To some people, the idea of massage for animals may seem odd. But the benefits of massage are clear, whoever the recipient. Physiologically, massage stimulates the body’s nerves, muscles, circulatory system and lymphatic system. By enhancing the range of motion, the supply of oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells is increased and muscle spasms are often relieved. Massage often helps flush away toxic compounds, such as lactic acid, that cause pain as well.
Massaging your cat will create a positive relationship between the two of you as well as offering an all-natural way to soothe and relax her stiff joints and alleviate stress for both of you. Ultimately, massaging your cat will holistically stimulate nerves, muscles, the circulatory system, and the lymphatic system. It can also increase the range of motion.
How do you start? Focus your attention as close to 100% on the cat as possible. Massaging her gently for even a few minutes is the holistic way to offer comfort that can be as good as a full half hour of petting, so focusing on the cat will be very beneficial. There is no reason to rush to massage your cat. Start your massage session by petting your cat as gently as you normally would, stroking her entire back slowly, counting the seconds it takes to do so. Repeat the motion a second time doubling the time it took to do so before. Repeat this technique several times. By repeating this motion your cat will be more willing to accept the massage, as well as establishing a familiarity and relaxing time that can be shared again. End your session with a special treat such as Real Meat Fish and Venison Cat Treats by Viandpet. A jerky treats that is 95% meat with no added colors, preservatives or fillers, these treats are an all-natural answer to cat happiness. Made from the finest free range grass fed meats, they have no added hormones or antibiotics. Be sure to keep her healthy by maintaining her diet with Viandpet's Cat Food an all-natural way to keep her healthy and happy.
Always consult your veterinarian to make sure a massage is safe for your pet, especially if they have been tough a recent traumatic event
Many times you will find that your cat wants to massage you. A mysterious, quirk, the funny pushing-forward motion of a cat's paws mimics the kneading of dough. Cats begin kneading as tiny kittens even before their eyes open. Placing their paws around their mom-cat's nipples, they quickly learn that the pressure stimulates the flow of milk. Kneading other objects never brings forth anything, but the memory of that tasty reward stays with cats, along with the remembered presence of maternal warmth and security.
Sometimes the movement of the paw is just a slight curl, while other cats energetically lift their paws up and down as if marching in place. Kneading also signals a form of territorial marking. The pads of a cat's paws contain scent glands, and the kneading allows a distinctive scent discernable by other cats or pets but not by the human nose to be emitted. In a subtle manner, she's signaling that this is her own spot, and that other cats need to stay away.
When your cat kneads you, accept it as a form of feline flattery. She is letting you know that she loves and or tolerates you. It may be hard to feel flattered when your cat's bared claws are digging into your lap, but some cats will sheath their claws while kneading, and if yours does not, keep her nails trimmed so she can safely continue to let you know that you are her preferred place to rest. Never punish a cat for kneading, a natural, instinctive activity that brings her only enjoyment.