Feline rehabilitation for Singapore cats who mask discomfort until mobility quietly changes
Cats are evolutionary stoics. A dog with a sore hip limps where you can see it; a cat with the same problem simply jumps onto the sofa less often, and most owners write it off as “she's just getting lazy.” That quiet stoicism is exactly why cat rehabilitation is still underused in Singapore — by the time an owner notices, osteoarthritis, neurological weakness, or post-surgical compensation is often further along than it needed to be.
At RehabVet — Singapore's first dedicated animal rehabilitation clinic — we treat cats with the same clinical seriousness as dogs, adapted for feline temperament. Low-stress handling, shorter introductions, and modality choices that respect how cats actually move and cope. Pain that stays hidden is still pain. And it is treatable.
Looking for dog rehabilitation? Our canine hub covers physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture and more for dogs — see animal rehabilitation for dogs.
Behaviour is the clinical signal
Fewer jumps, longer naps, litter-box hesitation, less grooming — these are often pain and mobility changes, not personality shifts.
Multimodal, not one-size-fits-all
Land physiotherapy, acupuncture, laser, manual therapy, selective aquatic work, and HBOT when indicated — chosen after assessment, never forced.
Vet-supervised feline care
Every plan sits under veterinary oversight led by Dr Sara Lam BVSc, with therapists experienced in low-stress feline handling.
Home environment matters
Ramps, low litter trays and non-slip surfaces are part of the rehab plan — clinic sessions alone are not enough for senior cats.
Book a Cat Assessment
A 60-minute consultation builds a feline-specific plan — no referral needed.
Common owner-noticed changes that warrant a feline rehab assessment
You know your cat best. If any of these feel familiar, an assessment is the right next step — early intervention usually means a gentler, more effective plan.
Senior cats who can't jump
Avoiding favourite perches, windowsills or the bed — classic early osteoarthritis and muscle loss, not “just ageing.”
Weak or wobbly back legs
Hind-limb weakness, knuckling, dragging paws, or difficulty rising after rest can signal neurological or orthopaedic disease.
Litter-box changes
Missing the tray, hesitating at high-sided boxes, or eliminating nearby often reflects pain on entry/exit or crouching — not only behavioural issues.
After surgery or trauma
Orthopaedic repairs, amputations, spinal injury or fracture healing benefit from guided range-of-motion and strength work so compensation does not stick.
Stiffness after naps
Slow to start moving, hunched posture, or reduced play after rest — common in feline degenerative joint disease.
Weight affecting mobility
Extra kilos overload sore joints. Structured, low-impact movement helps break the pain–inactivity–weight cycle.
No referral is required. Bring medical records and imaging if you have them; we can also coordinate with your primary vet. Cats travel best in a secure carrier — we give them time and a calm space to settle before examination.
A toolkit built for cats — not a dog programme with a cat in the room
Effective cat rehabilitation is multimodal. We select therapies your individual cat tolerates, then progress only as trust and comfort allow. Below are the feline pathways we use most often at RehabVet.
Cat physiotherapy
Manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, balance and gait work adapted for feline pace and temperament. First-line for most mobility and post-surgical cases. Explore cat physiotherapy.
Cat acupuncture
Fine-needle and electroacupuncture for pain, inflammation and neurological support — often well tolerated when introduced calmly. Explore cat acupuncture.
Cat hydrotherapy (selective)
Many cats are water-averse. Aquatic rehab is not first-line for most feline patients. We only proceed after careful suitability assessment — never forced — and often prefer shallow introduction or underwater treadmill for candidates who tolerate water. Read our honest cat hydrotherapy page.
Hyperbaric oxygen (HBOT)
Pressurised oxygen as adjunct care for selected wounds, swelling and neurological cases — including cats screened as suitable. See HBOT for animals.
Class 4 laser therapy
Painless photobiomodulation for arthritic joints, soft-tissue pain and post-surgical swelling — one of the easiest modalities to introduce to nervous cats. Learn about Class 4 laser.
Manual therapy
Joint mobilisation, soft-tissue work and stretching that lets therapists feel where a cat is guarding — foundational for feline plans. See manual therapy for dogs and cats.
Not sure which modality fits?
Start with a consultation — we match the plan to your cat, not the other way around.
Feline osteoarthritis, neurological disease, and post-injury recovery
Two condition hubs deserve special attention for cat owners in Singapore:
We also support cats after orthopaedic surgery, with soft-tissue injury, obesity-related mobility limits, and age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia). Every plan starts with a hands-on assessment — gait, joints, muscle mass, neurological screening and your goals for home life.
