As most of our readers know, VetStem Cell Therapy is primarily used to treat orthopedic conditions in dogs and horses. Cats, on the other hand, frequently receive stem cell therapy for indications such as renal disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and gingivostomatitis. One such cat, a young Siamese named Finn, received VetStem Cell Therapy for gingivostomatitis when he was approximately one year old.

We’ve shared Finn’s stem cell success story in a previous blog. But to sum it up, Finn was diagnosed with gingivostomatitis at just five months old. Gingivostomatitis is a debilitating condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the affected cat’s gums. It can be very painful and lead to inappetence, reduced grooming, and weight loss. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease. Common treatments include lifelong medical management with antibiotics, steroids, pain medications, and/or full mouth teeth extractions.

Finn’s owners tried several medications in an effort to improve his symptoms, but nothing worked. They were determined to not have all of his teeth extracted and were willing to do whatever it took. His veterinarian recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy and just shy of his first birthday, Finn received stem cell therapy.

According to his owners, Finn responded well to the treatment. His owner stated, “[the stem cell treatment] seemed to improve and maintain his condition especially over time so that Finn is happy, healthy, and living a great life. We plan to administer cells every year or so to keep his condition manageable and hopefully keep him healthier too.”

Fast forward to the present, four years after his initial stem cell treatment, and Finn continues to do well! We recently received an update from his owner who stated, “Finn had his annual checkup recently and he’s doing great. He had some gingivitis but his stomatitis seemed to be under control. He had his annual teeth cleaning today (per his veterinarian’s recommendation) and is doing great otherwise!”

Stem cells have shown the ability to reduce inflammation and also help to modulate the immune system. This mechanism of action is particularly important for immune-mediated conditions such as gingivostomatitis. If your cat has gingivostomatitis, VetStem Cell Therapy may help. Contact us to receive a list of providers near you.

We’ve talked about treating feline gingivostomatitis with VetStem Cell Therapy a few times on this blog. But sometimes we need more than just the science to describe how this treatment can potentially help cats. So this time, we will share a success story. Finn is a Siamese cat with gingivostomatitis who experienced an improvement in his symptoms after treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy.

Gingivostomatitis Symptoms

At just five months old, Finn was diagnosed with gingivostomatitis. Gingivostomatitis is a debilitating condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the affected cat’s gums. It can be very painful and lead to inappetence, reduced grooming, and weight loss. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease. Common treatments include lifelong medical management with antibiotics, steroids, pain medications, and/or full mouth teeth extractions.

VetStem Cell Therapy for Gingivostomatitis

Current literature supports the notion that gingivostomatitis is an autoimmune disease. Mesenchymal stem cells have demonstrated the ability to migrate to areas of inflammation, down-regulate inflammation, modulate the immune system, stimulate neoangiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), and repair damaged tissue. Additionally, a recent clinical study demonstrated that intravenous administration of adipose (fat) derived stem cells could ameliorate the clinical signs of gingivostomatitis. While more research is needed, preliminary results suggest that VetStem Cell Therapy can improve the symptoms of some cats with gingivostomatitis.

Finn’s Treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy

Finn’s owners tried several medications in an effort to improve his symptoms, but nothing worked. They were determined to not have all of his teeth extracted and were willing to do whatever it took. His veterinarian recommended treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy and just shy of his first birthday, Finn received stem cell therapy.

To begin the process, fat was collected from Finn’s abdomen during a minimally invasive anesthetic procedure. The fat was sent to the VetStem processing laboratory. Lab technicians processed his fat to extract and concentrate his stem and regenerative cells and Finn received one intravenous injection of his own cells. Approximately four weeks later, Finn received a second intravenous dose using some of the stem cells banked from his initial fat collection.

According to his owners, Finn responded well to the treatment. His owner stated, “[the stem cell treatment] seemed to improve and maintain his condition especially over time so that Finn is happy, healthy, and living a great life. We plan to administer cells every year or so to keep his condition manageable and hopefully keep him healthier too.”

If your cat has gingivostomatitis, speak to your veterinarian about the possibility of treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy. Or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers in your area.

In our last two blog posts, we discussed stem cells for cats.  In addition to arthritis, stem cells may be beneficial for felines with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).  In this week’s blog, we will discuss feline Gingivostomatitis.

Gingivostomatitis is a disease affecting the mouth of felines.  It causes oral pain which leads to other symptoms such as decreased appetite, reduced grooming, and weight loss.  The most common treatment is extracting all the cat’s teeth, however only about 70% of cats will respond to this treatment.  Those cats that do not respond will require lifelong treatment with medications.

