FELINE PHYSIOTHERAPY
Helping cats stay comfortable and active.
The Lion Clinic provides specialist canine physiotherapy and rehabilitation for dogs of all ages, from young and active dogs recovering from injury to older dogs experiencing arthritis and reduced mobility.
Charlotte Barton offers personalised treatment in the comfort of your own home, supporting dogs across Winchester, Alresford, Alton and surrounding areas of Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex.
How Can Physiotherapy Help Your Cat?
Cats are very good at hiding discomfort, and signs of pain or reduced mobility can be surprisingly subtle.
You might notice your cat hesitating before jumping onto furniture, using the stairs less frequently, becoming less active or changing their grooming habits. These changes are sometimes mistaken for normal ageing, but they may indicate an underlying condition that would benefit from veterinary assessment.
Feline physiotherapy aims to support mobility, manage discomfort, maintain muscle strength and improve quality of life.
Charlotte takes a gentle, individual approach, recognising that every cat has its own temperament, needs and tolerance for handling.
Conditions That May Benefit from Feline Physiotherapy
Feline therapy can help with a wide range of conditions, including:
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Arthritis & Joint Problems
Osteoarthritis is common in older cats, although the signs are not always obvious. Physiotherapy can support joint mobility, muscle strength and comfort, alongside appropriate veterinary management.
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Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Cats recovering from orthopaedic surgery, including fracture repairs or other joint procedures, may benefit from a carefully planned rehabilitation programme to support their recovery.
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Neurological Conditions
Some cats with neurological conditions or recovering from neurological injury may benefit from physiotherapy to support movement, balance and functional recovery.
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Age-Related Mobility Changes
Older cats may find everyday activities such as jumping, climbing stairs or accessing their favourite resting places increasingly difficult. Physiotherapy can help support their mobility and independence.
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Muscle Weakness & Reduced Activity
Following injury, illness or a period of reduced movement, cats can experience muscle weakness and loss of conditioning. Individual rehabilitation exercises may help rebuild strength and confidence.
What Does Feline Physiotherapy Involve?
Your cat's first appointment begins with a discussion about their medical history, daily routine, behaviour and any changes you have noticed.
Charlotte will assess your cat's movement, muscle condition, joint mobility and comfort, adapting the assessment to suit their temperament and willingness to participate.
Depending on your cat's individual needs, treatment may include:
Gentle manual therapy and soft tissue techniques
Exercises to encourage comfortable movement and maintain strength
Advice on managing arthritis and reduced mobility
Appropriate physical therapy techniques
Practical changes to your cat's home environment
A personalised home management and rehabilitation plan
Progress is reviewed regularly, allowing treatment to be adapted as your dog improves or their needs change.
Why Choose The Lion Clinic?
Charlotte Barton has over 25 years' experience in physiotherapy and holds an MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy from the Royal Veterinary College.
She is a Chartered Physiotherapist, ACPAT Category A practitioner and RAMP Registered veterinary physiotherapist, with experience in primary care veterinary practice and specialist veterinary referral settings.
Charlotte has a particular clinical interest in feline physiotherapy, including the management of arthritis, age-related mobility changes and rehabilitation following surgery.
Her approach combines clinical knowledge with patience, careful observation and practical advice to help owners support their cats at home.
Feline Physiotherapy in the Comfort of Your Own Home
For many cats, travelling to an unfamiliar clinic can be stressful.
The Lion Clinic offers home visits, allowing your cat to be assessed and treated in familiar surroundings, without the need for a journey to a physiotherapy clinic.
Home appointments also allow Charlotte to see how your cat moves around its usual environment and suggest practical adjustments, such as easier access to favourite resting places, food bowls and litter trays.
Charlotte provides feline physiotherapy across Winchester, Alresford, Alton and surrounding towns and villages, with appointments also available across parts of Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex.
Spike – Helping an Older Cat with Arthritis
“Charlotte was brilliant with helping my geriatric cat Spike regain the ability to jump up onto my bed for snuggles again. Charlotte has worked miracles with a slightly grumpy cat to ease his pain and build his strength. Her professionalism and knowledge shone through and the results have been amazing.”
Lucy W
COULD YOUR CAT BENEFIT FROM PHYSIOTHERAPY?
Book a Physiotherapy Appointment
If your cat is showing signs of stiffness, reduced activity, difficulty jumping or changes in mobility, Charlotte would be happy to discuss whether physiotherapy may be appropriate.