Johnson Chiropractic Animal Clinic

Has your normally affectionate cat suddenly become a little… grumpy?

Maybe they no longer want to be picked up. They move away when you pet a certain area, become irritated with another pet, hide more often, or unexpectedly hiss, swat or bite.

Before assuming it is simply an attitude problem, consider what your cat may be trying to communicate.

Cats are very good at hiding pain. Because they cannot tell us, “That spot hurts,” discomfort may appear as a change in behaviour instead.

Watch for changes such as:

🐾 Resisting being picked up or held
🐾 Flinching, tensing or turning when touched
🐾 Hissing, swatting or biting unexpectedly
🐾 Avoiding affection or interaction
🐾 Hiding or sleeping in different places
🐾 Becoming less tolerant of children or other pets
🐾 No longer enjoying being brushed
🐾 Acting restless or unable to get comfortable

These behaviours do not automatically mean that your cat has a spinal or joint problem. Fear, stress, illness, dental discomfort and other medical concerns can also cause behavioural changes—which is why a sudden or significant change should always be discussed with your veterinarian.

Once underlying medical concerns have been assessed, animal chiropractic care may help determine whether restricted movement, muscular tension or discomfort within the joints and spine could be contributing to the way your cat is moving, resting or responding to touch.

Your cat may not be “giving you attitude.”

They may be setting a boundary around a body that does not feel quite right.

Pay attention when their behaviour changes. Sometimes the first sign of discomfort is not a limp—it is simply a cat who no longer wants to be touched the way they once did.

To learn whether animal chiropractic care may be appropriate for your cat, contact Johnson Chiropractic Animal Clinic in Perth.

DR. KELLY IS BACK WITH HER REGULAR HOURS (613) 264-2402
[email protected]
MONDAY 12:30 - 6 PM
TUESDAY 7:30 - 12:30 PM
THURSDAY 12:30 - 6 PM

Reminder, you have to call 613 264-7836 to reach Johnson Chiropractic Animal Clinic.

Schedule update for our pet families:
To help you plan ahead: Dr. Kelly is away as of January 30, 2026 and regular visits resume April 1, 2026.
We appreciate your understanding — and your commitment to your pet’s comfort and wellbeing.

WINTER WALKING LOOKS DIFFERENT 🐾❄️
Ice, packed snow, deep drifts, and stormy days can change how your dog moves — even if you’re walking less.

On ice, packed snow, and uneven footing, animals naturally try to protect themselves by:

shortening their stride

bracing through the spine

shifting weight to stay steady

Even a “small” slip (or a near-slip) can create compensation patterns and restricted motion through the neck, shoulders, mid-back, low back, and hips.

You might notice things like:
• stiffness after naps
• reluctance with stairs or jumping
• a shorter stride
• your pet seeming a little “off”

Animal chiropractic helps restore normal joint and spinal motion so your pet isn’t constantly compensating — which can make winter movement feel easier and more comfortable.

Pets aligned for life.