Two small studies on cats that had full mouth extractions conducted at the University of California Davis have shown that fat-derived stem cell therapy led to improvement or remission in the majority of cats treated.  VetStem believes that fat-derived stem cells without full extractions may be beneficial.  While a few veterinarians have seen favorable results using VetStem cell therapy, more investigation is needed.

If your cat has Chronic Kidney Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or Gingivostomatitis, stem cell therapy may provide relief.  Contact us today to locate a VetStem Credentialed veterinarian in your area.

This concludes our “Stem Cell Therapy for Cats” blog series.  Thanks for reading!  If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at info@vetstem.com.

Tomorrow is International Cat Day and, well, we can never pass up an opportunity to share information about VetStem Cell Therapy for cats.

While cats are often experts at hiding signs of illness or discomfort, many feline health conditions can significantly impact their quality of life. Research into regenerative medicine continues to explore how stem cells may help support cats with a variety of challenging conditions by helping regulate inflammation and supporting the body’s natural healing processes.

One area where VetStem Cell Therapy has shown promise is chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is associated with inflammation and a gradual decline in kidney function, and treatment often focuses on managing symptoms and helping maintain quality of life. Veterinarians have treated hundreds of feline patients with CKD using VetStem Cell Therapy, with many reporting favorable outcomes. Additionally, clinical studies have explored the use of stem cells in cats with CKD, suggesting that stem cell therapy may help slow disease progression and support overall quality of life.

VetStem Cell Therapy has also been explored for cats with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other immune-mediated conditions. In IBD, an overactive immune response causes chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and decreased appetite. Unlike traditional therapies that broadly suppress the immune system, stem cells work by helping modulate immune activity and encourage a more balanced inflammatory response. Veterinarians and pet owners have reported reductions in symptoms and improvements in quality of life following VetStem Cell Therapy.

Another painful inflammatory condition affecting cats is feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS), a severe oral disease characterized by inflammation of the gums and oral tissues. Cats with this condition may experience significant discomfort, difficulty eating, and decreased quality of life. Because stem cells are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects, researchers have investigated their potential role in helping cats with FCGS. In one study, 5 out of 7 cats experienced complete remission or substantial improvement after treatment with stem cells.

And yes, cats get osteoarthritis (OA) too! While stem cells are often associated with canine arthritis treatment, our feline friends can also develop painful joint changes as they age. Cats may not limp or show obvious signs of arthritis like dogs often do. Instead, they may become less active, stop jumping to favorite spots, groom less, or show changes in behavior. While pain medications are commonly used to manage OA in dogs, long-term pain management options for cats can be more limited. Instead, VetStem Cell Therapy offers a regenerative medicine option to help support cats with OA by addressing inflammation and supporting the body’s natural repair processes.

Immune-mediated diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and disease-related side effects. In dogs and cats, these conditions can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, intestines, blood cells, and more. Common examples include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA), feline chronic gingivostomatitis, and certain inflammatory skin conditions. While traditional treatment often relies on immunosuppressive medications such as steroids, some pets continue to experience persistent symptoms or medication-related side effects.

Stem cell therapy is emerging as a promising regenerative medicine option for select immune-mediated conditions because of the unique immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells. Rather than simply replacing damaged tissue, these cells help regulate the immune response by reducing excessive inflammation and promoting a healthier balance within the immune system. This may help decrease ongoing tissue damage while supporting the body’s natural healing processes. Research has demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells can influence the activity of multiple immune cell types, making them an area of growing interest for a variety of inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases.

One of the most promising veterinary applications is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs and cats. Studies have reported improvements in clinical signs, including reduced vomiting and diarrhea, weight gain, and improved quality of life following stem cell therapy. At VetStem, we have also seen encouraging outcomes in pets with IBD and other immune-mediated conditions, particularly those that have not responded well to conventional treatments alone. While stem cell therapy is not considered a cure, it may provide meaningful improvement for carefully selected patients when incorporated into a comprehensive treatment plan.

As research into regenerative medicine continues to expand, stem cell therapy may become an increasingly valuable tool for managing immune-mediated diseases in veterinary medicine. By helping regulate the immune system rather than simply suppressing it, stem cells offer a different approach to treating chronic inflammatory conditions. If your pet has been diagnosed with an immune-mediated disease, talk with your veterinarian to determine whether VetStem Cell Therapy may be an appropriate addition to their treatment plan. You can also contact us to find a VetStem provider near you.

