Did you know that massaging a cat has many benefits, not only for the cat but also for you as an employer? Apart from relaxing your cat's joints and calming them down, massaging your cat can also help create a positive relationship between the cat and the owner. Not only that, massaging a cat also seems to be able to reduce stress levels for both parties! Specifically, massage can stimulate the nerves, improve the circulatory and lymphatic systems, increase range of motion, relieve pain, and increase the intake of oxygen and nutrients for the muscles in cats. Want to know how to massage the right and comfortable for your cat? Follow these steps!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing Yourself for a Cat Massage
Step 1. Focus on your cat
As much as possible, focus 100% of your attention on the cat you are about to massage. Massaging your cat affectionately – even if it's only for a few minutes – has the same benefits as petting a cat for a full half an hour. To make it easier to focus your attention, take a deep breath and calm yourself first. Live the process-your cat will feel so grateful!
Step 2. Imagine yourself giving your cat the best possible massage
One practice process that is not tiring is imagining it. Imagine every move that would make your cat feel comfortable. This kind of focusing process is known as centering. Doing this process first can minimize the chances of your hands feeling sore or sore while massaging your cat.
Step 3. Prepare the room for the massage
The massage process will take place better if it is done in a quiet and peaceful place. If you do this in an overcrowded, crowded, or crowded room, your cat will likely feel uncomfortable and will not get the most out of it. For best results, choose the right time and location.
Part 2 of 3: Preparing Your Cat for a Massage
Step 1. Talk or sing in a soft, soothing tone to your cat
One of the best ways to soothe a cat is to massage it while humming certain words or songs (also known as voice massage). Voice massage is basically the process of repeating a phrase or song lyric in a soft and soothing voice; this process is done so that your cat is "ready" for the next contact to occur. Remember, what matters is not what you say or sing, but the tone of your voice. Keep your tone of voice as soft and calm as possible.
Step 2. Let your cat accept your touch
Approach slowly, hold out your hand, and let your cat smell your scent. Instead of directly massaging it, you need to do this process first to familiarize your cat with simple touches. Not only will this calm him down, it will also show that you appreciate him.
Step 3. Pay attention to his body language
If your cat backs off or moves away from her body when it comes to being massaged, don't force her to accept your massage. Such reflexes indicate that he is not ready to receive your massage. Don't force massage her when she bites your hand either; he may be in a bad mood or he may be on the defensive and protecting himself from you. The best time to massage your cat is when she's just woken up and is very relaxed.
Do not try to massage a cat that is sick or injured
Part 3 of 3: Massaging the Cat
Step 1. Start slowly
No need to rush to massage it. Start by gently stroking the cat as you often do, then rubbing its back. Do this process for a few moments, then repeat for a longer time. Gentle and slow petting will usually be very liked by cats.
Repeat this process for six times. Repetition is necessary to make your cat more relaxed and familiar with your touch
Step 2. Massage the back of your cat's neck
Use your thumb or other fingers to gently massage the cat from the head to the back of its neck. Gently "pinch" the back of his neck with your thumb and forefinger. After that, continue to "pinch" the loose skin on the side of the cat's neck. Remember, do this process very carefully.
Step 3. Caress your cat's body
Gently caress the cat's body and apply light pressure along its contour. You should feel the different shapes of the bones in your cat's body as you do this. Remember, don't press too hard. Just place the tips of your fingers in every crevice of his body and give it a gentle massage.
Step 4. Move your hand towards the cat's lower body and gently massage its belly
Try to increase the speed of massaging in the tummy/chest area and see how your cat reacts. Be careful, this area is very sensitive for some cats. He won't attack you if he doesn't mind. However, your actions may take him by surprise and put him on the defensive. Be careful.
Step 5. Massage your cat's chin
Slowly, lift the chin with your fingertips. When your cat lifts her head, start rubbing her chin and neck with your fingers. Run your fingers from his throat to the tip of his chin. If the cat looks up and closes his eyes, it means he likes it. You can also do a circular motion under his chin to give it a different sensation.
Tips
- If you want to get closer to your cat, massaging it is a great way to tame it and get to know you more. Most likely, he will follow you wherever you go even if only for a moment.
- Your cat will enjoy your massage more if he is in a good mood and health.
- If your cat doesn't like being petted, try scratching her back gently.
Warning
- Always give a gentle massage!
- Avoid massaging the legs, chest and belly as some cats can feel very uncomfortable and even threatened.
- Massaging a cat is indeed a positive act. But never treat a sick or injured cat with massage. If your cat is sick or injured, take him to the vet!
- Some cats don't like to be massaged. Avoid massaging the cat if the cat resists being touched. Also, don't massage her if she's recently had surgery or has an injury that will only heal if left alone.
