My Cat Is 9, Eats, Drinks, Acts Normally But I Can Feel His Spine And Hips

My cat is about 9 and he acts normally like he always does. But when I got back from being at school for 3 months, he seemed a little skinnier. I can feel his spine and hip bones and it makes me worried. Is it because of separation anxiety? Because he also peed places he shouldn't while I was gone. Or could it be something with his thyroid? I'm just terrified to take him to the vet in fear of the worst. 

Hi and welcome to TCS.

While you are worried about taking your cat to the vet, it's extremely important at his age.  9 is considered a senior and by that age they should be having bi-annual well checks.  The purpose of that being if something is wrong, they will catch it a lot quicker before it turns into a major problem.

If you feel your cat's spine, he is underweight.  It could be from neglect on the part of the caretakers while you were gone (maybe they were not feeding him per your instructions?) or, it could be a medical issue.  Cats that lose weight to the point where you can feel their bones is not normal.  Several diseases can cause wasting which is what you describe sounds like.

Please put your fears aside and do what's right for you kitty.  We're here for you to help through whatever happens but only a vet can say for sure what is going on with him.

Alright, thank you, I'll make an appointment. I know he was well fed while I was gone as my sister always makes sure they have what they need. 

Turns out he has diabetes and will need 2 insulin shots daily! I'm just glad it's not something terminal!

morganlee107 said:

Turns out he has diabetes and will need 2 insulin shots daily! I'm just glad it's not something terminal!

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Wow, really glad to see you got him medical attention!

Our older cat had diabetes, he's in remission now.  One of the first ways we noticed was he suddenly looked so thin and we also could feel his spine.  That and he was drinking SO much.  It happened really fast - we had taken him for his bi-annual wellness visit and it was only about 2 months later that the diabetes showed up.  It can happen pretty fast in cats. Ours was probably due to him having a steroid injection for another problem - sometimes this can trigger diabetes in cats.  Luckily, cats can also go into remission and after 4 months, he did.

If you have any questions of feline diabetes, there are more than a few on this site dealing with that medical issue who can certainly help and give support.  There is also a great web site dedicated to caring for cats with diabetes. 

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/

Yeah, I had to convince my parents that something was wrong with him before they were willing to spend money. I couldn't pay for the testing on my own since I'm a college student. And yeah that's how my cat was the last few months! I thought it was hyperthyroidism or maybe a parasite but nope, diabetes. I hope he goes into remission, that'd be great! I have an appointment for him Monday to get notes from the vet and to have a tutorial on how to give the shots. I've already started my research so I can be well informed. Thanks for your support!

morganlee107 said:

Yeah, I had to convince my parents that something was wrong with him before they were willing to spend money. I couldn't pay for the testing on my own since I'm a college student. And yeah that's how my cat was the last few months! I thought it was hyperthyroidism or maybe a parasite but nope, diabetes. I hope he goes into remission, that'd be great! I have an appointment for him Monday to get notes from the vet and to have a tutorial on how to give the shots. I've already started my research so I can be well informed. Thanks for your support!

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Giving the injection really is easy!  I was so worried about it, as was my fiance but we both had no problem doing it.  

Remission is more possible in cats diagnosed when older so hopefully, with good care, your kitty will achieve that too.

yeah I've already looked up videos and I'm glad it looks easy! And I'll keep my fingers crossed for remission!

Don't feel bad if yoru cat never goes into remission. Some cats just don't and it doesn't mean that it's your faullt in any way.  My diabetic cat never got into remission and his blood glucose levels were regulated but nowhere they needed to be. And I was fine with that.  Having a happy and otherwise healthy cat is the most important thing

The FelineDiabetes.com message board is a great place to get support and tips I highly recommend that you join.

yeah, as long as he's happy and alive I'll be glad. I definitely will join, thanks for the advice!

morganlee107 said:

Turns out he has diabetes and will need 2 insulin shots daily! I'm just glad it's not something terminal!

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What is he eating?  There is a company called Young Again that has had very good results in helping diabetic cats, by feeding starch-free foods.  It is expensive, but apparently some cats have been able to be taken off insulin.

I've been feeding him a special wet food so he wouldn't have crystals in his urine (he once had a build up so big he needed surgery). I'll have to try that food tho!

morganlee107 said:

yeah, as long as he's happy and alive I'll be glad. I definitely will join, thanks for the advice!

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morganlee107 said:

I've been feeding him a special wet food so he wouldn't have crystals in his urine (he once had a build up so big he needed surgery). I'll have to try that food tho!

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I've had the same problem with a couple of my cats.  They were on Science Diet c/d for a while, and it helped get rid of the crystals, but it really is awful stuff, other than that.  Please read all the information on the YA website before making a decision.  I will say, these folks get very high marks for being responsive.  I have corresponded with the owner more than once.

Young Again is only dry food. I personally wouldn't feed a diabetic cat any dry food, even one that claims to be zero carb with no starches (how is each piece of kibble held together if there is no starch?). The FelineDiabetes.com board will be able to explain diet more in detail and how it affects the diabetes. A low carb canned food is best and easiest for most people. Raw or homecooked are options if eiher of these are something you might be interested in feeding.

Just my two cents Diet is always a hot topic on most any cat board you browse around on. Generally what works for one cat may not work for another. Diet can affect the diabetes so it's good to get opinions from diabetic cat owners on what to feed and if, the diet does't work well enough along with insulin, what else you can try.

LTS3 said:

 
Young Again is only dry food. I personally wouldn't feed a diabetic cat any dry food, even one that claims to be zero carb with no starches (how is each piece of kibble held together if there is no starch?). The FelineDiabetes.com board will be able to explain diet more in detail and how it affects the diabetes. A low carb canned food is best and easiest for most people. Raw or homecooked are options if eiher of these are something you might be interested in feeding.

Just my two cents

Diet is always a hot topic on most any cat board you browse around on. Generally what works for one cat may not work for another. Diet can affect the diabetes so it's good to get opinions from diabetic cat owners on what to feed and if, the diet does't work well enough along with insulin, what else you can try.

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I concur with everything written above.

I'll add that most of the lowest quality wet foods are probably still better than any kibble.  The other problem with it is the risk of a cat becoming dehydrated. Wet food is naturally comprised of a lot of moisture, kibble none. Now that's fine if your cat likes drinking water but many don't.  Our older one always was a drinker but our younger one? I think in 4 years I've only seen her at her water bowl a couple of times.

Being well hydrated is essential. The Feline Diabetes website will have lots of tips on that subject.

Update: it’s with the heaviest of hearts that I announce the passing of Captain Jack Sparrow. He did really well on the insulin for almost a year but took a sudden turn on 2/8/18. I was away at school so my dad and the vet decided on what was kindest to him. I’m trying to stay positive by thinking about how I got an extra year with him but I’m still heart broken. Thanks again for everyone’s help.

morganlee107 said:

Update: it’s with the heaviest of hearts that I announce the passing of Captain Jack Sparrow. He did really well on the insulin for almost a year but took a sudden turn on 2/8/18. I was away at school so my dad and the vet decided on what was kindest to him. I’m trying to stay positive by thinking about how I got an extra year with him but I’m still heart broken. Thanks again for everyone’s help.

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So sorry to hear this

So very sorry to read this news. We invite you to post a tribute to your beloved kitty in our Crossing the Bridge forum. We'll lock this thread now out of respect for your loss.