National Cat Health Month is a perfect reminder that cats are masters at hiding pain and illness. By the time a problem becomes obvious, it’s often been present for quite a while. Fortunately, advances in regenerative medicine are giving veterinarians new ways to support feline health and comfort. Many veterinarians have used VetStem Cell Therapy to help manage a variety of chronic inflammatory conditions commonly seen in cats.

Osteoarthritis is far more common in cats than many people realize, especially as they age. Subtle changes like reluctance to jump, decreased grooming, or a change in litter box habits can all be signs of joint pain. Stem cell therapy may help by reducing inflammation within affected joints and supporting the body’s natural repair processes, potentially improving mobility and comfort in affected cats.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects a significant percentage of senior cats and can be challenging to manage long-term. While not a cure, many vets have incorporated VetStem Cell Therapy as a supportive option aimed at modulating inflammation and supporting kidney function. Some cats receiving stem cells have shown improvements in appetite, energy levels, and overall quality of life, along with improved blood kidney values.

Inflammatory conditions such as gingivostomatitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can significantly impact a cat’s quality of life. Gingivostomatitis causes painful oral inflammation, often leading to difficulty eating, while IBD can result in chronic vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Stem cell therapy may help regulate the immune response driving these conditions, offering relief for cats that don’t respond well to conventional treatments alone.

As we recognize National Cat Health Month, it’s a great time to remember how important early awareness and proactive care can be for a cat’s comfort and quality of life. For cats living with chronic inflammatory conditions, VetStem Cell Therapy may offer a supportive option when traditional treatments alone are not enough. If you think your cat may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy, speak to your veterinarian or contact us for a list of VetStem providers near you.

In honor of National Cat Lovers’ Month, we’re highlighting how VetStem Cell Therapy can help improve quality of life for cats facing common chronic conditions. Using your cat’s own regenerative cells collected from a small sample of fat, VetStem Cell Therapy offers a natural way to reduce inflammation, support healing, and promote long-term comfort.

Orthopedic Issues

Arthritis and orthopedic injuries can greatly affect a cat’s mobility and quality of life. VetStem Cell Therapy helps reduce inflammation, improve joint comfort, and support tissue repair. Many cat owners report better mobility, increased playfulness, and an overall happier cat following treatment with stem cells.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

CKD is one of the most common illnesses in older cats. Common symptoms can include weight loss, lethargy, variable appetite, and poor coat quality. Some cats may also drink and urinate more, vomit, or have diarrhea. Unfortunately, treatment options for cats with kidney disease are limited. Stem cells have shown promise in supporting kidney function by reducing inflammation and fibrosis. While not a cure, VetStem Cell Therapy may help slow progression and improve symptoms in some cats with CKD.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Cats with IBD often struggle with chronic vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Stem cells may help calm the immune system and decrease gastrointestinal inflammation in cats with IBD. Many veterinarians consider this therapy when traditional treatments aren’t enough or cause unwanted side effects. Numerous cats (and dogs!) have shown remarkable improvement after treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, with some even experiencing a full resolution of their symptoms.

Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (FCGS)

This painful oral inflammatory condition can significantly impact a cat’s quality of life. VetStem Cell Therapy is a promising option for cats who don’t fully respond to dental extractions or medications. And some cats have been able to avoid full mouth extractions after treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy. Stem cells can help regulate the immune response and reduce severe inflammation in the mouth, thereby improving symptoms and quality of life.

If your cat is struggling with any of these conditions, talk to your veterinarian to see whether VetStem Cell Therapy may help or contact us to find a VetStem provider near you.

Every year, National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day serves as an important reminder of how vital regular veterinary care is for our feline companions. Despite this, statistics show that cats are brought in for routine check-ups far less frequently than dogs. One major reason? Cats are experts at hiding pain and illness, often showing no outward signs until a condition has significantly progressed.

That’s why routine veterinary visits are so crucial. They give your vet the opportunity to detect early warning signs of disease and recommend proactive treatments that can improve your cat’s comfort and quality of life. One such innovative treatment option is VetStem Cell Therapy, which uses your cat’s own stem cells to promote healing and reduce inflammation. At VetStem, we’ve seen great results helping cats with osteoarthritis regain mobility and reduce pain.

Beyond arthritis, stem cells have shown promise in treating chronic kidney disease, gingivostomatitis (a painful oral disease), and inflammatory bowel disease. Check out our recent blog for more information about VetStem Cell Therapy for these hard-to-treat conditions in cats.

