• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Pawesome Cats helping cats live happy, healthy lives

Pawesome Cats

helping cats live happy, healthy lives

  • Home
  • Cat Health
  • Cat Behaviour
  • Life with Cats
  • Raw Feeding
  • Cat Breeds
You are here: Home / Cat Health / Acupuncture for Cats

Acupuncture for Cats

By Pawesome Cats | Updated on 18/02/2023

289 shares
  • Share289
  • Tweet
  • Email

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine, that’s practiced across the world as an alternative treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. You’ve probably already heard of acupuncture, and you may even have tried it yourself, but did you know that acupuncture can also be used effectively on cats and other animals?

Did you know that veterinary acupuncture can be used effectively on cats? | Acupuncture for Cats

Veterinary Acupuncture for Cats

Veterinary acupuncture can be used in a variety of ways to evaluate, prevent and treat a number of health conditions in cats. The use of very fine needles inserted into acupuncture points in the cat’s body (so fine that they won’t hurt your cat), works to re-balance energies, stimulate the body to produce natural pain relief and relax muscles. The great thing about acupuncture, as opposed to over the counter and prescribed medications and treatments, is that it has no potential side effects, and won’t interact in any way with medication your cat is already taking. Acupuncture treatments are carried out without sedation, so there are no risks from anaesthetic, which makes it the perfect complementary treatment for your cat.

How Can Acupuncture Help my Cat?

Acupuncture for cats is often used to help treat arthritis, chronic pain, asthma and allergies, and can be used either as a one-off treatment or a regular, ongoing course of treatment for many different ailments. The acupuncture points in your cat’s body can be effective as both local pain relief, and more general ‘all over’ pain relief – some points will stimulate the body’s natural pain relieving and anti-inflammatory hormones. It’s also great for improving the overall blood flow within your cat’s tissues and organs.

RELATED:  How to Survive Bathing Your Cat

Is Acupuncture Suitable for my Cat?

A common misconception is that cats won’t be willing to sit still while someone sticks needles into them, but perhaps surprisingly, the majority of cats prove willing and easy to treat in this way. Of course, there are always some cats who hate visiting the vet’s office with a passion, so if your cat falls in this category, then you may have to consider whether this would work for him. If your cat fights, hisses and tries to escape even the most basic of vet check-ups, it’s unlikely he’ll suddenly change for an acupuncture session. As well as the traditional method of using acupuncture needles, there are now other methods available that don’t use needles, but instead use lasers or infrared light. If your cat is already receiving Western medical treatment for an illness, it’s worth discussing with your vet whether acupuncture is an appropriate replacement or if it can be used as a complementary treatment.

As always, and before considering any kind of holistic or other medical treatment for your cat, we recommend that you do your research, and talk to your vet. Veterinary acupuncture is not available everywhere, so if you do decide that it’s the right choice of treatment for your cat, make sure that you find a qualified and experienced veterinary acupuncturist.

Image: David McDermott via Flickr

289 shares
  • Share289
  • Tweet
  • Email

Filed Under: Cat Health, Wellness

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sharon S. says

    08/04/2014 at 3:07 am

    Thanks for the useful information. Several of my dogs have tried acupuncture, but I’ve never had one of my cats try the therapy. I’ll keep it in mind for the future.

  2. Fur Everywhere says

    07/04/2014 at 10:43 pm

    When I was visiting the vet a few weeks ago, a woman suggested I look into acupuncture for Jewel (she has CRF). The woman said it really helped her CRF cat.

    Do you know if it’s okay to use acupuncture on a CRF cat? Of course I will ask the vet before I take her for any. I was just curious if you had run into any information on CRF kitties and acupuncture.

    • The Island Cats says

      07/04/2014 at 10:46 pm

      The vet that did Ernie’s acupuncture told the mom that she does acupuncture on CRF kitties and it helps the kidneys.

  3. meowmeowmans says

    07/04/2014 at 11:44 am

    We have heard good things about acupuncture for pets. We know a bunch of people who swear by it, so why not for cats and dogs, right?

  4. The Island Cats says

    07/04/2014 at 6:20 am

    I have back problems and I had acupunture and laser therapy. At first, I didn’t want to sit still, but the veterinarian was so nice and so calming that I let her stick those needles in me. It helped my back feel better. And the mom says if I have any more problems with my back, I’ll be going back to see Dr. Joyce. 🙂

    Ernie

Primary Sidebar

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Latest Blog Posts

ginger kitten with arched back and upright tail on grass lawn

8 Reasons Why Cats Arch Their Backs

25/07/2023

coconut in shell with ground coconut and oil

Coconut Oil for Cats: Is It Good or Bad?

18/07/2023

tabby cat standing in blue litter box

What Does It Mean When a Cat Can’t Pee? 

11/07/2023

ginger and white cat with curved tail

Why Do Cats Wag Their Tails?

04/07/2023

tabby white cat eating from white bowl tongue out

Why Is My Cat Always Hungry? 10 Possible Reasons

27/06/2023

newborn kitten with eyes closed in human hands

Fading Kitten Syndrome: How To Recognise The Signs

20/06/2023

ginger cat digging in litter tray

Is Your Cat Allergic to Litter? How to Tell

13/06/2023

close up of ginger cat sneezing

Why Is My Cat Sneezing? 10 Possible Reasons

04/06/2023

Footer

Disclaimer

All articles are based on our personal opinion and experiences. Information on this site should not be considered a substitute for professional veterinary advice, care and treatment. If your cat is unwell and you are concerned for any reason, please contact your veterinarian immediately. Unless otherwise credited, all images and content are copyright to Pawesome Cats.

Affiliate Disclosure

Pawesome Cats is a member of affiliate programs that provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products sold online including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Associate the owner of this site earns from qualifying purchases. For more information, refer to our Disclaimer page.

Privacy

This site may collect anonymous demographic information when you visit our site, click on a link or leave a comment. For more information, read our privacy policy.

Quick Links

About   |   Contact   |   Subscribe

Copyright © 2023 Pawesome Cats - All Rights Reserved.

289 shares