Should My Cat See a Vet?

[Bitterpill]

My soon to be 15 year old cat, Midnight, appeared to have hurt his right rear paw recently. How I don't know? I just noticed he was walking with a slight limp in that paw and would not jump up on the kitchen counter, which he usually does quite frequently. I decided to monitor him over the next 12-24 hours to see if it improved. He tried jumping up on the counter and barely made it but immediately lifted the above mentioned paw up, equal to his stomach.

His behaviour hasn't changed and except for the limp which seems to come and go and not jumping on the kitchen counter and sometimes being hesitant to jump up elsewhere, he seems fine. My fiancee and I have noticed he drinks quite frequently but this has been "normal" behaviour for the last 4 months or so.

I don't know if we should take him to a vet or not. I read some articles online to see if there were any tell-tale signs of illness and he doesn't have any "alarming" signs. I have not been keeping up with his shots, which I know is a no-no and plan to rectify within the next month. But should we take him in now?

Opinions/help would be greatly appreciated.

[Hunter's_owner]

I would take him in now, to see about the limp and also the increase in drinking as of 4 months ago.

[badger]

I'd take him to the vet. Older cats need more frequent check-ups, to make sure they aren't developing any of the chronic problems that come with age. It will set your mind at rest and if there is anything serious, nip it in the bud.
PS If he is strictly an indoor cat, annual vaccs are not necessary. Every two or three years should be sufficient. Just my opinion, some vets think otherwise

[Inisfad]

Cats are very good at hiding illness, so whenever your cats behavior changes (like 4 months ago with drinking water, etc.) you should take them to the vet. This may very well be some kidney or other ailment that started when he started drinking all that water, and now has become even worse! It is always better to err on the side of caution.

[coper]

Definitely a vet visit is in order. It sounds like he may have sprained or twisted the leg, he may have gotten caught up in something. It could also involve the hip so definitely to the vet.