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If you’re interested in chiropractic care for cats, but unsure of what this treatment actually entails, then you’re in the right place!

In this article, we discuss the possible benefits of chiropractic care for cats, including what typical conditions or ailments it is most suitable for. And also the symptoms to look out for in your own kitty, to decide whether this is a holistic treatment you want to try.

Before we go any further, however, we would urge you to contact a trusted veterinarian if you’re at all concerned about your kitty’s health or well-being.

There’s nothing worse than seeing our fluffy guys and gals in pain, so getting one-on-one advice will be best for you if your cat is in discomfort.

Now that’s covered, here’s an idea of what you’ll learn by the end of this article: 

Chiropractic Care for Cats 

• A chiropractic alignment involves a low force, high velocity thrust motion to a specific location on a cat’s body
• The benefits of chiropractic care for cats is largely anecdotal, but is said to help cats suffering from chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis
• Chiropractic care cannot treat disease or replace surgery for cats
• Your cat could benefit from chiropractic care if they’re suffering from stiffness, joint/neck/back pain, or general difficulty moving
• A qualified cat chiropractor should be registered with the AVCA or IVCA

Brittany, Paul, and the Fluffy Kitty team are not veterinarians. This article is based on facts, research, and personal experiences. We provide you with the best information we can but it is the reader’s prerogative as to what consequential action or inaction they may take. Paul and Brittany (and Yoda) shall in no event be held liable for any loss or other damages including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or any other damages.

So, ready to discover all the ins and outs of chiropractic care for cats? Then let’s dive in!

What Is Chiropractic Care For Cats?

Chiropractic care for cats is an alternative holistic treatment that provides care for a cat’s joints and spine.

It involves the movement and manipulation of the spine in a specific direction, to help return its normal functions and restore proper alignment. This adjustment can be achieved either through a literal hands-on approach, or through the use of a mechanical adjustment device.

So, in essence, not so dissimilar to what we humans experience at a chiropractic treatment! In fact, the chiropractic profession can be traced all the way back to the late 19th century. Although the practice has largely evolved since then. 

(Fun fact: this treatment can also be used on dogs and horses!)

To get more technical, chiropractic care may be required if your cat is experiencing a misalignment of the spinal column. This is otherwise known as a vertebral subluxation, and is said to cause severe disruption to the nerves.

It is also theorized to be responsible for causing ill health, disease, muscle tension and reduced flexibility in animals. 

Chiropractic adjustments involve a low force, high velocity thrust motion, which is applied to a specific location on a cat’s body. 

Which sounds a bit aggressive, right? But a chiropractic adjustment on a cat can actually be more subtle than you might expect. You can watch a video of the gorgeous Venus receiving a chiropractic adjustment, to get a better idea of what this looks like in practice.

What Are the Benefits of Chiropractic Care For Cats?

The actual benefits of a chiropractic adjustment for cats are largely debated. Most positive outcomes are noted in anecdotal reports, rather than from any concrete evidence being noted in any clinical studies. 

Nevertheless, there are a number of potential benefits for your kitty.

These reported benefits of chiropractic care for cats include:

• Increased fitness and mobility
• Speeding up of recovery from injury or surgery

The effects can also largely differ, depending on what your fluffy guy or gal is being treated for. For some kitties, chiropractic care offers great benefits. But for others, the effects are minimal.

For instance, this treatment is said to help with chronic illnesses such as osteoarthritis, or pain associated with ligaments, joints or muscles.

Yet it cannot cure disease or be used as a replacement for surgery. 

Remember, chiropractic care for cats isn’t the same as massaging a cat or even acupuncture for cats, as those are two holistic health treatments that can benefit our felines in other wonderful ways.

Chiropractic care may also be used to treat your cat if they’re suffering from:

• Hip dysplasia — more common in large, overweight and purebred cats
• Spondylosis — involves the formation of bone spurs on the spinal bones
• Intervertebral disc disease — uncommon but can cause weakness, pain and even paralysis 
• Urinary incontinence — where urine leaks from a cat that has spinal damage or a neurological disease

In fact, if you’d like to read more about feline chiropractic treatments, you may want to check out The Well Adjusted Cat by Dr. Daniel Kamen. In this book, Dr. Kamen provides an overview of cat chiropractic methods, an essential reference for any cat lover.  

