Laser Treatment for Cats: Purpose & How It Works (Vet Answer)

Laser treatment for cats is a non-invasive and painless procedure. It has many advantages and no known side effects, being used in a varied range of conditions. Laser therapy does not need additional surgical interventions or medication, and all cat breeds of all ages can benefit from it. It is often used as a complementary procedure alongside more conventional painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications.

The most common medical conditions that laser treatment is used for in cats include pain, inflammation, and swelling (edema), associated with chronic conditions, traumatic injuries, and surgical wounds.

Laser emission has rapid effects on inflammation, reducing it by stimulating blood and lymphatic flow and inducing the reabsorption of extracellular fluids. Secondary to this effect, pain can also be alleviated. The pain diminishes after the inflammation reduces.

In this article, we discuss how laser treatment works, the different types of laser therapy, where it is used, and its advantages.

How Does It Work?

Laser therapy is also called low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or cold laser therapy (as this kind of treatment does not emit heat). The laser is a narrow beam of light (electromagnetic radiation) with a well-defined wavelength of the light spectrum.

Laser treatment uses different wavelengths depending on the type and depth of the affected tissue. The most commonly used laser devices in veterinary medicine use red or near-infrared light (wavelengths of 600–1070 nanometers) or green, blue, or violet (shorter wavelengths).¹ The longer wavelengths are used to penetrate deeper into the tissues (muscles and bones), and the smaller ones penetrate the skin.

The light source of the laser therapy devices is placed in contact with the skin, and the photon energy penetrates the soft tissues. The emitted laser light promotes a chain of chemical reactions, known as photobiomodulation, and interacts with various intracellular molecules and tissues. Normal cellular functions are restored and the body's healing processes are improved.

The laser light is applied in a targeted manner and helps the body speed up the healing process by faster repair of the affected cells. Therapeutic lasers pass easily through the skin, without breaking it or causing discomfort, unlike surgical lasers.

At the moment, a lot of the evidence for the effectiveness, indications, and doses of laser therapy in veterinary patients is extrapolated from human and laboratory studies and anecdotal evidence, while some studies have been done in canine patients, and further more specific research in the veterinary field is required.² However, there are definite benefits in using laser therapy in both cats and dogs suffering from various joint issues, where it leads to a reduction in pain, allowing them to be more active and comfortable. Speak to your veterinarian to see if your cat would benefit from laser therapy.

Cat receiving laser therapy treatments — Image Credit by: Shannon Y, Shutterstock

What Happens During a Laser Session?

During a session, the veterinarian or vet tech will align the laser-emitting device over your cat's painful, inflamed, or injured area. The laser light will penetrate the skin without causing pain or injury while reducing inflammation and suppressing pain, or in the case of surgical or other wounds, speeding the healing process. The entire procedure can take 3–10 minutes, depending on the extent of the inflammation/injury and condition. For cats with multiple affected areas or extensive injuries, the treatment session may last longer (approximately 30 minutes). In most situations, the treatment will extend over several sessions.

In general, some acute conditions can be remedied in just a few sessions, but chronic ones require more than one session. Cats suffering from chronic conditions usually feel better after several sessions. However, the number of sessions depends on the severity of your cat’s ailment and their health condition.

Laser treatment can also be used as an adjuvant treatment method in combination with medication or surgery to facilitate healing. Currently, there isn’t a lot of evidence on the adequacy and safety of laser use in canine skin disease, and there may be conditions where its use will be contraindicated, such as skin and other types of cancer. Your veterinarian will discuss the potential benefits and uses of laser therapy for your cat.

What Are the Different Types of Laser Treatments for Cats?

There are currently four recognized classes of lasers. They are classified based on their power (measured in milliwatts, a.k.a. mW) and level of danger. The classes are numbered as follows: 1, 2, 3R, 3B, and 4, or I, II, IIIa, IIIb, and IV.

Laser Class	Description
Class I	It is specific to industrial equipment that has the area of action of the laser beam completely covered, so there is no possibility of unwanted reflections. They have ≤ 0.5 mW of power. Examples are barcode scanners used in supermarkets. This laser class is the safest, as it does not require human operators to wear optical protection equipment (special glasses).
Class II	It is specific to measuring and controlling laser equipment with low powers ≤ 1mW. Examples are laser pointers, rangefinders, construction lasers, and certain therapeutic lasers. They produce a beam in the visible spectrum (400–700 nanometers). It does not require human operators to wear optical protection equipment.
Class Ia	It is specific to laser measurement and control equipment with higher powers ≤ 5mW. This class includes therapeutic lasers, being called cold therapeutic lasers. It may accidentally cause retinal burns. It requires special training and the wearing of special protective glasses.
Class Ib	It is specific to lasers with powers ≤ 500 mW. It may cause burns to the skin or retina.
Class IV	This class includes low-power and high-power lasers. High-power lasers (power ≥ 500 mW) cause thermal tissue damage (e.g., surgical lasers and military lasers). Low-power class 4 lasers do not cause tissue damage and can be used as therapeutic lasers (especially for deep tissues, such as ligaments, nerves, muscles, tendons, and cartilage).

Veterinarian laser therapy to a cat — Image Credit by: Benny Marty, Shutterstock

Where Is It Used?

