EXPERT ADVICE
Bringing Out the
Best in Your Cat With Chiropractic Care Alissa Grover, DC, CAC
Some cat owners may be wondering why their cat would ever need a chiropractor. I have found that there are few cats that don’t need a chiropractor. Even if you think of your cat as a pampered couch potato, cats are by nature very athletic creatures. The feline can jump up and down from heights, sprint and pounce, and twist and stretch like silly putty. It may look effortless, but these movements put stress on their joints. In addition, their activities can lead to them getting accidentally stepped on, falling from heights, and other accidents, all of which can cause spinal misalignments.
As an animal chiropractor, I have worked with a variety of species, including dogs, cats, horses, goats, rabbits, and more. Animal chiropractic and other holistic modalities are becoming more utilized in both the horse Things to look for in your cat that may indicate the need for a chiropractic and dog communities, but not very many cat owners talk about taking their adjustment: cat to the kitty chiropractor! It’s unfortunate, because some of the most amazing chiropractic experiences I’ve had are with cats. A few months ago, a cat was brought into our clinic for unexplained fatigue and lack of appetite of several weeks duration. Our veterinarians did a full exam, including blood work, and could not find anything wrong other than some back tenderness. They referred the patient to me, and I found several misalignments throughout the spine. The cat tolerated the adjustment quite well (most cats enjoy being adjusted). Upon follow-up the next day, the cat was completely back to normal, and the owner was thrilled!
8
October 2013
Pets In The City Magazine
One of my cat patients has a chronic cough that could not be explained with numerous tests. The cat was diagnosed with an asthma condition triggered by allergies. We have found that if the cat is adjusted about once a month, the coughing subsides, and the cat does not need any medications. I am often asked if I can do an “attitude adjustment” on a cat. Believe it or not, chiropractic adjustments actually can improve an animal’s behavior. Some owners report that after an adjustment, their cat is like a different animal and is now spending more time with them, asking for affection, and wanting to play. In these cases, what is thought of as the normal behavior of the pet is actually an altered behavior due to a chronic spinal misalignment.
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Tenderness or pain Decreased levels of activity Not doing things it used to do Fatigue or lethargy Lameness or uneven gait Avoiding human touch or interaction Changes in behavior, such as depression or aggression Decreased appetite
Conditions can be slow in developing. So, if you are around your cat every day, you may not notice them. That’s why regular visits to your veterinarian and animal chiropractor, at least twice a year, are important in detecting problems and preventing serious health issues from developing. In the state of Utah, animal chiropractors are required to be certified and obtain a veterinary referral prior to treating an animal. For your pet’s protection, make sure they are qualified and following the laws for their field. Whatever the reason for care may be, adjustments can help your cat function and feel better. If you are looking to bring out the best of your cat, consider taking it to an animal chiropractor. Your cat will thank you! Dr. Alissa Grover is a chiropractic physician certified in animal chiropractic by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. She has an animal chiropractic practice at the Animal Care Center in West Bountiful, UT and travels throughout Utah to adjust animals. She can be reached at (801) 294-5960 or dralissa@utahanimalcare.com.