the affected area.

It's difficult to determine the exact cause of your cat's symptoms without a physical examination. As a pet guardian, the best thing you can do is to bring your cat to a veterinarian for a thorough examination.

In the meantime, you can try to make your cat as comfortable as possible. Make sure she has a warm, comfortable place to rest, and try to minimize her physical activity until she can be seen by a vet. If she is having difficulty walking or standing, you may want to provide a litter box and food and water bowls close by to make things easier for her.

If your cat's symptoms worsen or if she shows any signs of distress or pain, such as vocalizing or panting, it's important to seek emergency veterinary care right away.

If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to come back to us! Thank you.