Clicking noises when walking

by Debbie
(Annapolis, MD.)

I have an 11 year old Traditional Siamese. About two months ago he started making a clicking noise while he was walking-didn't matter what the surface was (the bed, carpet, tile floor, wood floor etc.) he constantly made this noise when he walked.

He didn't seem to slow down any in his activity level, even jumping to the top of my 6 foot high bookcases like usual. I took him to the vet and she suggested it was his nails making the clicking noise (which I highly doubted) so she clipped his nails. She did a thorough exam of his legs and joints by feeling them and moving them around (no x-rays or other tests). Soon as we got home the clicking noise continued.

About a week ago the noise seemed to be getting worse and my cat seems to be slowing down a bit. I made an appointment with a different vet for a second opinion. I am very worried. What could this be?

Debbie in MD.

Answer by Kate
Hi Debbie, well unfortunately I have no idea as I am not a vet and have not come across this before. All I can say is it must be some sort of joint or cartilage problem. I am so surprised that the first vet did not suggest a xray at first, I always wonder why some vets treat pet owners like fools, like you say you would know if it was the claws on the floor etc.

All I can say is that you are doing the right thing in taking him for more tests.

I hope it is nothing which can't be sorted out quickly and easily.

best wishes Kate

Comments for
Clicking noises when walking

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Clicking paws
by: Anonymous

Has anyone taken their cat to the vet yet to investigate this? My cat is 22 years old and I will take him if it's serious, but we just spent almost 2 grand on another kitty who just passed away this week and we need a little time to collect cat funds before we investigate the clicking. If anyone has info, please post it for the rest of us. Thanks.

Ref: clicking
by: Anonymous

Hi all - this is usually down to a joint problem, generally occurring in cats 12 years +. It happens similar to adults who are 70+ in age, when the compound around the joints (similar to a joint lubricant) breaks down - resulting in this dry/clicking sounding noise.

The kindest and best proven remedy is to use a pure cod liver oil in your cats evening meal - as it works well in the evening. Places like Holland and barrett (or any health food store) will stock the oil.

I have been using this with my 15 year old cat and noticed a huge improvement within about 2 and a half weeks. The other benefits are that your cats coat will shine and she seems to be more 'bright-eyed' ! So an all 'round winner!

Hope this helps

cat clicking
by: Anonymous

my cat just started making that clicking noise and it is not tthe nails as i first thought. does anyone know the answer to this? any vets out there come across this before?

my cat too
by: kali's mom

my almost 14 year old cat has the same issue on tile or hardwood floors. Took her to the vet and he checked her joints to see if she felt pain but did not. She still plays and jumps up (to get away from her little sister) but I would also like to know what is causing this. When I google the problem this webpage comes up but nothing else. Despite her seeming ok it bugs me that she has this problem. Has anyone done x-rays on this cat to check out that possibility?

Younger cat with same clicking noise
by: Anonymous

My cat is only 5 1/2 years old. I all of a sudden started hearing the clicking while he walks on linoleum but not carpet. I don't believe it is his nails and when I move his legs and joints I don't hear anything. He also still is very lively, however has been a bit grumpier recently. Does anyone have any ideas?
Thanks!

clicking cat
by: karen

My almost 14 year old female has the same problem. Happens on tile and hardwood floors. It is not the nails (they were trimmed). Took her to the vet who said she seems in no pain and can still jump and play (hence he does not believe it is athritis). I would also like to get to the bottom of this

My Cat "Clicks" When Walking
by: CatLove

My baby is going on 14 but has been very healthy and much loved. Just in the last week he has started to click when he walks. I am not unfamiliar with this behavior since my big toe clicks when I walk and really doesn't cause me any discomfort. He doesn't seem to even realize it's happening to him either.

At first I thought it was the nails since he has had one from birth that won't retract fully. But a trim didn't help and it also happens on carpet. Not the bed though, so it seems to have something to do with his weight on a semi-solid surface. It cannot be reproduced and only seems to take place when he's sauntering of his own will (I tried several ways to make him walk in order to figure it out! LOL)

I don't want to waste money, worry and effort on something unimportant, but I care deeply about his well-being and don't want to overlook the possible beginning of a problem. Arthritis? Maybe. Perhaps the age factor? His joints are getting older... I hope it's as benign as my big toe... I'll check back later for updates. Hope this helps others.

clicking noise
by: Anonymous

It is not the nails. This noise occurs when walking on soft surfaces. I can't believe no one knows what is causing this. Sounds like arthritis possibly.

What is causing this??
by: Anonymous

My cat has this same issue!! What is going on here? Has anyone found out yet???

Nope, not nails
by: Anonymous

No, nails are not the problem here. At least not for my cat who also "clicks" when she walks. Would really be interested in getting to the bottom of this. Anyone had any luck finding out the cause?

Declawing cats is a disgusting thing to do.
by: Anonymous

If you want something without claws buy a soft toy.

my cat has this issue too
by: Anonymous

my 10 year old tabby/maine coon mix has the same thing. Did the first lady find out anything at the second vet?

my cat is declawed and this just started a couple weeks ago.

Cat clicking while walking - why??
by: Melanie

My cat has developed the exact problem you described - clicking sound while walking. He will be 16 yrs next month. The problem started about a month ago. He's declawed so I can confirm it's NOT the nails needing cut. Before anoyone passes judgement - I rescued him after he was declawed by previous owner 15 yrs ago.

Does anyone know what could be causing the clicking noise? Is it possible that its a sign of arthritis?

CLICKING WHEN WALKING
by: Anonymous

I know exactly what it is. Your animals toe nails need to be trimmed. Just like a human's they grow , and need to be maintained. However if this is your first time, i suggest taking your cat to the veterinary clinic , let them show you how. This is very important because if you cut them to short they can bleed to death. if you insist on doing it yourself, take care not to cut the vein. You can see it in the middle of the nail. good luck & most of all have patience. aslo if the claw is slightly grown into the claw already , you can cut it, then pull it out. But be sure to use something so no infection sets in. good luck

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