Feline Hip Dislocation: Causes, Treatments, and Home Care

Feline hip dislocation, also known as coxofemoral luxation, is a condition where the ball of the femur (thigh bone) slips out of the hip socket. This injury can cause significant pain and mobility issues for cats. Understanding the causes, treatment options, and preventive measures is crucial for cat owners to ensure the well-being of their feline companions.

Understanding Feline Hip Dislocation

Feline hip dislocation, medically referred to as coxofemoral luxation, occurs when the head of the femur (the "ball") pops out of the acetabulum (the "socket") of the pelvic bone. This is a painful and debilitating injury that severely impacts a cat’s mobility and quality of life.

Causes of Hip Dislocation in Cats

1. Traumatic Injury:
The number one cause of hip dislocation in cats is physical trauma. This includes:

• Being hit by a car – the blunt force impact can easily knock the femoral head out of place.

• Falling from heights – common in indoor cats that jump or fall from windows or balconies (a condition often called “high-rise syndrome”).

• Rough handling or accidents during play – especially in kittens or small breeds.

2. Hip Dysplasia:
This is a genetic malformation of the hip joint where the socket is too shallow to hold the femoral head securely. Over time, the loose joint becomes unstable, making dislocation much more likely. It often begins subtly, with occasional limping or stiffness, and progresses with age.

3. Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) / Arthritis:
Senior cats or those with chronic health issues may suffer from wear-and-tear of the hip joint. As the cartilage degrades, the joint becomes inflamed and unstable, making the hip prone to slipping out of place, even during normal activities like jumping off furniture.

4. Previous Injuries:
A history of hip injuries (like minor dislocations or ligament tears) can weaken the joint and surrounding muscles, setting the stage for a full dislocation down the line.

Recognizable Symptoms of a Dislocated Hip in Cats

A hip dislocation is not subtle. If your cat has suffered one, you’ll likely notice one or more of the following signs:

1. Sudden Lameness:
Your cat may refuse to put weight on one of its hind legs and limp or hop awkwardly when moving.

2. Shortened or Abnormally Rotated Limb:
The affected leg may appear shorter than the other. It might also be twisted inward or outward, depending on the direction of the dislocation.

3. Visible Pain and Distress:
Cats are good at hiding pain, but in this case, many will:

• Yowl or cry out, especially when touched near the hip.

• Become aggressive or withdrawn.

• Refuse to move or jump.

• Exhibit rapid breathing or dilated pupils, which are stress indicators.
  
  

4. Swelling and Warmth:
The hip area may feel puffy, warm, or tender to the touch. Swelling is often due to internal bleeding, soft tissue damage, or inflammation.

5. Odd Gait or Posture:
If the dislocation isn’t complete (a subluxation), the cat might still walk, but with a “hitch” in its step, or it may swing its leg outward awkwardly.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Feline Hip Dislocation

How is a Cat's Dislocated Hip Diagnosed?

If your cat is limping, holding up a hind leg, or reacting painfully to hip touch, the vet will need to confirm whether the hip is truly dislocated—and how badly.

1. Physical Examination:
The veterinarian will first perform a thorough manual assessment of the hips and hind limbs. They'll look for:

• Discrepancies in leg length

• Abnormal limb rotation or posture

• Palpable "gap" where the femoral head should be

In some cases, the vet may gently manipulate the joint to assess instability. If your cat is in extreme pain, sedation may be necessary even for this step.

2. X-Rays (Radiographs):
This is the gold standard for confirming hip dislocation. X-rays reveal:

• The exact position of the femoral head (whether it’s fully or partially dislocated)

• The condition of the acetabulum (socket)

• Whether any fractures, arthritis, or congenital deformities like hip dysplasia are involved

The vet may take both dorsal (top-down) and lateral (side) views to understand the severity and choose the best treatment path.

Can You Fix a Cat's Dislocated Hip at Home?

This is one of the most common but dangerous questions cat owners ask—and the honest answer is: no, not safely.

Trying to pop your cat’s hip back in place without anesthesia, imaging, or professional support can:

• Cause severe pain and additional tissue damage

• Lead to permanent joint instability

• Risk nerve injury or fracture

However, there are supportive measures you can take at home after veterinary intervention, which we’ll cover further below.

Veterinary Treatment Options for Feline Hip Dislocation

Depending on the severity, the vet may recommend one of the following:

1. Closed Reduction (Non-Surgical Realignment)

This is the least invasive approach and can work if the dislocation is recent (less than 72 hours old) and there are no fractures.

