Cats walking funny

Question
I have a female cat that is 17 months old and two days ago she started walking funny on her front leg. We thought she may have gotten something in the paw and can find nothing. Now her kitten that is 10 weeks old is doing the same thing and also seems to be very stiff when she walks. The only thing that has changed in the house is the addition of a christmas tree. Momma cat is mostly indoors but does go outside sometimes. Baby cat never goes outside. Any ideas of what could be wrong?

Thank you,

A very concerned cat owner

Answer
Traci,

I am not a vet, but it sounds suspiciously like they may have limping kitten syndrome.  This is caused by the Calici virus and can occur even if they have been vaccinated for most strains of the virus.  The limping occurs because of muscle soreness (just like human flu), and a round of antibiotics to clear out any secondary infection usually resolves the problem.

I would have them both to the vet to be sure.

Best regards... Norm.