Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Feline Rehabilitation Post-Surgery

Post-surgical rehabilitation in cats reduces pain, speeds recovery, and improves long-term welfare outcomes following major procedures.

Key Facts

Passive range of motion exercises prevent joint stiffness after orthopaedic surgery
Hydrotherapy is used in some cats for post-surgical rehabilitation
Cold laser therapy reduces post-operative pain and inflammation
Graduated activity programmes prevent both over-exercise and disuse atrophy
Post-surgical pain management must be continued for the full recommended period

Welfare Considerations

Post-surgical rehabilitation is an underutilised welfare intervention in cats. Without appropriate physiotherapy and graduated activity management, cats may develop joint stiffness, muscle atrophy, or chronic pain that persists long after surgical healing. Dedicated post-surgical welfare management maximises the benefit of surgical intervention by ensuring optimal functional recovery.

What You Can Do

Follow post-surgical rehabilitation protocols provided by your veterinarian
Consider physiotherapy referral for cats following major orthopaedic surgery
Maintain post-surgical pain management for the full recommended course