Why Muscle Health Matters Just as Much for Cats as It Does for Dogs

When muscle health is discussed in veterinary medicine, dogs are often the primary focus. Canine sarcopenia, post-surgical muscle loss, and mobility decline are well-recognized challenges with established intervention strategies. In contrast, muscle health in cats has historically received less attention—despite being equally critical to feline longevity, resilience, and quality of life.

Emerging research and clinical experience continue to reinforce an important truth: muscle mass is a key determinant of health outcomes in cats, particularly as they age or develop chronic disease. Proactively supporting feline muscle health should be considered a foundational component of comprehensive feline care.

A Brief Overview of Feline Muscle Health

Cats are obligate carnivores with unique metabolic demands. They rely heavily on lean muscle mass to support essential physiological processes, including glucose regulation, immune function, and mobility. Even modest losses in muscle can have meaningful clinical consequences.

Unlike dogs, cats are masters at masking illness. Muscle loss may progress quietly and be overlooked, particularly in overweight or long-haired cats where changes in body composition are more difficult to detect. Loss of epaxial or appendicular muscle is often one of the earliest indicators of systemic disease—yet it may not become apparent until the cat is already compromised.

Key contributors to muscle loss in cats include:

• Aging and reduced activity
• Chronic inflammation
• Periods of anorexia or inappetence
• Prolonged hospitalization or recovery from illness
• Chronic disease states, especially chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Chronic Kidney Disease and Its Impact on Muscle

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common conditions affecting senior cats. Beyond its well-known effects on renal function, CKD has profound implications for muscle health.

Cats with CKD are predisposed to muscle wasting due to several interconnected mechanisms:

• Metabolic acidosis, which accelerates muscle protein breakdown
• Reduced appetite, leading to insufficient nutrient intake
• Chronic inflammation, promoting catabolism
• Altered amino acid metabolism, impairing muscle maintenance

Muscle loss in CKD patients is not merely a cosmetic concern—it is associated with decreased strength, reduced mobility, diminished ability to cope with stressors, and poorer overall outcomes. Importantly, once significant muscle loss has occurred, recovery can be challenging.

This makes early and proactive muscle support especially critical in feline CKD management.

Why Muscle Health Should Be a Preventive Priority

Maintaining muscle mass in cats is not only about preserving mobility—it is about supporting systemic health. Adequate muscle mass helps cats:

• Better tolerate chronic disease
• Recover more effectively from illness or procedures
• Maintain functional independence
• Preserve quality of life as they age

By the time muscle wasting is obvious, valuable ground has already been lost. Shifting the clinical mindset from reaction to prevention can meaningfully change outcomes for feline patients.

Supporting Feline Muscle with MYOS® Feline Muscle Formula

MYOS® Feline Muscle Formula was developed specifically to address muscle health in cats. It contains Fortetropin®, a proprietary bioactive compound clinically shown to support muscle protein synthesis while helping reduce muscle breakdown.

Unlike approaches that rely solely on increasing dietary protein—which may not be appropriate for all feline patients, particularly those with CKD—Fortetropin works by targeting the muscle itself. This makes it a valuable tool for:

• Aging cats at risk of sarcopenia
• Cats with chronic diseases such as CKD
• Patients experiencing muscle loss during recovery or periods of reduced intake
• Cats where maintaining lean body mass is clinically challenging

MYOS Feline Muscle Formula can be integrated into a broader care plan focused on preserving strength, function, and resilience throughout a cat’s life.

Bringing Muscle Health to the Forefront of Feline Care

Cats deserve the same proactive approach to muscle health that has become standard in canine medicine. By recognizing muscle mass as a vital sign—and addressing it early—veterinary professionals can significantly improve long-term outcomes for their feline patients.

Whether managing chronic kidney disease, supporting healthy aging, or helping cats recover from illness, prioritizing muscle health is no longer optional—it is essential.