If you’re considering VetStem Cell Therapy for your cat, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Here’s a quick overview of how the process works:

1. Collection: Your veterinarian collects a sample of fat tissue from your cat during a minor procedure performed under anesthesia.
2. Processing: The sample is sent overnight in a temperature-controlled container to our VetStem lab, where technicians isolate and concentrate your cat’s stem cells.
3. Treatment: Stem cell doses are then shipped back to your veterinarian for immediate injection. Any remaining cells will be cryopreserved for potential future use.

The entire procedure is designed to be minimally invasive and focused on your cat’s comfort and safety.

Our cats may not always tell us when something is wrong, but regular veterinary care, and staying informed about treatment options like VetStem Cell Therapy, can make a world of difference in their well-being. This National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day, consider scheduling your cat for a check-up and ask your vet if stem cell therapy could be right for your feline friend.

Need a list of VetStem providers near you? Contact us today!

In honor of International Cat Day, we’re spotlighting some of the ways VetStem Cell Therapy is helping our feline companions live healthier, more comfortable lives. While many pet parents associate stem cell therapy with orthopedic conditions in dogs, cats can also benefit from this advanced treatment for a variety of serious health issues. At VetStem, we’ve seen promising results in cats treated for osteoarthritis, chronic kidney disease, gingivostomatitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, can significantly impact a cat’s quality of life by limiting mobility and activity. Stem cells may reduce inflammation and pain and promote the healing of damaged joint tissues, thereby improving mobility and overall quality of life. In a recent blog, we shared Zo’s VetStem success story. Zo, a normally social cat, began isolating and showed a marked decrease in activity. She was diagnosed with severe arthritis in her elbows. Fortunately, after treatment with VetStem Cell Therapy, Zo returned to her typical outgoing self and even resumed jumping to perch on elevated surfaces. You can read Zo’s success story here.

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common and devastating conditions affecting older cats. Common symptoms can include weight loss, lethargy, variable appetite, and poor coat quality. Some cats may also drink and urinate more, vomit, or have diarrhea. Unfortunately, treatment options for cats with kidney disease are limited and can be costly. However, we’ve seen encouraging outcomes in cats treated with VetStem Cell Therapy for kidney disease. Symptoms have resolved and, perhaps more importantly, blood kidney values improved in several treated cats. To read more, check out Trinity’s and Bender’s VetStem success stories.

Similarly, cats suffering from gingivostomatitis, a painful inflammatory condition of the mouth, may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy. One such cat, Finn, experienced significant relief after treatment with stem cells. His owner stated that the stem cells helped control his condition and improved his quality of life. You can read Finn’s story here.

Another lesser-known use for VetStem Cell Therapy in cats is for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic condition that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Gryffin, a cat who battled IBD, was treated with VetStem Cell Therapy and experienced dramatic improvement in his gastrointestinal symptoms. He began playing more, regained lost weight, and his coat quality improved significantly.

These stories are just a few examples of how stem cells may offer hope and healing for cats facing difficult diagnoses. On this International Cat Day, we celebrate the incredible resilience of our feline friends and the innovative treatments that help them thrive.

Think your cat may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy? Speak to your veterinarian or contact us to receive a list of VetStem providers near you.

When we think of pain in pets, we often look for obvious physical signs like limping or stiffness. But many animals, especially cats, are masters at hiding discomfort. Instead of showing visible signs, they may simply behave differently, becoming withdrawn, irritable, less playful, or even anxious and fearful. These behavioral shifts can be subtle but important clues that your pet isn’t feeling their best.

Pain doesn’t just come from injuries or arthritis. Chronic conditions like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), inflammatory bowel disease, gingivostomatitis, or even kidney disease can cause ongoing discomfort that affects your pet’s mood and behavior. If your normally social dog is avoiding interaction, or your cat is hiding more than usual, it may be time to talk to your veterinarian about what’s going on beneath the surface.

VetStem Cell Therapy offers a regenerative approach to managing pain and inflammation in a wide range of conditions. By using your pet’s own stem cells, VetStem can help reduce pain, support healing, and improve overall quality of life, not just for orthopedic issues, but also for chronic internal conditions. If you’ve noticed recent changes in your pet’s behavior, don’t dismiss them. It could be their way of asking for help. And if you think your pet may benefit from VetStem Cell Therapy, speak to your veterinarian or contact us to find a VetStem provider near you.