Feline MassageEven your favorite tabby needs to be pampered once in a while. If we just consider the amount of exercise these cats go through, we will realize how much their muscles might be overworked. Cats run, twist their bodies, jump from heights, squeeze into places that are smaller than their bodies, pounce upon their poor unwitting preys and do so much more! It is necessary to loosen their muscles once in a while, or some cats might suffer from locomotion problems, and even more serious impairments as they grow older. What Benefits does Massaging Provide for Cats? The following are some of the benefits of a feline massage:- - The massage helps the cat's body to unwind. It relaxes all the overworked muscles and joints of the body of the cat and enables it to become sprightly once again. - Just as we feel relaxed after a massage, cats too feel a great relief from dull aches all over their body. Cats with aches and sore muscles in their body can become very finicky. Massages help them to get over these problems. - It is observed that cats that have been recently massaged will become more active due to their loosened muscles and joints. Due to this they will be able to move their bodies more gracefully, and increase speed in their gait. There will be a marked improvement in the flexibility and the range of motion of the body. - A massage is very ideal for cats that have been recently injured and are recuperating. Of course, such massages have to be done very gently, but they can help in the healing process. Feline massages are important and recommended after surgeries. - Massaging is now considered a significant part of the cat's overall grooming. Cats that are constantly massaged have shinier coats and better quality of fur. Show cats are given regular massages to maintain their good looks. - Cats need massage when they have been kept in a cramped space for a long period of time, such as when traveling. This will help them to loosen up. - However, the most important benefit is that a feline massage will help you bond admirably with your favorite pet. Massages are very important for cats as they grow older. The following are some of the major benefits of massage to older cats. - When cats grow older, arthritis can be a problem. Feline arthritic massage is known to relieve them of the regular pains and aches that are associated with the condition. There are professional people who specialize in giving feline arthritic massage and you can get their contacts from your local veterinarian. Even your vet can train you how to massage an arthritic cat at home. - Giving massage to older cats also helps them to improve their blood circulation. This helps them to remain healthier and active. How to Massage a Cat? Any pet guide or your local vet will tell you how you must go about massaging a cat. Since a cat's body is small, you can easily work all the regions of its body in a short time. While massaging a cat, you need to sit on a comfortable sofa and place the cat, belly down, on your lap. The following methods are employed:- - Begin by massaging the limbs (first the forelimbs and then the hind limbs). Your motions should be gentle, but firm in grip. You must begin from where the limbs join at the torso, and then move towards the paws. Work with constant motions, applying equal pressure at every point. - Then you need to massage the backbone. Move your thumb over the backbone from the neck to the tail, without exerting great pressure. - Move over to the ribs. Place one hand on the backbone and radiate your fingers outwards on the cat's body. Keep applying uniform pressure. Work from the neck region and move downwards. - Finally, pay some attention to the neck. Apply slight finger pressure on the back of the neck. - Generally cats do not need massaging on the front region of their bodies. You can lightly tap here to make the cat feel at ease. Pet massage therapy is just not for cats. Dogs and horses also benefit from massage therapy. |