Acupuncture for cats: the complete guide

Yes, you read this correctly – Cats can be treated with acupuncture. Just like us humans!

Since our tender baby Yoda was diagnosed with FISS, we have been more and more interested in researching alternative holistic treatments for cats.

While Western medicine can do wonders for our kittens, we have learned that traditional Eastern healing practices can offer the same benefits. Especially when working side by side.

That’s why today we are so excited to talk to you about acupuncture for cats. So you can Learn more about what it is, how it can help your cat, and whether it’s a treatment you might want to try.

This is what we discuss in this article:

Acupuncture for cats

• Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and originated in China
• Involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points (also called acupuncture points)
• Acupuncture can help cats with acute or chronic pain, including arthritis, musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal diseases.
• It is a largely non-invasive treatment and is considered completely safe for cats
• Duration and cost of acupuncture treatmentsAries Depending on the vet, location and disease being treated

⚠️ Brittany, Paul and Team Fluffy Kitty are not vets. This article is based on facts, research, and personal experiences. We give you the best possible information but it is up to the reader to decide what action or inaction they might take. In no event shall Paul and Brittany (and Yoda) be liable for any loss or other damages including without limitation, special, incidental, consequential or any other damages.

So, are you ready to learn more about acupuncture for cats? Then let’s dive in!

Acupuncture for cats – what is it?

To start from the beginning.. What is acupuncture for cats?

The art of acupuncture is a treatment that has been used for thousands of years in Eastern medicine. It originated from China and is Traditionally used for therapeutic purposes, including pain relief.

In fact, traditional Chinese medicine believes that acupuncture can help open Qi (pronounced “chi”). Eastern medicine believes that Qi flows through the body in a balanced way, but this balance can be affected by pain and disease. Acupuncture can help stimulate the Qi meridians, restoring flow and balance to the body.

The interesting thing is that Acupuncture is beneficial for humans and animals Both!

Acupuncture involves inserting thin, sterile needles into acupuncture points. These are areas of the body with a high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, and small blood and lymphatic vessels.

Fun fact: There is more 300 acupoints on your cat! Typical acupuncture areas for cats include:

• along the spine
• All major joints
• around the head

By inserting acupuncture needles into acupuncture points on a cat, this stimulates the nervous system to induce therapeutic and healing pain relief.

During Stimulating the nervous systemThis can trigger the release of chemical endorphins, including beta-endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters. And since the nervous system works throughout the body, this means that stimulating the acupuncture point can actually affect different organs and tissues throughout the body.

In fact, acupuncture can also help reduce inflammationTo expand blood vessels and increase oxygenation of various tissues and organs.

You can also massage These 44 common acupoints To keep your cat healthy naturally.

If, like me, you’re a bookworm and interested in learning more about the art of pet acupuncture, you might want to check out this pocket atlas by Christina Eul-Mattern called Acupuncture For cats and dogs.

What can acupuncture treat in cats

For cats, acupuncture can be used to treat:

• Diseases of the musculoskeletal system (strains, sprains, muscle spasms, osteoporosis, back pain, degenerative joint disease, postoperative pain)
• Gastrointestinal diseases (eg, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, vomiting, constipation)
• Kidney disease (helps slow the progression)
• Neurological diseases (such as seizures, neuralgia, and intervertebral disc disease)
• Kidney disease
• lumbosacral disease
• Arthritis (in the spine, back and lower neck)
• Symptoms of cancer treatment (such as chemotherapy, radiation, or general pain caused by cancer)
• Chronic diseases (such as asthma, hyperthyroidism, and skin diseases)
• Sharp pain

It can also be used for preventive purposes as well, or it can be used in end-of-life care for elderly and elderly cats to help relieve pain.

Depending on the kitty’s disease or condition, acupuncture points can be selected to stimulate different areas of the nervous system. for you Qualified veterinarian He will be the person who identifies the ideal areas to administer acupuncture.

