Laser Therapy in Cats

Laser therapy in cats is a drug-free, surgery-free, pain-free and non-invasive treatment for a wide variety of feline health conditions. The therapeutic laser is specially designed to admit deep-penetrating light to stimulate a chain of chemical reactions in the cells known as photobiostimulation. The cells are stimulated to promote healing and endorphins are released to aid in pain relief with the metabolic process the laser triggers. A laser therapy procedure is performed by a licensed veterinarian that has received training to utilize this relatively new therapeutic practice. 

Prior to conducting the laser therapy treatment, the veterinarian will review your cat’s medical history and perform a physical examination. If your cat is suffering from an infectious condition, the veterinarian may request blood work and a urinalysis before performing the laser therapy. If the feline is suffering from a physical condition, such as arthritis, radiographs of the affected area may be taken to ensure there are no irregularities the doctor cannot see. 

Laser therapy does not require sedation or for the feline’s hair to be removed. The feline will be restrained by a technician to ensure the lasers energy is directed in the appropriate location. The laser is a handheld device that the veterinarian will hold for the duration of the session, which is usually between two to eight minutes long. The lasers light emits a warming sensation to the cat and most felines find this feeling of warmth pleasant. After the session is over, a follow-up session will be scheduled and your cat will be allowed to return home. 

Laser therapy in cats is highly effective in reducing pain and decreasing inflammation and swelling, as well as speeding up the healing process. Laser treatments do not require sedation, so cat owners do not need to worry about anesthetic risks and because laser treatments release endorphins, felines usually feel more relaxed after the session. Laser therapy is fast-acting and the majority of felines will show signs of improvement in 12-24 hours following treatment. 

The average length of a laser therapy session for felines last about eight to twelve minutes, after which the feline can return home. The feline will typically display signs of improvement within 12-24 hours following the session, but will require additional sessions until the issue is resolved. 

The average cost of a feline laser therapy session is $30-$40, but can cost pet owners up to $65 per treatment depending on the feline’s needs. The total cost of the laser therapy treatment will depend on the number of treatment received, the length of the treatment and if any diagnostic examinations were performed. 

Acute feline conditions will be treated with laser therapy until the issue is resolved, whereas chronic conditions require multiple treatment sessions. There are no known side effects of laser therapy, but the feline will be required to wear protective eye gear. Specially designed cat eye goggles or a shield will be provided for the patient to wear during the treatment session to prevent damage to the eyes. 

The need for laser therapy can be prevented by simply keeping your cat safe and healthy. Many conditions treated with laser therapy can be prevented by following a balanced diet and visiting the veterinarian on a routine basis. Other chronic conditions, however, are difficult to prevent as the underlying cause of these feline health conditions are unknown.