How it works:

• Your cat is sedated or put under anesthesia.

• The vet carefully manipulates the femoral head back into the socket.

• Once aligned, the hip is stabilized using a slim sling or bandage, such as an Ehmer sling, for 1–2 weeks.

Success rate: 50–60%, depending on the cat’s condition and post-reduction care. There’s a risk of re-dislocation, especially in highly active cats or those with shallow hip sockets.

2. Open Reduction (Surgical Repair)

If closed reduction fails, or if there are ligament tears, fractures, or hip dysplasia, then surgery is required.

There are two common surgical options:

a. Toggle Pin Fixation:
A special pin and suture system holds the femoral head securely in the socket while ligaments heal.

• Best for healthy joints with trauma-induced dislocation

• Recovery involves cage rest and pain management

b. Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO):
In this procedure, the femoral head is surgically removed, eliminating bone-on-bone contact. A fibrous tissue “false joint” forms in its place.

• Often used for chronic dislocations or arthritis

• Cats typically regain near-normal function with proper rehabilitation

Post-Treatment Care and Joint Support at Home

Once your cat’s hip is stabilized—whether through closed reduction or surgery—the healing process begins at home, and your role becomes critical.

1. Confinement & Activity Restriction

For at least 2–6 weeks post-treatment:

• Keep your cat in a small room or crate

• Avoid climbing, jumping, and running

• Use litter boxes with low sides to prevent leg strain
  
  

2. Pain Relief & Anti-Inflammatories

Your vet may prescribe:

• NSAIDs like meloxicam or robenacoxib

• Gabapentin for nerve-related pain

• Always administer exactly as directed—cats metabolize drugs differently than humans or dogs.

3. Joint Supplements for Recovery & Long-Term Hip Health

This is where nutritional support becomes essential—especially if your cat is predisposed to joint issues or has undergone FHO surgery.

Recommended Product: PUAINTA™ Hip & Joint Glucosamine + Chondroitin for Cats

This supplement is formulated specifically for feline mobility and joint lubrication, and it includes:

• Glucosamine – helps regenerate cartilage and reduce joint inflammation

• Chondroitin – prevents cartilage breakdown and supports flexibility

• MSM – offers pain relief and antioxidant protection

• Hyaluronic Acid – improves joint lubrication and comfort during movement
  
  SHOP NON and Support Your Cat's Joint & Hip Health!
  
  

Why it’s ideal post-dislocation:

• Promotes tissue regeneration after surgery or trauma

• Supports smoother joint function to reduce pain and stiffness

• Easy to administer – most cats tolerate it well mixed with food

Incorporating a high-quality supplement like this one into your cat’s daily routine can make a significant difference in both short-term recovery and lifelong joint health.

4. Physical Therapy (When Advised)

Under your vet’s guidance, gentle physical therapy such as:

• Stretching exercises

• Water therapy

• Assisted walking with harness support

These can help rebuild muscle strength and joint flexibility after healing begins.

Preventive Measures

• Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints.

• Safe Environment: Ensure your home is free from hazards that could cause falls or injuries.

• Regular Check-ups: Routine veterinary visits can help detect early signs of joint issues.

• Breeding Practices: Avoid breeding cats with known hip dysplasia to reduce genetic transmission.

FAQ

How do you treat a dislocated hip in a cat? Treatment typically involves either closed reduction (manipulating the joint back into place without surgery) or surgical intervention, depending on the severity and duration of the dislocation.

What can a vet do for a dislocated hip? A veterinarian can diagnose the dislocation, perform a closed or open reduction, prescribe pain management, and recommend rehabilitation exercises.

Can hip dislocation heal on its own? No, a dislocated hip requires medical intervention. Without proper treatment, the condition can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues.

What is the difference between hip dysplasia and hip dislocation? Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to instability. Hip dislocation is typically caused by trauma, resulting in the femoral head slipping out of the socket.

Can a hip be partially dislocated? Yes, this condition is known as subluxation, where the femoral head is partially out of the socket. It can cause pain and may require treatment similar to a full dislocation.

Ensuring your cat's joint health is vital for their overall well-being. With prompt veterinary care, appropriate home management, and the support of quality supplements like Puainta® Hip & Joint Glucosamine Chondroitin, your feline friend can enjoy a comfortable and active life.