Veterinarians and parents use red light therapy for cats to heal damaged tissues, decrease inflammation, pain management, and chronic issues.
More and more veterinarians are using red light therapy for cats and dogs because it is safe and effective.
Red light therapy is especially useful for cat parents looking for alternative treatments.
Light therapy is less invasive and doesn’t cause nasty side effects like prescription medications.
Disclaimer: Nothing I say is medical advice. My content is for educational purposes only.
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Do cats need light therapy?
Some cats that might need light therapy are sensitive to medications, have liver issues, or are seniors who have decreased organ function.
However, any cat can have light therapy. Veterinarians offer light therapy for cats as an alternative treatment.
Light therapy is natural, safe, effective, and there are no side effects.
Is red light therapy good for cats?
Red light therapy is good for cats and can help treat many conditions.
These conditions include:
- Dermatological
- Oral
- Musculoskeletal
- Neurological
- Abdominal
- Wounds
- Post-surgery
Fast results are typical with acute issues and fresh wounds. Whereas chronic issues may require more sessions.
What does the red light therapy do?
Cells absorb the red light, and this stimulates electrons. This also activates cells to promote growth and repair.
Light energy is measured by its wavelength in nanometers. Red light is within the visible spectrum which we see. Near-infrared light is just beyond visible light which we do not see.
Wavelengths in the range of 390 nm to 600 nm are used to treat superficial tissue, and longer wavelengths in the range of 600nm to 1,100nm, which penetrate further, are used to treat deeper-seated tissues.
Avci P, Gupta A, Sadasivam M, Vecchio D, Pam Z, Pam N, Hamblin MR. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2013 Mar;32(1):41-52. PMID: 24049929; PMCID: PMC4126803.
Visible red light falls around 620-780nm. This red light therapy range would help superficial skin issues and wound healing.
Near-infrared light falls around 800-2,500nm. This wavelength can penetrate deeper into the muscles and bones.
Is infrared good for cats?
Infrared light can be good for cats to treat deeper-seated tissues. The SM Dermatology Journal published a study of NIR laser therapy management of feline stomatitis.
Currently, many vets would suggest removing all of the cat’s teeth and prescribing anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, or other serious medications. However, not all cats respond well to these treatment options.
In this study, however, one of the groups responded very well to near-infrared light therapy. This group had sessions of only 4 seconds. Whereas the other group that did not see good results had session times of 10 seconds.
Another positive for red light therapy! Less is more!
My experience with red light therapy
I use red light therapy for myself and for Jericho. It’s very helpful to treat fresh wounds. They heal very quickly! Just put the red light on the wound right away.
I use red light therapy on fresh wounds daily. However, for chronic issues, 2-3 times per week is typical.
I use red light therapy for Jericho’s ear inflammation and gum inflammation. I am still waiting on the results of that.
However, red light has been very helpful for any fresh wounds that he may get from scratching himself.
Where to buy a red light therapy device
I use the Novaa Lab Pro Extra Strength device because it uses NIR 808nm. This is one of the wavelengths used in the stomatitis study. The other wavelength in this device is 650nm.
You can buy Novaa Lab Pro Extra Strength here – use code JESSCATICLES to get 10% off.