Ageing does not have to mean immobile — but “slowing down” should not be dismissed
Most cats over 10 (and many younger) show radiographic or clinical signs of osteoarthritis. Senior rehabilitation focuses on comfortable movement, preserving muscle, reducing pain flare-ups, and keeping daily routines — jumping to a perch, using the litter box, grooming — possible for longer.
Strength without overload
Short, targeted land exercises and play-based loading rebuild muscle while respecting sore joints.
Pain and inflammation control
Laser, acupuncture and manual therapy often combine with your primary vet’s medication plan.
Measured progress
We track function you care about — jump attempts, litter confidence, willingness to play — not just clinic scores.
Honest aquatic advice
Hydrotherapy helps only selected seniors who tolerate water. Many do better on land — we say so clearly.
Clinic sessions work better when home is set up for a painful or weak cat
Feline rehab is incomplete without changing how your cat navigates the flat. Small adjustments reduce pain spikes between visits and protect progress.
Ramps and step-ups
Replace high jumps to beds, sofas and windowsills with low-gradient ramps or intermediate steps.
Low-sided litter trays
High walls force painful flexion. A low entry tray often restores reliable toileting overnight.
Non-slip flooring
Yoga mats, carpet runners or grip tape on polished tiles stop sliding that frightens weak hind limbs.
Raised food and water
Slight elevation can ease neck and elbow strain in arthritic cats — we advise case by case.
Warm, quiet rest spots
Easy-access heated beds reduce stiffness after naps; place them where your cat already likes to settle.
Play as therapy
Wand toys and short chase games can double as prescribed therapeutic exercise when guided by your therapist.
Your therapist will demonstrate home exercises and environment tweaks at assessment so you leave with a clear checklist — not just a clinic appointment card.
Transparent consultation fees — therapy quoted after we know your cat
New feline patients start with a dedicated rehabilitation consultation. Therapy sessions and packages are priced once we know which modalities your cat needs and tolerates. Fees follow our clinic catalogue and may change; we confirm when you book.
First consultation (off-peak)
60 minutes with a certified rehabilitation veterinarian
$249
First consultation (peak)
Same 60-minute consult at peak booking times
$299
Reassessment
30-minute progress review — e.g. after a treatment block or a new condition
$139
Ongoing physiotherapy, acupuncture, laser and other therapies are quoted after assessment. When hydrotherapy or rehab packages apply, cats usually fall in the lighter weight tiers (typically under 15 kg), which use the lower catalogue package rates — exact figures are confirmed at booking. See cat hydrotherapy pricing for aquatic examples.
Many pet insurance policies in Singapore now cover rehabilitation. We provide itemised invoices for claims. For a personalised quote, WhatsApp +65 8798 7554 or book online.
Ready to help your cat move more comfortably?
Book a feline rehabilitation assessment at our Serangoon Road clinic.
What Singapore cat owners ask most about feline rehab
Yes. Cats respond well to carefully paced physiotherapy, acupuncture, laser and manual therapy — especially for osteoarthritis, neurological weakness and post-surgical recovery. The key is feline-adapted handling and realistic goals around jumping, litter use and daily comfort, not forcing a dog-style programme.
Look for behavioural change: fewer jumps, hesitation at the litter box, less grooming, hiding more, irritability when touched, or stiffness after rest. Cats rarely limp dramatically. If mobility or habits have changed, an assessment is worthwhile even without an obvious limp.
Sometimes — but not for most cats. Many are water-averse, so hydrotherapy is not first-line. We only offer aquatic work after suitability assessment and never force a cat into water. Land physiotherapy and acupuncture are better starting points for most feline patients. Details on our cat hydrotherapy page.
No. You can book directly. We review history and imaging when available and are happy to coordinate with your primary veterinarian so medical and rehab plans stay aligned.
The first consultation is $249 off-peak or $299 peak (60 minutes). Reassessments are $139. Therapy sessions and packages are quoted after assessment. Cats usually sit in lighter weight tiers for package pricing when hydro or rehab packages apply. Fees follow our clinic catalogue and may change.
Medical records, X-rays or scans if you have them, a medication list, favourite treats, and a secure carrier. Arrive about 15 minutes early so your cat can settle. We’re at 513 Serangoon Road, #01-01, Singapore 218154.
Often yes — especially comfort, litter confidence, and willingness to move. We may not restore kitten-level athleticism, but reducing pain and preserving muscle meaningfully improves quality of life for many senior cats.
Our canine hub is animal rehabilitation, with dedicated pages for dog physiotherapy, dog hydrotherapy and dog acupuncture.
