Massage can relax and calm your cat after a tiring day, and make her feel more cared for and loved. When done properly, massaging can make your cat feel more comfortable than if you just petted it. This technique that can bring you closer to your pet is worth trying when your cat needs your attention, or when you want a closer relationship with him.
Step
Part 1 of 6: Getting Ready
Step 1. Massage the cat to relieve stress
Just like when you get a massage, cats will enjoy it too. Gentle massage is very useful for reducing anxiety, easing tension, and relaxing the cat's muscles after a hard day. In addition, the massage will strengthen the emotional bond between you and the cat.
If the cat is old or sick, a massage can also put him to sleep
Step 2. Massage the cat lightly
Imagine what a cat likes to be petted: cats usually love soft, light touches all over their body. When doing the massage, keep your movements gentle, not pressing.
- If you think your cat needs a more intensive massage, take your cat to the vet for professional treatment.
- When moving your hands to massage, you can use 1 or 2 hands.
Step 3. Do massage for about 5-10 minutes
Cats don't need to be massaged for a long time, just a little. Take at least 10 minutes a day to give your cat extra attention, whenever you have time.
There is no set rule for how often you should massage your cat so you can do it as needed. In general, don't massage your cat more than once or twice a day
Step 4. Massage the cat in the right mood
If your cat is angry, agitated, or anxious, the animal may not like being touched. Wait for the cat to move closer by touching its head indicating that the cat wants to be petted. Now you can massage it.
Never massage a cat that appears to be in a lot of pain, has an open wound, or has blood clotting problems. In addition, never do massage directly on tumors or skin that is infected
Step 5. Make yourself happy
Cats can sense your stress and anxiety, and won't be able to relax when you're feeling down. Make sure you're feeling calm before starting the massage so your cat can absorb the positive energy from you.
- Massaging your cat can be a relaxing activity. You can use this to help relieve stress after a tiring day.
- If he's in a bad mood, the cat may not want to be petted at all.
Step 6. Do it in a convenient location
This is useful for the cat to relax. So, find a place where he feels very comfortable. You can sit on the sofa, lie on the floor, or stand by the table. Choose any place the cat likes.
- Minimize loud noises (kids, TV, or other pets) to keep the cat relaxed and calm.
- Keep the room temperature neutral, that is, neither too hot nor too cold.
Part 2 of 6: Making Cats Feel Good
Step 1. Wait until the cat is not busy
This may seem funny, but cats have life too! If your cat is cleaning, eating food, or going to the bathroom, this is not a good time to massage.
Wait about 2 hours after the cat has eaten before you start the massage to give it a chance to digest the food
Step 2. Make sure your cat is comfortable around you
Approach the cat and see if it feels good to be next to you. You can even wait for it to approach itself instead of taking it out of your comfort zone. Wait for your cat to play with you, relax, lie down, or purr while touching your body.
If the cat doesn't come close or doesn't like being touched, it may not want to be massaged at this point
Step 3. Speak or sing a song to your beloved cat
Make the cat feel calm and cheerful by creating a comfortable atmosphere. Start by singing lightly or having a conversation with the cat in a low, soothing voice, and tell him he is a cute cat.
Of course, you already know what your cat likes. So, do whatever he likes
Part 3 of 6: Getting Started with the Massage
Step 1. Start slowly at a point your cat likes
Choose the cat's favorite location, it could be under the chin, back, or behind the ear. Starting the massage at a preferred point makes the cat feel happy to be massaged all over the body.
- You can tell when your cat makes a sound like purring when touched.
- It is very important to start the massage very slowly. If done too quickly, the cat will be overwhelmed and feel anxious.
- Try not to massage your face and head, unless your cat really likes it. Cats may perceive it as a threat and feel stressed about it.
Step 2. Use all parts of the hand to massage
Most people massage their cat with their fingertips, and this touch may be too light for the cat, especially if it's along the belly or back. Use your entire hand and apply gentle, gentle pressure to the cat's body as you massage it. Use only your fingertips to massage the cat's face and head.
You can use 1 or 2 hands
Step 3. Watch the cat's reaction
During the massage, watch the cat's response. If the cat is constantly trying to get up, the animal may not be in the mood to be massaged. If your cat blinks, purrs softly, drools, falls asleep, or even seems to be nodding off, the cat really enjoyed your massage.
Stop massaging if the cat moves backwards or starts scratching. Cats may not have a problem with you; try doing the massage again a few hours or a few days later
Part 4 of 6: Massaging the Cat's Head and Neck
Step 1. Massage the cat's head using circular motions
Most cats love a head massage. Start at the top of your head, and use your palms to massage it in circular motions before moving to your temples and cheeks. Also use your fingertips to massage the area around the ear and behind it.
- Pay attention to the cat's reaction after you massage his head. Some cats perceive it as a threat. Stop the massage if the cat feels anxious and uncomfortable.
- Maybe you can get back to the head after massaging the rest of your body. Maybe the cat should relax before you massage her head.
Step 2. Massage the cat's chin and neck
After massaging the head, gently and slowly rub the bottom of the cat's neck. Massage the cat with your fingers, in small circular motions from the top to the bottom of the neck. Be careful not to press too hard on the neck so the cat doesn't feel pain.
