No muscle

Our cat has been recently diagnosed with diabetes, and the vet noticed something was wrong with her legs. I just looked at them more thoroughly, and she has really no muscles left. Is there anyway to help her build muscle? She is good with her front legs, but not the back. It doesn't affect her much, not having a lot of muscle, but it is rather depressing seeing her get an itch and trying to scratch it. She doesn't play, the most the does is roll around the floor when i get her catnip. She never play or run when we got her (about 6 years ago), so this is not new.

Ask your vet about the availability of hydrotherapy in your area.  Water is the best place to exercise wasted muscles, as they don't have to support the body weight as they slowly strengthen.  She'll hate it at first, but they do get used to it, and some of them actively grow to enjoy it.  Best of luck with your girl!

That sounds extremely expensive...And she can't stand water. She would panic if we did that. Is there any kind of home exercises we can do with her?

Does your diabetic cat have neuropathy in the back legs? Instead of walking on the paws like normal, a cat with neuropathy walks on the flat part of the hind legs:


Ask your vet if this is what your cat might have. Diabetic neuropathy is treated with methly B12 (methylcobalamin). Please don't give your cat any methyl B12 or other medicine / supplement / vitamin until your vet has determined why your cat's legs are weak and has come up with a treatment plan that won't intefere with the diabetes.

You may want to also post for additional help on the FelineDiabetes.com message board.

She used to, but now she walks on her toes like normal. She is going back to the vet next week, so I will ask then. Thanks.