The 4 Key Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Cats

Are you thinking of taking your cat to see a chiropractor but want to know more about the possible benefits of chiropractic adjustments in cats?

It’s becoming more common for pet parents to seek out alternatives to conventional veterinary medicine, and complementary therapies such as animal chiropractic care are becoming more and more popular.¹

It is clear to see why alternative therapies might be popular – after all, the promise of improving your cat’s quality of life without the side effects of drugs or the invasiveness of surgery, is indeed a very attractive prospect.

But can chiropractic even be performed in cats? Is it safe, and does it work? If you’re considering taking your cat to see a doctor of chiropractor, make sure you’re clued up on the facts so you can make the right decision for your pet.

What Is Chiropractic Care?

The chiropractic profession dates back to 1895 when it was first introduced and used by a man called Daniel David Palmer.² Although the practice has evolved over the years, it still operates on the main principle that misalignment of the spinal column (called vertebral subluxation) is responsible for ill health and disease.

According to the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association, animal chiropractic “focuses on the biomechanical dysfunction of the spine and its effect on the entire nervous system throughout the body”. The theory is that misalignments of the vertebrae (spinal bones) causes the animal pain, muscle tension and reduced flexibility. Chiropractors say that these subluxations can put pressure on nearby nerves and interfere with normal function and the transfer of information around the body.

Chiropractic treatment involves spinal manipulations to help restore proper alignment and range of motion, and to relieve pressure on associated nerves.

Is Chiropractic Good for Cats?

If you think your cat might be suffering from a problem that could be treated with chiropractic, first take them to see your veterinarian

It is thought that chiropractic manipulation can provide relief from:

• Chronic pain that occurs with long term conditions such as osteoarthritis
• Pain associated with injuries to muscles, ligaments or joints

Veterinary chiropractors claim that it can also:

• Promote fitness and mobility (especially in older cats)
• Speed up recovery from injury or surgery

The Royal College of Chiropractors provide some specific guidance on the sorts of instances when chiropractic care might be considered in animals (see page 9).

What Is Chiropractic Care Used For?

In human health care, chiropractic treatment is used mostly to help with musculoskeletal issues, especially neck pain, back pain and sports injuries.

Veterinary chiropractic applies the principles and techniques of chiropractic to animals. Veterinary chiropractors use it alongside conventional veterinary medicine, to help treat problems such as:

• Osteoarthritis– a degenerative, inflammatory condition of the joints that is common in elderly cats.
• Hip dysplasia– a condition which is more common in large, purebred and overweight cats and can result in painful hip osteoarthritis.
• Spondylosis– a degenerative condition characterized by the formation of bone spurs on the vertebrae (spinal bones).
• Intervertebral disc disease– an uncommon but serious condition that causes pain, weakness and even paralysis.
• Urinary incontinence– cats that leak urine due to spinal damage or neurological disease.

It is often used along other complementary therapies such as acupuncture.

Does Chiropractic Work for Cats?

A relaxed tail that isn’t moving in any particular way indicates a cat who is calm and not in any particular mood.

There is a lot of debate about how effective chiropractic is, even in humans.^3-5 Most animal chiropractic success stories you’ll find come from case reports or practitioners’ own observations, and mainly from horses, dogs or laboratory animals. There is a real lack of information about chiropractic in cats in the veterinary literature.⁶

True research studies into the safety or effectiveness of animal chiropractic are rare and those studies that have been carried out have been criticised as being “of questionable quality, and fraught with serious methodological shortcomings”.⁷ So far, scientists have failed to find evidence that so-called ‘vertebral subluxations’ exist, even using advanced imaging modalities such as x-rays or MRI scans.

Is Chiropractic Safe in Cats?

Chiropractic treatment is often used along other complementary therapies such as acupuncture.

In people, chiropractic is considered safe when performed correctly by a trained and registered chiropractor. Negative effects are common but mild and include soreness and discomfort, stiffness, headache and tiredness.⁸ Serious side effects are rare but can be significant.

There are definite instances where chiropractic would NOT be safe to carry out in your cat, including recent trauma, fractures, tumours, bone infections and herniated discs, so always book a visit with your DVM/veterinarian for a check-up before considering alternative treatments such as chiropractic.^9,10

I Think My Cat Needs Chiropractic Adjustment – What Should I Do?

It can be normal for some cats to drool a little when they are very relaxed and content.

If you think your cat might be suffering from a problem that could be treated with chiropractic, first take them to see your veterinarian.

Your veterinarian will be able to:

• Examine your cat
• Help reach a diagnosis
• Identify conditions which may mean chiropractic manipulation is not safe for your cat
• Rule out other health problems
• Talk to you about conventional treatment methods

If you wish to use manual therapies such as chiropractic for your cat, you should only do so alongside conventional veterinary medicine and after discussion with your cat’s vet.

Although they are not without risk or side effect, medications and surgery have been tried and tested, and used to treat health conditions in cats with proven success. They should therefore always be the first port of call.

Above All Else, Do No Harm.

If you plan to use additional or complementary therapies such as chiropractic for your cat, first consider:

• Is it appropriate for my cat’s condition? (speak to your veterinarian)
• Will my cat tolerate handling and manipulation, without becoming stressed?
• What are the potential (and likely) benefits?
• What are the risks?

Remember, there is no scientific evidence that chiropractic in cats is safe or effective. You must therefore carefully consider whether the risk of potential negative effects (stress, discomfort, more serious side effects) are worth taking for your cat.

Also Read: 5 Visual Signs Of A Stressed Cat And How To Help

There are many conventional treatments that are proven to reduce pain and inflammation in cats that your vet will recommend. Speak to your vet for advice.