The neck is a sensitive area and cats may not like being massaged in that area. Observe the cat's body language and reactions as you massage
Step 3. Massage the cat's face with your fingers
Massage the cat's cheeks and forehead with your fingers using small circular motions. You can also massage each side of the cat's face with your palms. If they like your actions, your cat will let you massage the area around their nose, eyes, or nose.
Cats rarely get touch on the face. If this area is massaged, the cat can feel comfortable
Part 5 of 6: Massaging Cats
Step 1. Caress the cat from head to tail several times
After the head and neck are massaged, give some firm strokes on the body. Use gentle pressure on your hands as you rub them from head to tail. This can make his body relax during the cat's massage.
Repeat each movement at least 6 times to allow the cat to fully relax
Step 2. Massage the cat's shoulders
Start gently rubbing the cat's shoulder in a circular motion. Place one hand on the cat's side and continue to stroke your cat. Use both hands gently and firmly to squeeze the sides of the cat's body, especially the shoulders.
A cat's shoulders can be very tense after being used for activities throughout the day. A good massage will relieve pressure and make the cat feel very comfortable
Step 3. Caress the cat's back
Move from shoulder to back, applying gentle pressure along the cat's back and sides in a circular motion. Continue to work on the upper back as the lower back and hips are sensitive areas for most cats. If your cat feels happy when this area is touched, you can gently massage it.
Remember, always pay attention to the cat's body language and purrs
Step 4. Massage the cat's belly
If you can relax, the cat may lie on its back to ask you to massage its tummy. Hold her body with one hand, then massage her stomach with the other, while gently squeezing her skin. If your cat is completely relaxed, you can massage her belly with both hands.
- Some cats don't like to be touched on their stomachs. So, do this carefully at the beginning. If the cat starts scratching or stops purring, move the massage to another location.
- You can also do massage in 2 different places at the same time. Massage the cat's belly with one hand, and use the other hand to massage the cat's back or head.
Step 5. Massage the cat's chest
Position the cat on its back, then cup your fingers to massage its chest. Support the cat's head with the other hand. In a circular motion, run your palm against the cat's chest (just above the belly) to relieve tension.
If the cat is relaxed enough, gently massage the chest with your fingertips, working from the outside to the inside
Step 6. Massage the cat's tail
Start massaging the base of the tail (near the buttocks), and work your way up to the tip. You can use 2 hands, but do this lightly with your fingers as the tail is a very sensitive part of the body. If you tackle the tip of the tail first, the cat will likely rebel and run away.
- You can massage the cat's head with one hand, and handle the tail with the other.
- If the tail starts to move wildly, the cat may be excited or even angry, which is definitely not what you expected.
Step 7. Rub the soles of the feet in a circular motion
Finish the massage by holding one of the cat's paws and placing your thumb in the center of the paw pad. Gently rub the soles of the feet in a circular motion while applying gentle pressure. When you're done, switch to the other leg.
- This is also called "pawflexology".
- After the massage session is over, you can cuddle your cat, put him to bed, or give him a treat he likes.
Part 6 of 6: Checking Cat's Health
Step 1. Check the health of the cat's coat
While doing the massage, you can check the cat's overall health. Observe the coat, and see if the cat is cleaning itself properly.
- If the coat is dull or greasy, the cat may have a health problem, such as diabetes, a urinary tract infection, or something else. If the coat looks dirty in only a few places, the cat may not be able to reach the area, or it may have arthritis.
- If your cat's coat looks too groomed, loose, or bald in places, this could be a sign of a skin problem, such as irritation or allergies.
Step 2. Check the cat's skin
When rubbing your fingers and hands on the cat's body, gently brush the fur to examine the skin. If there are bumps or bites, the cat may have fleas or skin irritation. If you notice cuts or abrasions, the cat may have suffered an injury that you didn't even notice.
If you notice anything unusual, take your cat to the vet for a check-up
Step 3. Feel the cat's temperature
Cats can develop a fever, which may indicate an illness. When doing the massage, feel if his body temperature is normal. If the temperature feels warmer than usual, try to look for signs of injury or illness, such as an infected wound or vomiting.
Some parts of the body that feel hot is also a sign of arthritis
Step 4. Look for lumps or other unusual signs
Watch for abnormalities when you massage the cat. Lumps can indicate a serious health problem. So it's a good idea to know what's normal for cats and what's not.
If you suspect a tumor, take your cat to the vet immediately
Step 5. Consult your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual
Veterinarians are a trusted source for assessing a cat's health. If you notice a lump, skin problem, or other health problem, ask your vet if your cat should be treated.
Take your cat to the vet regularly for health checks
Tips
- Give your cat a treat or toy after you've finished massaging it.
- If you have several cats, alternate massages so that you can focus on one cat at a time.
- If you have other pets, keep them away from the massage area so you don't get distracted.
Warning
- Stop the massage if the cat doesn't like it. Cats will show their dislike by moving away, scratching, or even biting you.
- Do not massage a pregnant cat.
- Do not massage a sick cat without consulting your veterinarian first.
- Do not apply massage oil to cats. Essential oils can kill cats even if they are only absorbed through the skin.
