Massage therapy is often used in humans to relieve stress and muscle tension, but did you know that cats can also take advantage of a massage?
Key dealers
- A cat massage can relieve stress, improve circulation and strengthen the tape between you and your cat.
- Always start with soft blows in a quiet, quiet environment and end if your cat shows signs of discomfort.
- Avoid massaging cats with certain health conditions such as heart problems, open wounds or infections – first check with your veterinarian.
- Products such as soothing sprays, paw creams or massage serums can improve your cat massage experience.
What is a cat massage?
A massage for your cat is a technique that involves using your hands to work with soft tissues in the body (skin, muscle and connective tissue) in long strokes or circular movements and moderate pressure. This helps maintain or restore normal body function in specific areas.
You can massage your cat on your head, neck, back, legs and paws.
A cat massage can be a fun addition to regular petting sessions, which helps you form a stronger band with your cat.
Nevertheless, it is important to know how to massage your cat properly to prevent injury and make the experience fun.
Like cats massage?
Although it is possible to take your cat to a pet massage therapist, it is relatively easy to make basic massage techniques at home.
Home massage can be helpful to your cat because you can control the volume and lighting in the environment, and they will be more likely to enjoy the experience with a familiar person and familiar scents around them.
But a massage may not be for every cat. If your cat is in pain, is of course very scared or new in your home and not yet comfortable with you, it can be challenging to massage them effectively. Therefore, it is best to understand your cat's personality before trying to massage them.
You should also avoid massaging cats with heart conditions, open wounds or acute infections or inflammation and for some cancer patients.
Massage can sometimes aggravate their symptoms, or they may need exact massage techniques made by an educated professional. It is best to check with your veterinarian first.
What are the benefits of massaging your cat?
Research shows that massage can lead to stress and anxiety relief, strengthened connective tissue, reduced muscle tension, reduced swelling, improved circulation to the tissues, pain relief and even improved quality of your cat's sleep.
Massage can also be a way to bind with your cat, besides crushing sessions.
How to massage your cat
-
Choose a quiet, slightly illuminated area in your home which is usually a room where your cat already spends a lot of time and feels comfortable. You can perform the massage on a rug or give cushioning nons grinds, such as a cat mat or cat bed, for your cat to rest while massage.
-
Let your cat stand, sit or lie for their massage, what is most natural to them and whatever they will tolerate the most.
-
Start with soft pressure, move in the direction of your cat fur along their chin, cheeks, neck and back. Increase the pressure to moderate if your cat seems comfortable and relaxed.
-
If your cat is tolerant to a massage in these areas and likes to be pented up in other parts of the body, you can move on to their legs and paws, and possibly their stomach if they usually like to be a puppet there.
-
Continue for a few minutes or up to 15 minutes per session, as long as your cat remains comfortable and shows no signs of stress
-
You may only be able to massage your cat for a few minutes at a time, or maybe they don't like massage at all, and that's ok.
-
If your cat shows signs of sudden aggression at any time, such as standing up, pushing up fur, flattening the ears, hissing or trying to scratch or bite, it is best to stop the massage right away.
To improve the massage experience, you can apply a soothing spray like Feliway to a blanket, carpet or cat bed that your cat can rest on during the massage to improve the feelings of relaxation.
If your cat enjoys a paw massage, you can add a paw ore as the happy dog ​​cat's brace for moisturizing and conditioning the skin at the same time.
Common questions about cat massage
Where do cats like to be massaged?
Cats generally like to be massaged in areas where they like to be petted, such as the cheeks, chin, neck and back.
Some cats that are easy or accustomed to handling from an early age can enjoy massage in other areas of the body, such as the top of their head, legs or even the stomach.
But the stomach is often a sensitive and vulnerable area for cats that pet parents should avoid. Pay attention to what your cat likes and doesn't like when you give them a massage.
Is it good to massage your cat?
Yes. If your cat accepts the massage, it can be a great way to bind with them, relieve their pain and muscle tension and encourage them to relax. But if your cat has a state of health or an open wound, it can aggravate the symptoms.
It is best to consult your veterinarian to confirm if it is safe for you to massage your cat at home.
How do you massage a cat?
To massage a cat, make sure you are in a quiet environment and the cat is in a comfortable position. Use soft hand movements along the face, neck and back to gradually relax, which increases the pressure as they become more comfortable and accept the massage.
You can integrate gentle circular movements as well as long strokes towards your cat's fur. Stress body language signals can include flattened ears, inflated fur, hissing or yowling or trying to get up and go away.
