Feline Pain Management
Cats are often overlooked in discussions of chronic pain and rehabilitation. Treating them can be slightly more challenging, as they tend to be less tolerant of new activities compared to their canine counterparts. Many older cats suffering from chronic pain issues go undiagnosed because their changing behavior is often attributed to the natural aging process. Signs that indicate chronic pain include increased sleeping, decreased outdoor activity, changes in grooming habits (either excessive or insufficient), inappropriate toileting in the house, and increased grumpiness.
From a physiotherapy standpoint, we can improve the situation for these cats with a combination of environmental enrichment, exercises, and treatment modalities such as pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, laser therapy, and acupuncture.
Cats with arthritis or back pain may struggle to jump, so adding ramps or steps in key areas of their environment can be very helpful. Providing a heated bed allows them to choose heat therapy, which can assist with muscle relaxation and improve blood flow.
Using toys or a laser pointer in targeted play can encourage joint range of motion, muscle stretching, mental enrichment and cognitive stimulation. Specific grooming tools are designed to incorporate massage and grooming, helping stimulate blood flow in soft tissues and promote endorphin release.
It’s worth noting that we frequently treat cats in our clinic with acupuncture, yielding excellent results. Generally, 80% of mammals respond well to acupuncture for pain relief. We make an effort to schedule these treatments during quieter times to minimise disturbances from dogs or noise and ensure that the cats can find a comfortable spot to settle down. We also use very fine needles specifically designed for cats, which they tolerate well. Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with conventional veterinary medication for chronic pain issues.
If you are concerned that your cat may be experiencing undiagnosed pain, please call us or contact your veterinary professional. You can truly make a difference for them!