Cat & Small Animal Chiropractic in Henderson, Nevada

Cat & Small Animal Chiropractic

Cats, birds, reptiles, and small exotic animals all have spines, and where there is a spine, there is the potential for joint restriction, nerve interference, and pain that goes unnoticed far longer than it should. Dr. Bradshaw at Agape Health & Fitness is AVCA-certified to treat a wide range of animals beyond dogs and horses, including cats, parrots, snakes, lizards, and other exotics. If your small animal is moving differently, hiding more, or simply not acting like themselves, a hands-on evaluation is where the answers start.

When Your Cat Stops Jumping and You Don't Know Why

That favorite windowsill they used to leap to without thinking or the top of the couch they always claimed. When a cat quietly stops doing those things, it is easy to assume they have just changed their habits. But hesitation before jumping and avoidance of high surfaces are among the most consistent early signs of joint pain and spinal restriction in cats. Research shows that 60 percent of cats over age six have arthritis, and 90 percent of cats over age twelve Thehomesteadanimalhospital, yet most go undiagnosed because cats hide discomfort so effectively. A thorough physical assessment can tell you whether something treatable is behind the change.

gray tabby cat on examination talbe as chiropractor hands hold him.
Older tabby cat being held by doctor's hands

Your Senior Cat Is Stiff and Slowing Down

A cat that rises slowly from sleep, grooms less thoroughly, or seems reluctant to navigate stairs is not just getting older in an abstract sense. They are likely experiencing real joint discomfort that is affecting their quality of life. Chiropractic care is recognized as one of the alternative therapies that can be particularly beneficial for arthritic cats The Gentle Vet, addressing joint restriction and nerve irritation that medication alone does not always reach. At Agape, every small animal patient receives a full hands-on evaluation before any adjustments are made, so care is matched to exactly what your cat needs at their current stage of life.

Cats Hide Pain So Well You Can Almost Miss It

Unlike dogs, who tend to yelp, limp dramatically, or seek comfort when something hurts, cats instinctively conceal discomfort as a survival behavior. The signs are subtle: grooming less, avoiding contact in certain spots, sleeping in different positions, withdrawing from family activity. By the time a cat shows obvious pain, they have usually been dealing with it for some time. This is one of the reasons a hands-on evaluation by someone experienced with feline anatomy is so valuable. You may not be able to tell something is wrong. Dr. Bradshaw can.

white ferret being held by hands of Chiropractor

Can Chiropractic Treatment Help My Parrot?

The short answer is yes, if they have a spine, chiropractic care can help. Birds, parrots included, can experience spinal joint restriction, nerve involvement, and musculoskeletal dysfunction just like any other vertebrate. Signs that something may be off in a bird include changes in posture, reluctance to use one side of the body, altered perching behavior, reduced vocalization, or feather-picking behaviors that may have a pain component. Dr. Bradshaw's approach with birds involves a careful, gentle hands-on assessment adapted to the animal's specific anatomy and size before any adjustments are considered.

Reptiles, Birds, and Exotics Can Receive Chiropractic Care Too

Most people are surprised to learn this, but any animal with a vertebral column is a candidate for chiropractic evaluation. Animal chiropractors have performed adjustments on exotic animals including birds, iguanas, and other species Wikipedia beyond the dogs and horses most people associate with this care. At Agape, Dr. Bradshaw has worked with a range of species that most clinics simply do not see. If you have a reptile that seems lethargic, a bird that is favoring one side, or any exotic animal showing behavioral or movement changes, and you have not been able to find a provider in the Las Vegas area who can help, this is a conversation worth having.

white ferret being held by hands of Chiropractor

FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is chiropractic safe for cats, reptiles, and birds?

Yes, when performed by a certified animal chiropractor who understands the anatomy of each species. The adjustments used on small animals are nothing like what you might imagine for a human. They are precise, gentle, and adapted completely to the size and structure of the animal being treated. Feline chiropractic care is extremely safe when performed by a certified professional. The most common response is a mild detox effect as the body adjusts to changes in neurologic input, and this is uncommon. Angelanihosp For birds, reptiles, and other vertebrates, the same principle applies. Animal chiropractic is gentle enough for the most delicate of spines, such as a baby songbird, yet effective enough to cause meaningful improvements in health. Vitalityanimalchiro Dr. Bradshaw's AVCA certification covers the foundational anatomy of all vertebrate species, allowing her to adapt her approach to each individual animal she sees.

How do I know if my small animal is in pain?

Small animals, especially cats, are masters at hiding discomfort. This is a survival instinct from the wild, and it makes things genuinely difficult for owners who care deeply but cannot get a straight answer from their pet. A normally social cat who suddenly starts hiding and not participating in daily routines may be in pain. Cats often isolate themselves to signal that something is wrong, whether it is pain or illness. PetMD Other things to watch for include reduced appetite, reluctance to jump onto furniture they used to love, excessive grooming of one specific area, changes in facial expression, or unusual aggression when touched in a particular spot. Signs your cat may be in pain include reluctance to move, difficulty getting up, trembling, limping, reduced jumping ability, or seeking more affection than usual. MedVet If something feels different about how your pet moves or behaves, trust your instincts and give us a call.

What conditions in cats and exotic animals does this treat?

The list is wider than most people expect. Common conditions that chiropractic care can address in cats include arthritis, back and neck pain from injury or muscle strain, mobility issues such as difficulty jumping or climbing, and even some digestive problems related to spinal misalignments. CatTime For exotic animals with spines, the same nervous system principles that apply to dogs and cats apply to them as well. Some animal chiropractors perform adjustments on exotic animals such as birds, dolphins, iguanas, pigs, and llamas, in addition to common household pets. Wikipedia Whether your cat is slowing down with age, your iguana is moving strangely, or your parrot seems off, the first step is always a thorough evaluation to understand what is actually going on before any treatment begins.

Do I need a vet referral before bringing my pet in?

Yes. As we covered in the dog chiropractic section, Nevada state law requires that animal chiropractic be performed under a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, meaning your pet needs to be seen by a licensed vet before Dr. Bradshaw can treat them. This applies to cats and other small animals just as it does to dogs and horses. The good news is that this requirement works in your pet's favor. Having your vet involved means nothing is missed, imaging or lab results can be shared, and everyone involved in your animal's care is on the same page. If your pet does not yet have a regular vet in the Henderson or Las Vegas area, call us at 702-410-5354

Can you treat exotic animals like iguanas, parrots, or tortoises?

Dr. Bradshaw's AVCA training covers the foundational principles of vertebrate anatomy and chiropractic technique that can be thoughtfully applied to many species beyond dogs and horses. While formal animal chiropractic programs teach technique primarily on dogs and horses, once a practitioner is proficient in those species, that knowledge base and skill can be safely extrapolated and applied to other vertebrate species. Many private practice chiropractors have adapted basic veterinary chiropractic techniques to adjust exotic species. Theclinics That said, every exotic case is evaluated individually, and we are always honest with you about whether chiropractic is the right approach for your specific animal's condition and anatomy. The best way to find out if we can help your exotic companion is simply to call us and have a conversation. We would rather give you a real answer than a promise we cannot keep.

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702-410-5354

Business Hours

People Chiropractic

  • Monday                 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Tuesday                8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday          8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thursday                closed
  • Friday                      closed
  • Saturday               8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sunday                  8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Animal Chiropractic

  • Monday                  closed
  • Tuesday                8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday         8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thursday               closed
  • Friday                     closed
  • Saturday              8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Sunday                 8:00 am - 3:00 pm