The Cat Healing Trick Some Vets Aren’t Talking About
A gentle, science-backed way to ease pain and support healing—without pills, stress, or vet trips.
Hey Whisker Crew,
Let’s be real—some cats just don’t like to be touched.
And when they’re in pain or not feeling well, it can make it even harder to help them.
I know this struggle deeply from my experience with Mia.
During her final year, Mia had arthritis and mobility issues, and while she was incredibly loving, she didn’t always tolerate hands-on treatments. I took her to the vet for laser therapy, and it helped for a while… but getting her into the car and into the vet’s office? It was stressful—for both of us.
I wish I had known about this.
🎧 In this week’s episode of the Golden Whiskers Podcast, I sat down with Dr. Paola Zanibelli Davies—aka The Holistic Cat Specialist—to talk about something I think more cat parents need to hear:
👉 Hands-on care can actually start with hands-off healing.
It’s not about doing nothing.
It’s about starting gently.
Respectfully.
And meeting your cat exactly where they are.
Listen to a brief clip of my interview with Dr. Paola here.
🐾 The Problem So Many of Us Face
You want to help your cat feel better.
But they hate being handled.
You try to brush them… they squirm.
You try to give them a supplement… they vanish.
And you end up feeling like you’ve failed.
But Dr. Paola says it doesn’t have to start with touch.
In fact, one of the best ways to support your cat’s healing might not require touching them at all.
🔴 What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy (aka photobiomodulation) uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to:
✅ Reduce inflammation
✅ Improve circulation
✅ Support joint health and mobility
✅ Speed up tissue repair
✅ Promote calm and relaxation
It’s been studied in both human and animal medicine, and Dr. Paola says it’s one of the most effortless, trauma-free ways to support your cat’s healing—especially if they don’t like being handled.
And get this: your cat doesn’t even need to lie directly on the red light mat.
Just placing it near a spot they already love—like their favorite bed or a sunny perch—is enough to offer real benefits.
🧡 What I Wish I Had for Mia
Hearing this made me think of all the vet visits Mia endured during her last few months.
Laser treatments. Poking and prodding. Car rides she hated.
She got great care, but I can’t help but wonder if a red light therapy mat at home could’ve brought her comfort—without the stress of leaving the house.
I had a warming mat she loved and slept on daily. Dr. Paola says many cats are naturally drawn to red light mats because they’re warm, cozy, and calming. If I’d known about this sooner, I would’ve tried it in a heartbeat.
🐈 What I’m Trying Now with Niko and Milo
Even though Niko and Milo are healthy right now, I love the idea of introducing them to red light therapy before there’s ever a problem.
It’s kind of like keeping their teeth clean or playing with their paws when they’re kittens—not because you need to do something today, but because you’re building trust for tomorrow.
I’m looking into the red light mats Dr. Paola recommends (she uses Photonic Health, and even has a $25 discount code: ZanibelliDavies if you're curious too).
🛠️ 5 Action Steps You Can Take Right Now
If your cat doesn’t love being handled—or you just want a gentler option—here’s how to start:
Shift Your Mindset: You’re not failing if hands-on care doesn’t work. Start with what your cat will tolerate.
Create a Calm Healing Spot: Choose a comfy nap zone and associate it with safety and relaxation.
Try a Hands-Off Tool: Consider introducing red light therapy. Start with placing the mat near their favorite sleep spot.
Watch & Learn: Use this time to observe your cat’s comfort level and body language. You’re learning each other.
Don’t Wait for a Crisis: If your cat is healthy now, that’s the perfect time to try passive tools. Build the routine before you need it.
🎧 Listen to the full episode:
Episode: “How to Help Your Cat Heal—Without Pills, Stress, or Trips to the Vet with Dr. Paola Zanibelli Davies.”
👉 Click here to listen or search Golden Whiskers wherever you get your podcasts.
🐾 This Week’s Cattitude Prompt:
What’s one way you could start supporting your cat’s wellness—without ever picking them up?
Reply or comment and let me know. Could be a cozy nap spot, a new calming routine, or something simple you’re trying this week.
Thanks for reading, and thanks for showing up for your cats with love, patience, and curiosity.
More good stuff soon,
💛 Scott | Golden Whiskers 🐾
Sorry, didn’t finish post… typical.
Where would you get your “red light therapy?” Googled and found a few sources, some expensive, some not cheap; gave a definite warning regarding to be aware of quality.