Cat's spine feels protruding

by Nicole
(Yonkers, NY, USA)

Is it normal to be able to feel your cat's spine protruding somewhat? I'm not sure if I felt it to be as protruding as I do now. He doesn't seem to be in any pain but has been sleeping more often in the closet

RESONSE:

Normally when you run your hand down your cat's back you don't feel the spine because it's typically covered in muscle and fat tissue. You will feel it if your cat has lost a lot of weight and/or is sick. Sleeping more than usual is common for a cat that isn't feeling well, although cats do sleep more as they get older.

You have to look at the age of your cat, whether it has lost weight, and whether it is eating enough. A cat in pain hides it due to their inherited instinct that displaying pain and discomfort is an invitation to a predator to do them harm. Even domesticated cats have this instinct and it motivates them to find a hiding spot like a closet.

I suggest you get your cat to a vet as soon as you can to find out what is causing the weight loss (assuming that it's not normally a skinny cat). I'm wishing you well and hoping the problem is easily solved.