Does Chiropractic Care Work For Cats? 

As I mentioned above, chiropractic care alone may not be totally effective for your cat. Especially not from a single session. More often than not, if the case is severe several sessions will be needed before your kitty experiences any notable benefits. 

There are also said to be a number of common negative effects from chiropractic care, although these are usually mild and last between 24 to 48 hours. 

These side effects include:

• Discomfort
• Stiffness
• Tiredness

(Severe side effects are uncommon, but you should be aware that they can occur – as with any treatment. Especially if an adjustment is made at the wrong angle/with excessive force/at the wrong time.) 

Chiropractic adjustments also shouldn’t be made on cats who have experienced recent trauma. This includes:

• Fractures
• Tumors
• Bone infections
• Herniated discs

Your kitty will benefit from chiropractic care if used alongside other holistic therapies such as acupuncture for cats. Likewise, this treatment can produce better results when paired with conventional western medicine, physical therapy and continued exercises at home.

Should My Cat Have Chiropractic Care?   

If you’re wondering ‘Should my cat have chiropractic care?’ there are a number of factors you should consider before rushing to book an appointment.

For example, is your cat experiencing any or a combination of the following symptoms?

• Stiffness
• Walking with a limp/hopping motion or abnormal gait
• Difficulty running, jumping or with general flexibility
• Not moving around as much and/or slowness of movement after rest
• Difficulty turning head
• Sitting or standing in an unusual or abnormal position
• Hunchback or neck/back pain
• Pain when pressure is applied to the spine or general sensitivity to touch
• Lack of coordination (e.g. toileting outside their litter box)
• Muscle weakness, tension, atrophy or asymmetry
• Reduced appetite
• Reduced or excessive grooming
• Change in temperament and general behavior
• Vocalizing

If so, then it would be worthwhile booking an appointment with a trusted, qualified vet. 

They will offer an initial consultation and possible diagnosis of your kitty’s symptoms, usually through a physical examination or an x-ray to better pinpoint the location of the problem. They’ll also be able to identify whether there’s another underlying health issue which is causing these symptoms. 

You should also weigh up the following factors, before booking an appointment with a cat chiropractor:

• Your cat’s temperament — will it stress them out? Will they tolerate being handled?
• Your cat’s condition — does your vet believe it’s an appropriate treatment?
• The potential benefits and negatives for your cat — is it worth it, in the bigger picture?

How to Find a Cat Chiropractor

If you’re convinced that your kitty could benefit from chiropractic treatment and you’re now on the search for a chiropractor for cats, keep an eye out for American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) certified animal doctors. 

Your vet may be able to refer you directly to a qualified cat chiropractor. But if not, it’s worth doing your research and checking a cat chiropractor’s qualifications and experience in chiropractic adjustments. 

Cat chiropractors registered with the AVCA or the International Veterinary Chiropractor Association (IVCA) must:

• Complete approved veterinary chiropractic training
• Follow membership regulations
• Ensure their practice meets set standards

(Top tip: you can search for a local cat chiropractor here and tailor the search to your location.) 

Cat chiropractors operate independently and each practitioner can charge different rates for their treatments, depending on the age of your cat, your location and the number of sessions required. To give you a ballpark estimate, an initial consultation could cost between $100-$150, with sessions ranging from $50 to $75 after this first session.

My personal recommendation would be to look for client testimonials on your potential cat chiropractor’s website. This’ll give you an idea of how other cat moms and dads found the experience and (most importantly) if they believe the treatment produced actual benefits for their own fluffy kitties.   

Chiropractic Care For Cats — The Wrap-Up

So there you have it, the 101 on chiropractic care for cats. The potential benefits and risks involved, what typical conditions it is most suitable for, and how to find a cat chiropractor in your local area (if you believe your fluffy guy or gal could benefit from this holistic treatment.) 

I’d once again recommend talking to a trusted veterinarian about your kitty’s symptoms, if you’re worried about a change in their behavior or believe they’re in pain. If you’d like to read more about holistic veterinarians, check out our article on this topic. 

(Don’t forget to also check a cat chiropractor’s credentials, ensuring they’re registered with the AVCA or IVCA.)

