Q&A for How to Take Care of a Kitten with a Broken Leg

The problem with a broken bone is that, when the cat moves, it pushes the fracture pieces apart. At best the bone will heal bent, and at worst constant movement will prevent healing altogether. All broken bones need to be assessed by a vet, who will work out the best way to get the bones to mend.

The speed of healing depends on many factors, including how well immobilized the fracture is, the age of the cat, and the complexity of the break. A best case scenario in a young cat with a simple break that is well-supported, is around six weeks. It's not unusual for a complex fracture, especially in an older animal, to take at least three months.

Broken bones are painful so a kitten with a broken leg is likely to limp or not use the limb. If the leg has an odd angle in it, this is a clue, but not all fractures are this obvious. A limping cat is in pain so the only option is to have them assessed by a vet to identify the cause—be it a sprain, bite, or fracture.

Broken bones can vary is severity. Greenstick fractures are when the bone 'crumples' slightly, and cats can often still walk on these breaks. However, getting a diagnosis is crucial because continued use of the leg can lead to a complete, and much more difficult to treat, break.