KI3 Tai Xi (太溪) Cat Acupuncture Point
In cats, KI3 (Tai Xi, 太溪) is a feline acupuncture point on the Kidney meridian. It is located between medial malleolus and Achilles tendon. Traditional indications in this chart include CKD, deafness, enuresis.
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
- KI3
- Pinyin
- Tai Xi
- English name
- Great Ravine
- Chinese name
- 太溪
- Meridian
- Kidney
- Element or system
- Water
- Needle depth listed (practitioners only)
- 0.2 to 0.3 cm
- Point category
- Yuan-Source; Primary point for all kidney disorders
Needle depths are shallow because cats are small. They are shown for reference and are not instructions for owners.
Where is KI3 Tai Xi on a cat?
Between medial malleolus and Achilles tendon.
Point locations are approximate and vary with breed and body size. A trained practitioner finds the point by feeling anatomical landmarks.
Traditional indications
- CKD
- deafness
- enuresis
- lumbar pain
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 KI3 Tai Xi
PetAcu cat condition guides that name this point:
- Kidney diseaseThe chart lists this point for CKD, lumbar pain.
- FLUTDThis point is included among those traditionally discussed for this condition.
- HyperthyroidismThis point is included among those traditionally discussed for this condition.
- DiabetesThis point is included among those traditionally discussed for this condition.
Points often discussed alongside KI3 Tai Xi
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. Needle depth, angle and technique depend on the point and on the size and condition of the cat. Note from the source chart: Commonly used in chronic kidney disease prescriptions.
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 KI3 Tai Xi
Where is KI3 Tai Xi on a cat?
Between medial malleolus and Achilles tendon. Locations are approximate and are found by palpation by a trained practitioner.
What is KI3 Tai Xi used for in feline acupuncture?
The source chart lists CKD, deafness, enuresis, lumbar pain as traditional indications. This is traditional use and not proof of effect.
Can I use KI3 Tai Xi 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
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Other Kidney 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.