Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Feline Acupuncture and Physiotherapy

Complementary therapies including acupuncture and physiotherapy are increasingly used in cats for pain management and rehabilitation.

Key Facts

Feline acupuncture is used primarily for musculoskeletal pain and neurological conditions
Cats tolerate acupuncture surprisingly well when introduced gradually
Physiotherapy exercises improve muscle strength in post-surgical and arthritic cats
Hydrotherapy is less commonly used in cats than dogs due to water aversion
Evidence base for complementary therapies in cats is growing but remains limited

Welfare Considerations

Pain management in cats is challenging because the stoic feline temperament masks suffering. Complementary therapies including acupuncture and physiotherapy offer additional tools for reducing pain in conditions like arthritis and post-surgical recovery. Used alongside conventional analgesics, they provide a multimodal approach to pain management that improves quality of life.

What You Can Do

Ask your vet about physiotherapy or acupuncture for cats with chronic pain
Ensure complementary therapies are performed by qualified veterinary professionals
Support research into complementary therapy effectiveness in cats