Has your cat received a chiropractic alignment? Would you recommend it to other kitty parents? Reach out and let us know, as we’d love to hear about your experience!

The post Chiropractic Care For Cats: The Complete Guide appeared first on Fluffy Kitty.

Yes, you read that right — cats can be treated with acupuncture. Just like us humans! 

Ever since our fluffy boy Yoda was diagnosed with his FISS , we’ve been more and more interested in researching alternative holistic remedies for cats.

Whilst western medicine can work wonders for our kitties, we’ve learnt that traditional eastern therapeutic practices can offer just as many benefits. Especially when working hand in hand. 

That’s why today we’re very excited to talk to you about acupuncture for cats. So you can learn more about what it is, how it can help your kitty, and whether it’s a treatment you may want to try.    

Here’s what we discuss in this article: 

Acupuncture for Cats

• Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and originated in China
• It involves the insertion of thin sterile needles into identified acupuncture points (otherwise called acupoints)
• Acupuncture can help cats with acute or chronic pain, including arthritis, musculoskeletal conditions and gastrointestinal conditions
• It’s a largely non-invasive treatment and is considered completely safe for cats
• The duration and cost of acupuncture treatments varies depending on your veterinarian, location and the ailment being treated

Brittany, Paul, and the Fluffy Kitty team are not veterinarians. This article is based on facts, research, and personal experiences. We provide you with the best information we can but it is the reader’s prerogative as to what consequential action or inaction they may take. Paul and Brittany (and Yoda) shall in no event be held liable for any loss or other damages including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or any other damages.

So, are you ready to learn more about cat acupuncture? Then let’s dive in!

Acupuncture for Cats — What Is It?

To start at the beginning… What is acupuncture for cats?

The art of acupuncture is a treatment that has been used for thousands of years in eastern medicine. It originated from China and is traditionally used for therapeutic purposes, including pain relief. 

In fact, Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that acupuncture can help unlock Qi (pronounced “chee”). Qi is believed by eastern medicine to flow through the body in balance, but this balance can be disrupted by pain and disease. Acupuncture can help in stimulating the Qi meridians, restoring flow and balance to the body.   

What’s super interesting is that acupuncture is beneficial for humans and animals alike!

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin sterile acupuncture needles into acupoints. These are areas on the body with a high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, and small blood and lymphatic vessels. 

Fun fact: there are over 300 acupoints on your cat! And the typical acupuncture spots for cats include:

• Along the spine
• By all major joints
• Around the head

By inserting acupuncture needles into acupoints on a cat, this stimulates the nervous system to induce therapeutic pain relief and healing. 

Through stimulating the nervous system, this can induce a chemical release of endorphins, including beta-endorphins, serotonin and other neurotransmitters. And as the nervous system runs throughout the body, this means that stimulating one acupoint can actually affect different organs and tissues throughout the body.   

In fact, acupuncture can also help to decrease inflammation, dilating blood vessels and increasing oxygenation to various tissues and organs.

You can also massage these common 44 acupoints to keep your cat healthy naturally.

If, like me, you’re a bit of a bookworm and are interested in learning more about the art of acupuncture for pets, you may want to check out this pocket atlas by Christina Eul-Matern called Acupuncture for Cats and Dogs. 

What Acupuncture Can Treat in Cats

For cats, acupuncture can be used to treat:

• Musculoskeletal conditions (strains and sprains, muscle spasms, osteoarthritis, back pain, degenerative joint disease and post-surgical pain) 
• Gastrointestinal diseases (such as diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, vomiting, and constipation)
• Kidney disease (helping to slow down the progression)
• Neurological diseases (such as seizures, nerve paralysis, and intervertebral disc disease)
• Renal conditions
• Lumbosacral disease
• Arthritis (in the spine, back and lower neck)
• Symptoms from cancer treatment (i.e. chemotherapy, radiation, or general pain caused by the cancer)
• Chronic diseases (such as asthma, hyperthyroidism, skin conditions)
• Acute pain

It can also be used for preventative purposes too, or can be used in end of life care for senior and elderly cats to help ease pain.

Depending on your kitty’s ailment or condition, specific acupoints may be selected to stimulate different areas of the nervous system. Your qualified veterinarian will be the one to identify the ideal areas to administer acupuncture.

