When you think about physical rehab for pets, your mind might jump to a dog walking on an underwater treadmill or doing exercises to recover from an injury. But what many pet owners don’t realize is that cats benefit from physical rehabilitation too, and in many cases, it can be life changing.

If your cat is recovering from surgery, moving less than they used to, or simply showing signs of slowing down, physical rehab may be the missing piece in their care plan. And best of all? It's Fear Free, gentle, and personalized just for them.

Why Would a Cat Need Rehab?

Cats are incredibly good at hiding discomfort. Unlike dogs, they don’t usually limp or cry out when something’s wrong. Instead, they may stop jumping onto their favorite spots, hesitate going up stairs, or sleep more than usual. These signs are often mistaken for “just getting older,” but they can actually be symptoms of arthritis, chronic pain, or muscle weakness.

That’s where physical rehab comes in. It is a non-invasive, low-stress way to help cats:

• Reduce pain and inflammation

• Regain strength and flexibility

• Improve mobility and confidence

• Maintain a better quality of life as they age

Whether your cat is recovering from a medical procedure or simply not moving like they used to, we tailor every treatment plan to their specific needs, personality, and comfort level.

Conditions Cat Rehab Can Help With:

• Arthritis and joint stiffness

• Recovery after surgery or injury

• Neurologic conditions (such as weakness or incoordination)

• Chronic pain or mobility challenges

• Muscle loss or age-related decline

Even subtle changes in your cat’s daily habits, like avoiding certain surfaces or being less social, can be signs that something’s off. Physical rehab gives your cat the support they need to feel more like themselves again.

A Fear Free Experience from Start to Finish

We know that veterinary visits can be stressful, especially for cats. That’s why our entire team is Fear Free Certified, and every aspect of our care is designed to keep your cat calm, comfortable, and confident.

Here’s what that looks like:

• Providing quiet, cat-only spaces that minimize noise and distractions

• Using calming pheromones, soft bedding, and gentle handling

• Allowing cats time to settle in at their own pace without rushing

• Offering treat-based rewards or favorite foods to make sessions positive

• Scheduling thoughtfully to reduce stress from busy waiting areas

We treat emotional well-being with the same importance as physical healing, because both are essential to recovery.

Gentle, Cat-Friendly Rehab Techniques We Use:

• Manual Therapy: Uses gentle massage, stretching, and joint mobilization to reduce stiffness and increase comfort

• Laser Therapy: Applies focused light energy to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and accelerate tissue repair

• Acupuncture: Stimulates the body’s natural healing response to calm nerves and ease discomfort

• PEMF Therapy: Delivers pulsed electromagnetic energy to promote deep tissue healing and provide pain relief, even while resting

• Therapeutic Exercises: Involves custom, low-impact movements to improve strength, coordination, and flexibility over time

We customize each plan based on your cat’s condition, temperament, and response to treatment, and we reassess along the way to make sure your pet is making safe, meaningful progress.

Talk to Your Family Veterinarian or Reach Out to Us Directly

If you're wondering whether physical rehab might help your cat, a great first step is talking to your family veterinarian. They know your cat’s medical history and can help identify whether rehab is appropriate. We’re happy to work closely with your vet to put together a collaborative care plan that addresses your cat’s unique needs.

Or, if you’d prefer, you can reach out to us directly to schedule a consultation. We’ll perform a full rehab exam, go over your concerns, and create a plan that helps your cat feel better, move more freely, and get back to doing the things they love.

Because every cat deserves to feel their best at every age.

Call us at (808) 735-7735 or visit us atverchawaii.com/online-appointment to schedule a consultation with our Physical Rehabilitation team.