How to Tell If Your Cat's Rear Quarters Are Healthy

The cat's tail is used for balancing and conveys the emotions of a cat at any given time. A rapidly lashing tail means trouble, and it's best to respect that signal.4

Manx cats are born without tails. Some Manx kittens are born with "Manx Syndrome," which is a genetic condition that causes malformation of their spinal cord.6 This causes neurological signs in the rear limbs as well as urinary and fecal incontinence and in some cases, spina bifida, a more severe deformity of the spinal cord.

Back Legs and Feet

The rear haunches, back legs, feet, and claws complete the anatomy of the rear quarters. Flexible hips and the strong bones, joints, and powerful musculature of the cat's back legs give enormous strength for both running and jumping, which are essential for catching prey in the wild.

In older cats ( less than 8 years old), slowness or hesitation in mobility, can be a sign of arthritis, particularly if the cat has difficulty in jumping up on furniture or using their litter box.7 Excess weight contributes to arthritis, as well as other medical conditions. A program of slow weight loss recommended by your veterinarian is essential for obese cats. Hip dysplasia, which is seen more frequently in certain breeds (Persian, Siamese, and Maine Coon) can predispose cats to arthritis.8 Your veterinarian can also recommend medications to help soothe sore joints and prevent progression of arthritis.