my cats bones

by Elaine Carlson
(campbell river, bc canada)

When I pet my cat cat I can feel her spine. Also her hip bones stick out. It looks like she is losing muscle mass in her back legs. She is tender and I have to be very careful when I touch it. She is also 15 years old. Is this normal?

RESPONSE:

As cats age they do lose some weight and muscle because their activity levels drop. However, the fact that your cat is exhibiting discomfort and is tender tends to suggest another cause.

I recommend you take your cat to the vet for a checkup and make sure there isn't an underlying cause for this tenderness. Your vet can do a blood test that will give information on any possible problem areas that need attention.

After age 8, it is recommended to get an annual blood test to catch any problems early before they get serious.

Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Questions Invitation.

Having trouble finding what you need? Cat Health Index & Site Map

Do you have a question to ask?...Questions

Do you have a cat story to share?...Simply click here to go to that page!