Cats with spinal injuries from trauma can achieve remarkable functional recovery with appropriate veterinary care and adapted home management.
Spinal injury welfare in cats involves both the acute phase — managing pain and preventing secondary injury — and the chronic phase — supporting quality of life in animals with lasting neurological deficits. Cats with incomplete spinal injuries often regain significant function with time, physiotherapy, and appropriate supportive care. Those with complete injuries require assisted bladder expression, careful hygiene management, and assessment of whether the cat can experience positive welfare despite the limitations. Cats are remarkably adaptable and many with rear limb paralysis become mobile and engaged with their environment through wheelchairs and modified home access. The welfare question in chronic cases is whether the animal experiences more positive than negative states — assessed honestly and regularly.