Feline Services

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While often less common than their equine or canine counterparts, physiotherapy services for felines are becoming increasingly recognized for their value in managing pain, improving mobility, and enhancing the quality of life for domestic cats. Feline physiotherapy focuses on using physical techniques and therapeutic exercises to address musculoskeletal and neurological issues in cats.

Feline physiotherapy can be highly effective for a variety of conditions, often working in conjunction with veterinary care.

• Osteoarthritis (OA): A very common issue in older cats, physiotherapy helps manage pain and maintain joint function through gentle range of motion (ROM) exercises and pain-reducing modalities.
• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Essential for recovery after orthopedic surgeries (e.g., fracture repair, luxating patella correction) or soft tissue procedures.
• Neurological Conditions: Including spinal injuries, Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome, or recovery from Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) complications affecting mobility. Techniques focus on nerve stimulation and motor function retraining.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and tendinitis, though these can be difficult to diagnose in cats due to their propensity for hiding pain.
• Weight Management and Fitness: Customized exercise plans to promote safe weight loss and muscle development, reducing stress on joints.

Due to the unique nature of cats—their smaller size, speed, and lower tolerance for restraint—feline physiotherapy relies heavily on low-stress, minimally invasive techniques and careful handling.

Manual Therapy

Gentle massage, joint mobilization, and passive range of motion (PROM) exercises performed in a comfortable, quiet environment.- Pain relief, improved joint flexibility, reduced muscle tension.

Therapeutic Exercise

Tailored activities often involving short, controlled movements, walking through obstacle courses, or encouraging play to stimulate specific muscle groups. - Strength building, improved balance, restored functional movement.

Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Non-invasive application of specific light wavelengths to promote cellular healing and reduce inflammation and pain. Highly tolerated by most cats. - Tissue repair, pain management, reduced swelling.

Heat/Cold Therapy

Use of warm packs (for muscle relaxation) or cold packs (for acute inflammation) applied briefly and carefully. - Muscle relaxation, pain reduction, control of acute swelling.

Effective feline physiotherapy requires a patient-centric, low-stress approach.

1. Initial Assessment: A thorough evaluation of the cat's gait, posture, movement patterns, and muscle mass, often involving observation in their home environment or in a specialized, quiet clinic space. Owner input on daily activity and behavior is critical.
2. Treatment Plan: Development of specific, measurable goals tailored to the cat's condition, personality, and tolerance level. Treatment sessions are typically shorter than those for dogs or horses to prevent stress.
3. Owner Compliance and Home Care: A significant component of feline rehabilitation involves teaching the owner specific, easy-to-implement home exercises and modifications (e.g., changes to feeding height, ramp access) to maintain progress between sessions.

Prices 

• Feline Physiotherapy Initial Assessment - £40
• Feline Physiotherapy Follow Up - £35
• Laser Therapy Session - £25