Author: Katherine Smith, DVM, CVA, CVSMT

Is Acupuncture Treatment Right for My Cat? Before an acupuncture treatment, spend time researching veterinarians in your area that offer these services. It helps to consider whether your pet will do best in a clinic setting or whether you should try to locate a veterinarian who will perform acupuncture in your home. While many cats can be treated in a clinic, they can be more comfortable if the treatment is done in their favorite cat bed or chair. When speaking with your veterinarian, it is important to give them a history of what your cat is experiencing as well as what your goals and expectations are for treatment. Acupuncture can work on many different types of cases, and the only time it may not be recommended as a treatment option is in an emergency setting. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, bring them to the nearest animal hospital. Acupuncture may be offered in some emergency settings alongside clinical care, and you can always follow up with your veterinary acupuncturist after urgent care is given. To help you find a veterinary acupuncturist in your area, here are a few resources to help get you started: American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture International Veterinary Acupuncture Society American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association Chi University Featured Image: iStock.com/Liudmila Chernetska,WRITTEN BYKatherine Smith, DVM, CVA, CVSMT Veterinarian,Acupuncture is a treatment that has been available for thousands of years and is often used with traditional/Western medicine. Veterinary acupuncture is used for a wide variety of conditions in many pets, including dogs and cats. A veterinarian who has additional training or certification in veterinary acupuncture can help you to decide whether your cat would benefit from this treatment. It is often used for both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) conditions, but it may not be used as a primary form of care in emergencies.  

An increasing number of people are interested in cleaning products deemed “non-toxic” or “natural,” so it’s no surprise that pet parents might look for chemical-free or non-pharmaceutical options when it comes to fleas and their pets. After all, some cleaning products are dangerous for our pets. A quick internet search will reveal a plethora of websites with information about “natural” ways to rid your home and pets of fleas, but we always need to proceed with caution whenever choosing anything to use on or around our pets. Note: The best way to stop fleas is with prevention. It’s much easier to stop these pests from entering your home than it is to get rid of them once they’ve arrived. Speaking with your veterinarian about the best flea and tick product for your pet and creating an individualized prevention plan is our number one recommendation.