Book Your Cat’s Assessment
Start with a 60-minute feline rehabilitation consultation — physiotherapy, acupuncture and more under one roof.
My family and I would like to thank RehabVet team for the care, dedication, and professionalism shown to our beloved Border Collie, Patches. During his rehabilitation journey, the therapists and staff were always patient, compassionate, and willing to answer our questions. It was evident that they genuinely cared about his well-being and worked hard to help him maintain the best quality of life possible.
Clean environment and knowledgeable people who loves pets. Highly recommended.
Great place for rehab and therapist
The only place that Aiko loves so wholeheartedly, greeting all staffs cheerfully the moment she enters and resting on their thighs after hydrotherapy so peacefully. The trust and demure of your dog tells it all. No bias or pre-conceived perceptions. We were surprised that the first five hydrotherapy sessions have helped to strengthen her hips and improve her level of energy. Sean is just the consummate professional!
This clinic combines effective treatment, compassionate handling, and up-to-date evidence-based rehabilitation tools. My dog has experienced very visible improvement after just a few sessions with them. Very effective. Many pet owners I spoke to at the clinic also gives it a thumbs up. They have a team of well trained and very caring professionals. I have not seen any dogs that are not comfortable with them over here. 👍🏻
We visited Rehabvet as Bruno was having some mobility issues with his hind legs. We had an excellent experience. They structured a massage / exercise / hydro schedule that worked wonders. Bruno is feeling much better now.
This is the best rehab clinic for my dog.
We've been bringing Kuma to RehabVet for physiotherapy and the experience has been outstanding. The team truly cares for every fur patient, and you can feel the warmth and dedication the moment you walk in. A special thank you to Hazel, Kuma's therapist, who is incredibly patient, attentive, and knowledgeable. She not only conducts the sessions with great care but also provides practical advice for us to continue strengthening Kuma's muscles at home and the results really show. Thank you as well to Dr. Sara, Xan, and the entire RehabVet team for the love and professionalism you show to every pet. If your furkid needs rehabilitation or physiotherapy, RehabVet is truly a place you can trust.
Had a very positive experience at the rehab vet. The entire team was professional, gentle, and reassuring throughout the session. Dr Sara was especially wonderful — knowledgeable, patient, and took the time to explain everything clearly without rushing. You can tell she genuinely cares about the animals and their recovery. The facility has also just been renovated and is very clean, modern, and calm, making it a comfortable and conducive environment for both pets and owners. Highly recommended.
We're truly grateful to Dr. Sara, the entire RehabVet team, and especially Xan, who has been exceptionally detailed and patient. The whole team has shown such genuine care throughout Milo's recovery journey. Milo was diagnosed with IVDD Grade 3 in late June 2025. Although he hasn't fully recovered yet, we've seen significant improvement over the past 3.5 months with pain relief treatments, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, acupuncture, and regular exercise sessions. We believe that slowly but surely, Milo will make a full recovery. Never give up!
Haru has been going to rehabvet since Nov 2025 to manage his mobility caused by luxating patellar and hip dysplasia. Thus far, we witnessed huge improvements thru several methods of rehabilitation such as ultrasound/laser therapy, land exercises and hydrotherapy! Aside from the treatments, what made us continue with them is the hospitality of the staff! They are always so welcoming and you could feel the warmth everytime you step into the clinic! Also, they treat your furkid with love and respect. Highly recommended.
I can't recommend RehabVet highly enough! My Happy, a pomeranian with patella luxation grade 3 on her left hind leg and hip dysplasia, has made incredible progress since starting physiotherapy here. The team is so knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely caring. All the therapists were fantastic and tailored the sessions perfectly to Happy's needs. The facilities are clean and well-equipped, and my dog always seemed comfortable and even enjoyed their sessions. If your furry friend needs some extra support, look no further than RehabVet!
We've been taking our dog to Rehab Vet Singapore for about 6–7 years, mainly for EMF therapy, water treadmill sessions, and joint and muscle supplements. After her hip surgery, she needed a comprehensive recovery plan, and the team here has provided just that and more. Their treatments have helped her regain strength and mobility, and the long-term maintenance has been invaluable in keeping her active and comfortable. The staff is knowledgeable, caring, and always focused on her needs. We truly appreciate the dedication they've shown over the years – highly recommend!
Went to RehabVet for a second opinion on a serious limp my husky had developed. They were exceptionally knowledgeable, gave practical advice and were very generous with their time. We moved forward with treatment and the non invasive options they gave have made him much more comfortable and the future is promising. From the first time I reached out via whatsapp they gave clear helpful advice, follow up on treatment, pictures, liaised with pet transportation and more. A really amazing full service experience. Thank you very much.
