Crazy cat morning - advice on checking for injury

[mumkimum]

So, we had a crazy cat morning. Our male cat, Idaho, got the cloth handle of a scrunchy laundry basket twisted around his middle, ran around the house knocking stuff over (by this trailing laundry basket). It was all twisted and he was obviously uncomfortable - kept growling when I approached him to try to get it off and all.

Anyway, I cut the handle off the basket and got it off him. I *think* this just happened sometime this morning (so it wasn't like, all night long). There was blood on the laundry basket and he'd been chewing or clawing at it (it does have a wire around the top, could've nicked himself there). He's real withdrawn and trying to chill out now in the corner.

I'm a little concerned about 1. the blood - tried to check his mouth, sorta looked at his paws which are just really red and warm, it isn't a lot but I wouldn't want some injury there to go unchecked. and 2. from the little moving he's done since, one of his legs seems to be laying a little funny. I might be just looking for stuff and extra worried and he's fine, so I'm going to let him rest up and check him over later. If he has something there we should take him in for - any advice on figuring that out?

Thanks!

[lonegirl]

Try and feel him all over...check for obvious pain/swelling. Offer food and water and make sure he is eating. If he continues to hide and not be himself I would consider bringing him in for a once over.

[mumkimum]

So far it looks like he might have somewhat of a limp (not real bad - could just be looking like one at the moment cause I'm trying to see something). He's resting, I've moved food/water closer to him so he's eaten some today. He's gone around the whole first floor by now, and not just stayed in the same room so that's probably good. I'm going to give him until later in the day (when either my sister or dh should be here) to check him out closer (feel all over) since it doesn't seem to be screaming *urgent* at me anymore by his behavior.

[rhiOrion]

I'd check his litter box, too. Blood in the poop could be a sign of internal injury.

But my guess is that he just sort of pulled something in his leg, and that he'll be back to his old self in no time. It's my experience that cats have a lot of pride, and if they see you see them do something stupid they tend to sulk about it. Seriously, it's that "I meant to do that!" look they give you!