Massaging your cat can be very helpful in relaxing him, calming him down after a stressful event, or it can simply make him feel loved and cared for. In fact, if done correctly, a massage makes the cat feel much better than a normal petting session. Try this technique, which creates a strong bond with your pet, once or twice a day, so that he feels more relaxed and trusts you even more.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Putting the cat at ease
Step 1. Find the right time
Choose a quiet time of day to massage your cat. The animal may have just returned or would like to take care of the fur. Wait until he is not busy with other chores before starting the massage.
Wait until he has eaten for at least two hours before massaging him. This way he can digest food
Step 2. Make sure your cat is comfortable with you
Approach and check that he is happy in your presence. It would even be better for the animal to come to you instead of grabbing it and invading its comfort zone. Wait for him to approach, relax, lie down, or for him to rub and purr against your body.
Step 3. Talk to him or sing him a melody
First you need to calm down and make your cat happy, so that he is in the right frame of mind. Begin humming a song or speaking to him in a quiet, low tone of voice, praising him.
Don't use a high-pitched, almost falsetto tone of voice, as many people are used to when talking to a cat ("What a beautiful kitten !!"), otherwise you stress the animal even more
Part 2 of 5: Starting the Massage
Step 1. Keep a calm state of mind
Take deep breaths and adopt a quiet demeanor. If you are tense or try to be hasty in the massage, the cat will feel it and will not want to be touched by you.
Step 2. Spend 5-10 minutes each day for massage
It doesn't have to last long, just these few minutes are enough. Spend about a minute massaging each part of his body to make him feel relaxed and happy.
Step 3. Start slowly with the pet's favorite area
Start with very slow stroking to get him used to the feeling of being touched. Choose the area where your friend prefers to be touched, be it under the chin, on the back or behind the ears. If you start from a familiar spot, your cat will be more willing to have their whole body massaged.
Step 4. Use your whole hand
Many people only touch the cat with their fingertips. However, this contact may be too light for the cat to feel the benefit of a massage, especially on the back and belly. Then use your whole hand and apply gentle pressure all over your feline friend's body as you massage him. Reserve your fingertips for areas like the head and snout.
You can use one hand or both
Step 5. Watch their reactions
Throughout the massage, pay attention to how the cat responds. If he tries to get up, then he may not be in the mood. If he winks, purrs, drools and falls asleep or even seems a bit groggy, then he is enjoying the massage immensely.
If he suddenly bites or scratches you, then his skin may have been over-stimulated. The skin of cats is very sensitive and too strong a stimulus could be perceived as a painful sensation. Try to understand how it reacts to touch in various parts of the body
Part 3 of 5: Massage the Head and Neck
Step 1. Massage the cat's head
Most cats love to be petted at this point. Use the palms of your hands and "rub" the head in circular motions, not forgetting the back and temples. In the area around and behind the ears, use only your fingertips.
You need to touch his head after massaging him elsewhere, as your cat may need to be more relaxed to really enjoy a head massage
Step 2. Touch his face and neck
Once you have taken care of his head, rub his neck very gently and slowly. Use only your fingers and practice small circular movements up and down the neck. Be careful not to press; at this stage you can use one or both hands.
Step 3. Massage his face
Again, stick to just your fingers and make circular movements on her cheeks and forehead. You can also use your palms and place them on the sides of the muzzle. The cat may purr and close its eyes in approval. If they like what you're doing, they may even let you touch the area near their eyes, nose and whiskers.
Part 4 of 5: Massage the Body
Step 1. Massage it from head to tail a couple of times
When you're done caring for his head and neck, give him a couple of firm strokes on the rest of his body. Apply gentle pressure with your hand as you slide it down your back towards the tail. This way the cat relaxes and enjoys the rest of the massage.
Step 2. Take care of the shoulders
Start by rubbing this area in slow circular motions. Place one hand on each side of the body and rub it. Use both hands and touch the animal's body as if you were "kneading", especially in the shoulder area.
Step 3. Give him one more long pat
Move down and the tail and lightly press the back and sides of the cat always following circular movements.
Be very careful because the upper and lower back, along with the hips, are very sensitive areas. If your cat likes to be touched there, be very gentle
Step 4. Massage his belly
If your pet has relaxed enough, he may have been lying on his back and may allow you access to the belly. Hold it gently with one hand, while caressing his abdomen with the other always following a "dough" movement. If he's really very relaxed, you can use both hands.
- Some specimens do not like being touched on the belly, so proceed with caution at first.
- You can also try a cross massage and rub the cat's belly with one hand, while you treat the head or back with the other.
- Try massaging his pectoral muscles as well, as they need it from time to time.
Step 5. Switch to the queue
Start at its base, near the cat's butt, and slowly move towards the tip. Use both hands, but be gentle by pressing only with your fingertips, as the tail is a very sensitive part. If you start the massage right from the tail, the cat could escape; it is necessary that he is very relaxed and that the rest of his body has already been massaged, so that he can also enjoy the touch on the tail.
- You can stroke its head with one hand, while massaging its tail with the other.
- If he starts wagging his tail wildly, then he may be excited or angry, just what you don't want.
Part 5 of 5: Assessing the Cat's Health
Step 1. Check the health of his coat
Massage is also a good opportunity to monitor your feline friend's general health. Watch the fur to make sure your cat is taking care of it.
- If the fur is dull or dirty, then the cat may be ill and suffering from conditions such as diabetes, urinary tract infections and other problems. If the coat is dirty only in some places, then your friend may have trouble reaching certain areas of his body due to, for example, arthritis.
- If the coat is too well cared for, so much so that there are areas of alopecia or thinning of the fur, then the problem could be dermatological, such as a skin irritation or an allergy.
Step 2. Check the cat's skin
As you rub his body with your fingers, gently penetrate the fur to make sure the skin is healthy. If you notice any bite marks or bumps, then you may have fleas or other irritations.
Step 3. Assess its temperature
Cats can become feverish, which indicates some disease. As you massage your pet, learn what its normal temperature is. If your body feels warmer than usual, then continue looking for other symptoms of a condition or injury, such as an infected cut or vomit.
Hot areas of the body can be a sign of arthritis
Step 4. Check for bumps or other anomalies
Take note of anything you notice that seems out of the ordinary as you massage your cat. The bumps or masses could be a sign of some serious illness, so it's worth knowing what's normal and what isn't.
Step 5. Call your vet if you find anything out of the ordinary
The doctor is the best person to assess your furry friend's health. If you've discovered a bump, skin problem, or other abnormality, call your vet to seek treatment.
Advice
When you're done, give your cat a treat or catnip toy
Warnings
- Be very gentle and careful with the cat.
- If the cat doesn't like how you are massaging him, stop. He'll likely let you know he doesn't appreciate it, by walking away from you or even with a few scratches or bites. Respect their preferences.
- Never massage a pregnant cat. Do not massage even a sick cat without first taking it to the vet.
- Do not use massage oils when petting your cat, as they may damage the cat's fur. Also, your feline friend will try to lick them off the fur and they could prove harmful if they ingest them.