In veterinary medicine, laser therapy is effectively used for:

Immediate improvement of blood circulation
Reduction of inflammation and edema
Speeding up the healing process
Aiding in healing of superficial injuries
Fast recovery after injuries
Tissue regeneration
Pain relief
Oral care

Laser treatment for cats is used for various ailments, especially in musculoskeletal conditions. The most common conditions are:

Edema due to stasis or trauma (sprains and dislocations, possibly due to reduced lymphatic drainage)
Superficial injuries of various causes (wounds, ulcers, burns, and other skin conditions)
Neuralgia (severe pain along the path of a nerve)
Neuropathy (pain caused by nerve damage)
Intervertebral disc disease
Arthritis and osteoarthritis
Gingivitis and stomatitis
Postoperative pain
Muscle pain
Spinal pain
Joint pain
Tendinitis

Laser emission is believed to have an effect on reducing pain by promoting blood flow, bringing in oxygen and cells, relaxing the muscles and releasing endorphins, all of which may help in reducing inflammation and improving healing. However, it is less effective in treating inflammation and edema in just one session, with these effects generally occurring after several laser treatments.

As already mentioned, a literature review that looked into the application of laser therapy in veterinary medicine has shown a variable and inconsistent degree of beneficial effects, with many of the studies presenting a certain degree of bias, making it hard to draw any definitive conclusions at this time.

vet gives laser therapy to a cat — Image Credit by: Luigi De Zotti, Shutterstock

Possible Advantages of Laser Treatment for Cats

The FDA regulates both medical and non-medical lasers. In pets, laser therapy has been successfully implemented due to the multitude of possible advantages and the non-existent negative effects.

Potential advantages of laser therapy in cats:

It can be used as an adjuvant treatment to surgeries or medication to facilitate faster healing.
It helps reduce pain, including neuropathic pain.
The treatment time is short—only a few minutes.
It is not invasive (does not damage the tissues).
It can be applied to cats of any age and breed.
It has an anti-inflammatory effect.
It does not interact with medication.
It has no known adverse effects.
It is easy to apply.
It is not painful.
It is not toxic.

Disadvantages of Laser Treatment for Cats

Laser treatment for cats has no known adverse effects so far, and as a result, the disadvantages of this procedure are few to non-existent. Here are certain situations that might occur:

Disadvantages of laser therapy in cats:

This therapy can be expensive, especially since several sessions are generally needed to see results.
Cats with old injuries may feel some degree of discomfort for a few days after the laser therapy sessions.
In certain situations, cats may need to be sedated if they do not stay still during the session.
The treatment may not be successful and may not lead to clinical improvement.

How Do You Know If Your Cat Is in Pain or Discomfort?

sad orange tabby cat lying down and being petted by a hand — Image Credit by: Alexander Andrews, Unsplash

Cats are good at hiding their pain or suffering and usually only show it when the condition becomes chronic or severe. A cat in pain or discomfort may show some of the following clinical signs:

Difficulty going down the stairs, getting out of bed, couch, etc., or when jumping on high places
Going to the food or water bowl but not eating or drinking
Abnormal posture when sitting or lying down
Bedtime restlessness or generalized restlessness
Unable to stand up or lie down
Excessive meowing
Lack of appetite
Lameness
Lethargy
Tremors

In these situations, it is advisable to go with your cat to a veterinary clinic. The vet will ask a few questions, perform certain investigations, and determine the medical conduct necessary to improve your cat's condition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Laser Therapy Work on Cats?

As the studies on the use of therapeutic lasers in veterinary patients are lacking in comparison to human ones, and often come with variable results, we cannot at this stage draw conclusions on its effectiveness in cats and dogs. Laser therapy is believed to reduce inflammation by stimulating blood and lymph flow in the treated area. Once the inflammation is reduced, the pain will also be reduced. Apart from the benefits that laser therapy has in deep tissues, it can also help with superficial wounds, based on human and laboratory studies.

What Is the Cost of Laser Therapy for Cats?

The average cost of a laser treatment session for cats can range from $25 to $40 but can be double that price or even more. The cost largely depends on your cat's condition and the number of sessions that they need. Some veterinary clinics offer discounts if you choose several sessions.

tortoiseshell cat check by-vet — Image Credit by: Sheila Fitzgerald, Shutterstock.

Is Laser Surgery Better for Cats?

Laser surgery is also called bloodless surgery. It is done with a special laser scalpel that cuts the tissues and coagulates the blood vessels at the same time. Laser surgery offers the possibility of intervention on highly vascularized tissues, such as muscles and bones.

The absence of bleeding enables a reduction of the contamination of the surgery field and greater ease of intervention. Laser surgery also helps reduce the edema of the surrounding tissues that occurs after the procedure. Usually, cats that benefit from laser surgery recover faster.

Why Do Cats Love Laser Pointers?

Playing with the laser pointer also comes with some precautions. Make sure not to shine the light in your cat’s eye, and give them a break, so they don’t get too tired or overexert themselves, chasing an object they can’t really physically get to. Do let them catch up with the light now and then, so they don’t get frustrated not being able to get to it. Avoid shining the light on walls or awkward surfaces, so your cat does not injure themselves trying to follow it.

Conclusion

Laser treatment for cats is a non-invasive and painless therapy, although further veterinary research is required in order to establish the full range of its potential and presumed benefits. It doesn't have any known side effects and can be used at any age and in any breed. The most common ailments for which laser therapy may be recommended are musculoskeletal conditions, which include arthritis, muscle pain, joint pain, spinal pain, nerve pain, surgical wounds, and others. In addition to the effects that it has on deep tissues, laser treatment can also be used superficially on the skin for burns or other lesions. A laser treatment session lasts a few minutes, and for better results, several sessions are usually recommended, especially for chronic inflammation or pain. Speak to your vet if you think your cat may benefit from laser therapy.

Featured Image Credit: Shannon Y, Shutterstock