My cat's spine

Hi there,

I'm Lizzi. I'm new to this forum. I have an adopted 5 year old rescue named Alexander "the great" Harrison or Alex for short. He's simotaneously a total pain in my butt while also my best friend. I figured I should join a forum rather than take him to the doctor man every time I worry about something. Anyway-

Alex is a pretty hefty dude. He's about 13 lbs. It shows except for on his spine. His spine is extremely bony all the way across. You can't feel any skin or muscle across the top at all. I was researching and I see that this can be from recent weight loss. Well that isn't the case. He's actually gained a few ounces over the last few months (got him on weight management and exercise plan now). I just had him tested for diabetes by a blood glucose test which was negative. So all of that stuff checks out. Anyone have any other suggestions of what could be causing this? Should I have it checked out further? Thanks!

Lizzi

Hi Lizzi & welcome.Any chance you could post a pic of your beauty??? C .

Welcome to TCS! 

I totally understand wanting to get some advice from others before rushing to the vet but I have to ask when was he last seen by a vet and have they said anything about the spine issue? Was it the same then as it is now?

I attached some photos. You can't tell by them at all. You can only feel it & it's very obvious.

I took him just two weeks ago to his vet. I take him about every 6 months. My vet always tells me he seems very healthy, that he's gaining weight and he would only be concerned if he started losing weight rapidly, however he could afford to lose a bit. He's had all his shots regularly. I took him two weeks ago just to have him checked for diabetes which was negative.

I don't see anything unusual.  I have a male cat whose spine seems to be more easily seen than the females that I have, but he's a lot leaner, though he weighs about 12 lbs.  He's also bigger than my female kitties.