[header] How to diagnose and treat dislocated joints in cats [title] Look for difficulty with movement. [step] The tell-tale sign of a dislocation is the inability to move a joint. When a joint gets dislocated, the muscles, tendon, and ligaments that enable movement are dislodged and they will likely lose their function. 
[substeps] Dislocations do not always eliminate all movement. Your cat may just appear lame or avoid its usual weight bearing.