Types of acupuncture in cats

You may be surprised to learn that there is not only one Acupuncture type It can be used on cats.

Genre / Tech	to treat
dry needle	A basic yet effective form of acupuncture. This is where very small sterile needles are inserted into the acupuncture points
electric acupuncture	It uses the same small sterile needles used in the dry needle technique. However, this technique involves electrical stimulation to produce a deeper response. This technique is not best suited for aggressive, highly stressed or agitated cats
Aqua Acupuncture	Cat’s blood or vitamin B is injected into the acupoint for a long-lasting effect. May be better suited for cats that cannot tolerate good sitting needles for long periods of time
Hemo acupuncture	A small amount of blood is released from a particular place. Most commonly used under excessive heat conditions
laser acupuncture	A non-surgical laser is used to stimulate the acupoint. This is a non-invasive technique that can also work for cats that cannot tolerate sitting well with needles for long periods of time

Does acupuncture work for cats? What are the risks?

For some, the first acupuncture session can produce great results. However, depending on where your kitty’s pain comes from or whether you’re dealing with a chronic condition, it may take a few sessions before you feel the benefits more clearly.

Acupuncture alone may not completely heal your cat. Instead, it is a treatment that can be administered in conjunction with a good diet and nutrition, medicines and herbal supplements, other Western medicines, and possibly surgery or other treatments.

despite, Some cases have been reversed with a single acupuncture treatment! So it depends a lot on the severity of your kitty’s condition.

Know that after treatment, Some kittens may experience lethargy, stiffness or soreness. This is usually minimal and only lasts a short time. Special aftercare is usually not required after acupuncture.

Many reports indicate that acupuncture is actually One of the safest forms of treatmentbecause it is minimally invasive.

However, as with needles, there is a risk of infection at the needle insertion site. Sources indicate This is supposed to be very rare, and can be treated with antibiotics if needed.

If your cat has any tumors, acupuncture should also not be done in these areas, as it may lead to further growth.

Should my cat get acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a very beneficial treatment for most kitties. He thinks he supports It also works to heal the bodies, as well as support pain and manage appetite.

If you are concerned about the idea of ​​inserting needles into your cat, you can tell stories Evidence It is suggested that most cats tolerate acupuncture well. (Some even sleep during the treatment!)

However, you know your cat’s mood better to judge whether it will tolerate (or even enjoy) this treatment.

If possible, try to find a qualified vet who has extensive experience in acupuncture. Because this means that the treatment is not annoying or painful for your cat.

This is not strictly necessary, but some vets are training to become certified as them Certified Veterinary Acupuncture Specialist (CVA) or join International Society of Veterinary Acupuncture. So you can keep track of these credentials as well.

Qualified veterinarians will Accurately measures your cat Before using acupuncture. They may even take blood samples, test your urine, or take an X-ray of your cat to help diagnose them and map a clear medical history.

Before performing acupuncture, it is important to tell your vet about the following:

• Any conditions your cat currently has (or has had)
• Any current medications your cat is taking
• Any surgery or trauma your cat has had
• Any allergies your cat has?

As all cat lovers know, every fluffy cat is completely unique. the meaning The number of treatments or the duration of acupuncture for your cat may vary.

The cost of acupuncture treatment can also vary, depending on the prices of your qualified vet and your location. Sessions can range anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes, and typically cost approximately $25 to $125.

Sometimes one session is enough, other times your cat may need several weeks of treatment.

last thoughts

There you have it – an overview of acupuncture for cats. Did you learn anything new? Did the potential benefits surprise you?

If your cat has had acupuncture, we’d love to hear from you and learn more about how the experience has been for you and your cat.

If there’s one thing we’d like you to take away from this article, it’s that there are plenty of potential benefits from exploring alternative holistic therapies — as well as Western medicine.

It is very important that you feel educated about your options when it comes to caring for your kitty’s health. and enabling you to make a decision that you feel is safe and appropriate for you.

Remember, we are always here to support you. Feel free to contact us with any questions or comments!