CV17 Dan Zhong (膻中) Cat Acupuncture Point
In cats, CV17 (Dan Zhong, 膻中) is a feline acupuncture point on the Conception Vessel meridian. It is located on the sternum, at the level of 4th intercostal space. Traditional indications in this chart include cough, asthma, dyspnea.
This page is educational. It describes a point in cats as listed in traditional charts and does not give treatment advice. Points should be needled only by trained veterinary professionals, and cats are small and sensitive. See our Medical Disclaimer.
Quick facts
- Species
- Cat
- Point code
- CV17
- Pinyin
- Dan Zhong
- English name
- Chest Center
- Chinese name
- 膻中
- Meridian
- Conception Vessel
- Element or system
- Sea of Yin meridians
- Needle depth listed (practitioners only)
- 0.3 to 0.5 cm, transverse
- Point category
- Front-Mu of Pericardium; Hui of Qi
Needle depths are shallow because cats are small. They are shown for reference and are not instructions for owners.
Where is CV17 Dan Zhong on a cat?
On the sternum, at the level of 4th intercostal space.
Point locations are approximate and vary with breed and body size. A trained practitioner finds the point by feeling anatomical landmarks.
Traditional indications
- Cough
- asthma
- dyspnea
- insufficient lactation
Indications are taken from traditional veterinary acupuncture charts. They describe how the point has been used and are not proof that it treats these conditions in cats.
Cat conditions that mention CV17 Dan Zhong
PetAcu cat condition guides that name this point:
Points often discussed alongside CV17 Dan Zhong
These feline acupuncture points appear in the same cat condition guides. A practitioner chooses a combination for each cat.
Safety notes
Needling should only be done by a trained veterinary professional. Cats are small and sensitive, and shallow needling and short sessions are usual. This point lies over the sternum; technique is chosen to suit the size of the cat. Note from the source chart: Commonly used for asthma and breathing problems in cats.
Never apply pressure or heat to a painful area on a cat. If your cat suddenly cannot use the back legs, is breathing with an open mouth, or is straining to urinate, see a veterinarian immediately.
Questions about CV17 Dan Zhong
Where is CV17 Dan Zhong on a cat?
On the sternum, at the level of 4th intercostal space. Locations are approximate and are found by palpation by a trained practitioner.
What is CV17 Dan Zhong used for in feline acupuncture?
The source chart lists cough, asthma, dyspnea, insufficient lactation as traditional indications. This is traditional use and not proof of effect.
Can I use CV17 Dan Zhong as a cat acupressure point at home?
Needling should only be done by a trained veterinary professional. Gentle pressure is sometimes shown by veterinarians, so ask yours first, especially if your cat is unwell, in pain or has not been examined.
Learn more and next steps
Printable point cards and atlas
Acupuncture books, printable point cards, courses and learning resources.
See books and learning →Find cat acupuncture near me
Browse veterinary acupuncture clinics and mobile vets by country, state and city, and check who treats cats.
Search the directory →Cat acupuncture conditions
Guides to common cat conditions and the points commonly discussed for them.
Browse conditions →Some resources are our own digital products, sold on Gumroad. Links to products from other makers may be affiliate links and are labelled. See our Affiliate and Product Disclosure.
Other Conception Vessel acupuncture points for cats
Species: cat. Point data compiled by PetAcu from small-animal acupuncture textbooks and TCVM references (feline chapters). Back to the cat acupuncture points chart or the veterinary acupuncture points atlas.