As a fur mummy, finding people who genuinely care for and love our babies is so important. I've found exactly that here, especially with Judette, Xan, Noelle, and Joyce. My babies, Barley (17yo cat) and Lexi (9yo dog), come in for pain management and rehab sessions, and I'm always completely comfortable with how they're treated. The team is incredibly patient, gentle, and kind, and it shows in the way they handle my pets. So grateful to have found a rehab centre I truly trust. Highly recommended.
My Shih Tzu, August, has osteoarthritis and he was unable to walk. We took him to RehabVet Clinic after reading good reviews about it on Google. Since November 2023, he has been having therapy here and has shown improvement in his mobility under the tender loving care from Dr Sara Lam and the staff members, with special mention and appreciation to Angeline, Joyce, Hui Tze and Shaun. My Puppy King will continue his treatment here as we have trust in this lovely team. Thank you!
Bubble has been with Rehab Vet for years as he grows older and manages his luxating patella. I am truly grateful to Doc Sara, Xan, Sean, Joyce, and the entire rehab team for always taking such wonderful care of Bubble and watching over him during every session. Bubble came from a condition whereby he couldn't even walk, he was paralysed. But really thankful to rehab vet that made the impossible, became possible. Thank you Doc Sara & all Rehab Team
Great team! Brought my dog Bunny in for a consultation because her luxating patella was getting worse. Bunny is an anxious dog so I expected her to be a handful during the consult but she was very calm in the therapists' presence! Shout out to Xan and Noelle for helping her feel at ease in a foreign place. I love the clinic's interior as well, the warm lights and pastel colours are very welcoming for both me and Bunny :)
Rehabvet was recommended to us by our vet because our dog dislocated her hip when she was a puppy. We've been going to Rehabvet for several years now and their standard of care has been consistently high throughout. Special shoutout to Sean for always trying his best to make her visits as comfortable as possible 👍 (She gets easily anxious)!!
Having been to several vets and rehabs with my senior Shih Tzu, my experience at RehabVet has been the best. My only regret was not bringing him here sooner when his issues first came up! My very anxious 15 year old kiddo was diagnosed with IVDD and is unable to move all his limbs voluntarily at all times. After the initial testing and diagnosis by Dr. Sara, he has had a few trips to the Hyperbaric O2 Therapy, Laser Therapy, and Electrical Stimulation with massages. Now, I can tell that he is in less pain and is also more comfortable and less anxious. I would highly recommend RehabVet to anyone thinking about it!
I can't thank Xan and his team at RehabVet enough for the incredible care they've given my dog. After a sudden incident where my dog started dragging both hind legs, the vet diagnosed him with IVDD stage 2. I decided to try physio at RehabVet, and it was the best decision I could have made. Within just 2-3 sessions, my dog's hind legs showed significant improvement—they were no longer wobbly. Now, after 7-8 sessions, he's regained his mobility and is even jumping around at home again. Xan's patience and dedication made all the difference. I highly recommend RehabVet to anyone in need of compassionate, effective care for their pet.
Always a pleasant experience here at RehabVet- clean area, calm ambience and super patient therapists. Staff are very willing to share tips on home care massages and explain in detail how our pups muscles work, gait observation and strength training for them!
Sean is an incredibly caring and skilled rehab therapist. He's gentle, patient, and truly treats every dog like his own. We saw clear improvement in our dog's mobility, and sessions are always handled with professionalism and compassion. Highly recommend!
Have a wonderful experience with the team at Rehab Vet. The staff are warm, friendly, and always patient in answering our enquiries. Their care and professionalism make every visit reassuring.
My senior dog has been with rehabvet since Sept 2025 after her leg surgery. We're happy to see improvement! Everyone is helpful and friendly here. Thanks rehabvet team!
Newly renovated place, more conducive for therapy sessions. Therapists are experienced in handling older dogs. Have been sending my 18 year old dog for therapy for more than a year.
The therapists are patient and helped improved my dog's arthritis condition. They taught us how to massage his joints and told us to use heat therapy.
My dog has been coming to rehabs for hips dysplasia at a young age of 2 years old & now is 10 years old & condition did not detoriate - glad we started early.
Mochi enjoys his physio sessions with Rehabvet. His LP grade reduced from 3 to 2 with regular weekly sessions. The therapists are friendly and always make sure the sessions intensity are suitable for him.
We've sent both our dogs to RehabVet for some years now. Thanks to the staff for always being so welcoming and caring. Butter loves his swim here.
