What is cat acupuncture and how does it work?
Acupuncture is the insertion of very small needles into the body at specific points to create a healing effect. It does that by influencing the nervous system as well as influencing pain centers and muscles throughout your cat's body.
What conditions or health issues can acupuncture treat in cats?
We can treat a lot of different kinds of conditions with acupuncture. Specifically with cats, the things that I most commonly treat are those that cause pain in the muscles and joints, issues with the nervous system, such as spinal cord injuries, and urinary tract problems.
Is acupuncture safe for cats?
It's very safe because we're just using sterile needles that are very fine. The likelihood of any injuries or pain afterward is very small.
How do I know if my cat is a good candidate for acupuncture?
It would be best to talk to your veterinarian about it to see whether acupuncture might be good for your cat and if your cat might be a good candidate. Most pets, as long as they're tolerant of being in the clinic and having things like vaccines or other injections, are usually good candidates for acupuncture.
How do I ask my vet about starting feline acupuncture?
Start the conversation by letting your veterinarian know that you have concerns about your pet and are wondering whether acupuncture might be appropriate for your cat.
What should I expect during a feline acupuncture session?
When your cat comes in for acupuncture, first we settle you into the room and start asking specific questions about your cat, their history, previous medical conditions, and what brings you in on that date. Once that part is done, we'll conduct a physical exam, focusing on the muscles and joints as well as the nervous system. After that, we'll proceed with the actual treatment. Depending on the pet and the condition, we may insert two needles or up to 20 needles. We allow those needles to sit ideally for 20 minutes, but sometimes cats don't have that much patience, so we might only get a 5-minute treatment. The good news is that regardless of the number of needles or the length of time, we often see a good healing benefit.
What should I do if my cat is anxious about the acupuncture treatment?
Anxiety often starts at home. Most of our cats are indoor-only, so the only time they are in the car is when they come to the vet, which can be a scary place. The first thing we can do is get them used to being in the carrier. If your pet is anxious during travel, we can use pheromone sprays to help reduce anxiety in the car, as well as specific medications. You should ask your veterinarian about the best way to keep your pet calm during travel and their appointment in the clinic.
Are there different types of acupuncture techniques used in cats?
There are many different kinds of acupuncture techniques. Some involve burning certain substances above the acupuncture points or injecting medications into acupuncture points. At Forest Grove Veterinary Clinic, we specifically use needles and something called electroacupuncture, where we use a little bit of electrical stimulation between two different points on the body to achieve a longer duration of effect and a better effect, particularly in pets with neurological conditions.
How many acupuncture sessions will my cat need?
The number of acupuncture sessions depends on your pet and the disease process. For something like a simple strain or sprain, sometimes one or two treatments may be enough to help your pet feel better. For more chronic conditions, like disc problems or arthritis, we often need at least three to six treatments to see the best benefit.
How long does a typical acupuncture session last?
The treatment itself usually involves having the needles in for about 20 minutes. However, from the time you arrive until the time you go home, if it is your first visit, we recommend budgeting an hour of your time. Follow-up visits usually last 30 to 40 minutes.
What are the potential benefits of acupuncture for my cat?
For cats, some of the best benefits we see from acupuncture are improvements in their pain. Cats are very prone to arthritic conditions, and we can see arthritis in pets as young as four or five years of age, so acupuncture can really help with pain. It can also be very helpful with neurological conditions, like nerves that aren't functioning properly or difficulties walking.
Are there any risks or side effects associated with cat acupuncture?
The good news is that acupuncture is very safe. Since we're using fine needles, there are minimal risks involved. Because we are inserting a needle into the skin, there is always a potential for a bit of soreness afterward or a small blood drop when the needle is removed. More significant potential risks include a needle breaking off under the skin, although we have ways to prevent that, or if your pet tries to eat one of the needles, which we also prevent.
Are there any cats who shouldn't undergo an acupuncture session?
The cats that aren't very suitable for acupuncture are those that are really frightened in the clinic, especially those that are not tolerant of touch or needles because the benefit of acupuncture may not outweigh the fear or discomfort they experience.
Can acupuncture help with behavioural issues in cats?
Acupuncture can do many things. From my perspective, it is best at treating nerve conditions and pain. Although it may have a behavioural effect, there are other modalities that would likely have a stronger effect unless the behaviour concern is related to underlying discomfort.
Can acupuncture be used alongside other veterinary treatments?
Absolutely. Acupuncture can be used alongside other veterinary treatments. I often think of acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment, one that I use with pain management and other medications to achieve the best effect for your pet.
How should I prepare my cat for an acupuncture session?
Preparing your cat for an acupuncture session is the same as preparing your cat for a vet visit. It starts at home. If your pet is fearful about being in the kennel or cries during car rides, we want to ensure they feel calm and relaxed when they come to the clinic, as that's when they'll benefit most from acupuncture. If you have any concerns about getting your cat accustomed to the kennel or car rides, please reach out to your veterinarian.
How do I find a qualified veterinary acupuncturist for my cat?
Get online and search for someone who has a certification in veterinary acupuncture.
How much does cat acupuncture cost?
That's an excellent question, and I recommend calling your local vet clinic to inquire about their prices.
What can I do at home to support my cat's acupuncture treatment?
The best thing you can do at home is make sure your cat is comfortable being in the carrier and the car. The best treatment results occur when your pet is calm and relaxed in the clinic, without fear.
How can I tell if acupuncture is helping my cat?
That's a great question, and it depends on why you brought your cat in for acupuncture. For instance, if your pet is in pain and you notice they're moving slowly or having difficulty jumping, then you'd be watching for more ease in their movement. You might notice that your cat is able to jump to a higher surface than before. Those are the things to monitor after your pet has acupuncture.
If you’re searching for veterinary care you can rely on, we’re here to help. Call (306) 955-6111 or email contact@forestgrovevet.com to schedule your pet’s appointment. Our team is committed to keeping your pet happy and healthy.