Kitten injury

My 7-8 week old kitten was home by herself and when I got home she was asleep in her bed, which she doesn't do often, but I was not concerned. Over the last 5-6 hours, she has gotten out twice to use the bathroom and eat and has been limping with her right front leg. She had blood in her bowel and has slept a lot more than she ever has during those hours. She has not been playful at all. What should I do? should I wait until the morning and take her immediately to the vet? Any ideas on what could have happened to her? She has gotten a lot more exploratory lately.

RESPONSE

She should be taken to the vet as soon as possible! If she was just limping a bit, we would suggest waiting. Kittens can often slightly injure or jar a leg, especially a front leg by jumping or scrambling or stepping on something during explorations.
But blood in the stool and lethargy can indicate a more serious problem. She may have fallen, suffering an internal injury causing the bleed, or she may have eaten something she shouldn't have which is causing the bleeding.
We don't always panic when a cat seems a bit "off" but a kitten is still rather fragile. Blood in the stool and limping, assuming both are new problems, would be a reason for us to take a kitten to the vet. The fact that she is still wanting to eat is a good sign and sleeping is a natural method of recovery. The fact that she doesn't want to play is not a good sign. It usually indicates she isn't feeling well.
Take her in and get her checked by the vet just in case. It may be that all she needs is a little TLC and recovery time but we'd rather be safe than sorry!
Let us know what happens!

Donna
The House Full Cats Mom