Types of Cat Acupuncture 

You may be surprised to learn that there’s not just one type of acupuncture that can be used on cats. 

Type/Technique	Process
Dry needle	A very basic but effective form of acupuncture. This is where very small sterile needles are inserted at acupoints
Electro-acupuncture	Uses the same small sterile needles as those used in the dry needle technique. However, this technique includes electrical stimulation to produce a deeper response. This technique isn’t the best fit for aggressive, intensely nervous or agitated cats
Aqua-acupuncture	The cat’s own blood or Vitamin B is injected into the acupoint, to produce a longer-lasting effect. Could be a better fit for cats that don’t tolerate well sitting with needles for long periods of time
Hemo-acupuncture	A small amount of blood is released from a specific spot. Most commonly used for excessive heat conditions
Laser-acupuncture	A non-surgical laser is used to stimulate the acupoint. This is a non-invasive technique that can also better fit cats that don’t tolerate well sitting with needles for long periods of time

Does Acupuncture For Cats Work? What Are the Risks?

For some, the very first acupuncture session can produce wonderful results. However, depending on your kitty’s source of pain or whether you’re dealing with a chronic condition, it could take a handful of sessions before benefits are more obviously felt. 

Acupuncture alone may not fully heal your kitty. Instead, it is a treatment that can be administered in combination with a good diet and nutrition, herbal medicines and supplements, other western medicines, and potentially surgery or other treatments.  

Regardless, some conditions have been reversed through a single acupuncture treatment! So it very much depends on the severity of your kitty’s condition.

Be aware that after a treatment, some kitties may experience a degree of lethargy, stiffness or soreness. This is usually minimal and lasts only for a short duration. Special aftercare is typically not required after acupuncture.

Many reports suggest that acupuncture is actually one of the safest forms of treatment, as it’s minimally invasive.

However, as is typical with needles, there is a risk that infection could occur at the site where the needle is inserted. Sources suggest that this is supposed to be very rare, and can be treated with antibiotics if necessary.

If your kitty has any tumors, acupuncture should likewise not be performed in these areas, as it could lead to further growth.   

Should My Cat Have Acupuncture?   

Acupuncture is considered as a highly beneficial treatment for most kitties. It’s believed to support the healing of bodies, as well as support pain and appetite management.  

If you’re worried by the idea of needles being inserted into your kitty, anecdotal evidence suggests that most cats tolerate acupuncture quite well. (Some even fall asleep during their treatments!) 

However, you know your cat’s temperament best to judge whether they’ll tolerate (or even enjoy) this treatment.

If possible, try to find a qualified veterinarian who has trained and ample experience in acupuncture. As this will mean the treatment is not uncomfortable or painful for your cat.

It’s not strictly necessary, but some veterinarians train to become certified as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) or join the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. So you can keep an eye out for these credentials too.  

Qualified veterinarians will thoroughly assess your kitty before administering acupuncture. They may even take blood samples, test urine or take an x-ray of your cat, to aid their diagnosis and map a clear medical history. 

Before acupuncture, it’s important to tell your vet about:

• any conditions your cat is currently experiencing (or has previously experienced)
• any current medications your cat is on
• any surgery or trauma your cat has experienced
• any allergies your cat suffers from  

As all cat lovers are aware, each fluffy kitty is completely unique. Meaning the number of treatments or duration of acupuncture for your cat may vary.

The cost of cat acupuncture treatment can also vary, depending on your qualified veterinarian’s rates and your location. Sessions can range anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes, and typically cost between $25 to approximately $125.  

Sometimes one session is enough, other times your kitty may need several weeks of treatment.

Final Thoughts

There you have it — an overview of acupuncture for cats. Did you learn anything new? Did the potential benefits surprise you? 

If your cat has had acupuncture, we’d love to hear from you and learn more about how the experience was for you and your kitty. 

If there’s one thing we’d love for you to take away from this article, it’s that there are heaps of potential benefits from exploring alternative holistic therapies — in addition to western medicine.

It’s super important that you feel educated about your options when it comes to caring for your kitty’s health. And empowered to make a decision that feels safe and right for you. 

Remember, we’re always here to support you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments!

The post Acupuncture for Cats: The Complete Guide appeared first on Fluffy Kitty.