A Gentle Return to Comfort, Movement, and Flow
At Cats in the City and TANDEM Cat®, we believe healing doesn’t begin with restraint—it begins with consent, safety, and a body that’s ready to return to itself. That’s why we now offer Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT)—commonly known as cold laser—as part of our somatic recovery toolkit for cats navigating pain, stiffness, or systemic shutdown.
Cold laser therapy is a non-invasive, clinically validated modality that uses targeted wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and ease discomfort.
This process—called photobiomodulation (PBM)—delivers light energy into impaired or dysfunctional tissue, where it’s absorbed by the mitochondria (the cell’s energy centers). The result:
Laser is gently applied to areas of concern—hips, paws, spine, jawline—without direct contact on open wounds or highly sensitive zones.
Each session lasts 10–45 minutes, depending on your cat’s needs and tolerance. Common session types include:
While some results may appear after one session, deeper somatic healing unfolds gradually—often over 3 to 5 visits, as trust and movement begin to return.
Because cats deserve clinical care that matches their emotional needs.
Because pain that doesn’t scream still matters.
Because recovery can be gentle.
Because stillness may protect, but movement brings life back.
And because no one else is offering this in a way that feels this safe.
At TANDEM Cat®, we know that pain in cats doesn’t always cry out—it withdraws, stiffens, and disappears into silence. That’s why we’ve integrated Cold Laser Therapy (Photobiomodulation Therapy, or PBMT) into our somatic recovery model: not as a gadget, but as a clinical co-regulator for the feline body, especially when words and touch fall short.
We apply light with purpose—to help cats reclaim mobility, comfort, and emotional coherence. Below are 9 categories and 29 distinct use cases where cold laser may support your cat’s return to ease.
Post-Pelt Removal Support
For cats recently liberated from Level 4–5 matting. Encourages revascularization, warmth, and proprioceptive reintegration after months of restricted movement.
Localized Skin Reawakening
For cats previously matted at the hips, flanks, or chest. Reduces residual tension or “ghost mat” guarding patterns.
Clipper Burn Soothing (Non-Treatment)
Supports tissue calm—not as a medical burn treatment, but as a somatic softening for sensitive areas.
Post-Claw Work Softeners
Ideal after ingrown nail extractions or deep paw cleaning. Prevents limp-related compensation or postural withdrawal.
Post-Cone Decompression
Especially helpful for cone-dependent cats like Tilly. Reinvites sensation and trust after prolonged suppression.
Hypervigilance / Collapse Softeners
Laser paired with Comfort Wrap™ provides co-regulation without physical intrusion—especially for trauma-based shutdown patterns.
Post-Medical Discharge Care
When a cat is medically stable, but emotionally fragmented. Laser offers a sensory bridge back to wholeness.
Cats Who Flinch from Touch
Replaces brushing as a sensory input. Ideal for touch-sensitive cats recovering from painful associations.
Non-Touch Somatic Care for Guarded Cats
For those who cannot tolerate contact. Laser says: “We offered care without asking for compliance.”
Agency-Based Recovery Sessions
The cat leads. We follow. Laser enables healing without demand—just invitation.
Seasonal Mobility Boosts
Winter, summer heat, or after long inactivity periods—this restores circulation and flow.
Senior Softening Packages
Proactive mobility and tissue care for cats 12+. Delays physical regression and enhances quality of life.
Flow Restoration After Weight Gain
For sedentary cats who aren’t yet medically compromised—but who’ve slowed.
Supplemental Support for Diagnosed Arthritis
Applied only when your vet is already managing the case. Laser complements—not replaces—medical care.
Adjunct to Autoimmune Care
Reactivates dormant or guarded areas without stimulation overload, as seen in shutdown cats post-flare.
Injury Recovery Support (Post-Vet Clearance)
When healing is technically complete but the body still protects. Laser unwinds held tension.
Pre-Groom Calm & Orientation
Laser before grooming for cats prone to shutdown or overwhelm. Creates a buffer of calm.
End-of-Life Softening
A closing ritual—not treatment—for terminal cats not yet ready to go. Dignity through gentle flow.
Paired with Somatic Exam
Rigid hips? Dimpling flanks? Laser softens tissue for clearer assessment and gentler intervention.
Layered With Comfort Hoodie
Wrap + laser = sensory containment without contact. Powerful in hyperaroused or frozen cats.
Post-Wrap or Blanket Ritual
Laser rewards tolerance of therapeutic wrapping, reinforcing trust and pattern recognition.
During Rest-State Grooming
For towel-wrapped or self-contained cats, laser adds support without intrusion.
With Soft Paws for Shutdown Cats
Helps reduce stress around occlusive care, enhancing tolerance and emotional repair.
When a Cat Can’t Shake Out Post-Groom
Laser supports full-body movement completion when cats emerge stiff or fragmented.
When a Guardian Says, “She Just Doesn’t Move Like She Used To”
Sometimes, the laser session is both the intervention and the diagnostic insight.
Because Cats Deserve a Different Kind of Care.
Cold Laser at TANDEM Cat® is not just a service—it’s a somatic offering for a body that needs to be re-met with care.
