Summarize:

You should check for the signs of a broken leg before administering any first aid. This can help you figure if your cat needs to see your vet or if there may be another issue. Signs your kitten may have a broken leg include:  Reluctance to put weight on the leg Limping Swelling Pain or tenderness Limb deformity or unusual bends in the leg Rapid breathing Broken skin and/ or a visible bone  Not eating or grooming Crying, howling, moaning, or growling No matter how sweet your kitten is, it may bite or scratch you because of the injury. Take great care when examining your kitten’s leg to minimize the risk of biting or scratching.  Maintain a safe distance between the kitten’s mouth and your face. Avoid attempting to hug it. Examine the leg slowly, carefully, and as gently as possible. Reassure your kitten in a soft voice. Stop looking for signs if your kitten becomes agitated. Once you’ve checked your kitten’s leg, call your vet’s office. Explain to the office staff that your kitten may have a broken leg to get an appointment as soon as possible. If your vet isn’t available, take your kitten to an emergency clinic to ensure it gets prompt care. Calling ahead can also alert the vet that you are coming so they can prepare to treat your kitten as quickly as possible. Give as much information as possible about your kitten’s symptoms. Ask any questions you have, such as what type of first aid to provide and the best way to transport kitten to the office. Before you take your kitten to the vet, stabilize its leg with a splint or bandage. This can reduce the risk of further injury or pain. Only stabilize the leg if your kitten allows it.  Place a towel or blanket gently over your kitten’s head to prevent it from biting. Make a splint with items such as the cardboard center of paper towel or toilet rolls, rolled up newspaper, or towels. Put the splint next to the broken area. Use a bandage, pantyhose, or surgical tape to keep the splint in place. Add padding around the splint to reduce your kitten’s discomfort. Avoid pushing any exposed bone back through the broken skin. In this case, place some sterile gauze or a sanitary napkin over the area and then splint it. The only way to safely treat a kitten’s broken leg is with veterinary care. After you’ve stabilized the leg and informed the vet that you are coming, take your kitten to the office for treatment.  Wrap your kitten in a thick towel or place it on a rigid surface for the car ride. This can minimize your kitten’s discomfort the risk of further injury.  Place your kitten in a crate, carrier, or open box to keep it from moving around the car. Put it in the back passenger side seat so that you can watch your kitten through your rearview mirror. Use a seat belt around the front of the crate or carrier to secure it.
Recognize the signs of a broken leg. Check your kitten gently. Contact your vet or an emergency animal clinic. Stabilize the kitten’s leg. Transport your kitten to the vet.