15-minute cat massage - Acadiana's Multi-Media News Station

 

15-minute cat massage

Updated:
© iStockphoto / Thinkstock © iStockphoto / Thinkstock

By Stacey Brecher
 
Most cats enjoy being petted, but a cat massage session takes that quality time to a whole new level. Try these cat-massage techniques, and you'll help to forge a tighter bond between you and your pet.

Since massages are a bit more intense than simply petting your cat, it is important to ease into the process when you and your cat are relaxed. Start by resting your palms on your cat to build trust. According to Lisa Ruthig, director of animal programs at Bancroft School of Massage Therapy, "the initial places to stroke are the places cats tend to offer you to pet: the sides of the face, the back of the neck, down either side of the spine to the base of the tail, and the tail itself. As your confidence grows, you can add in the sides, belly, shoulders and legs, if your cat agrees." The strokes you will use when massaging are much slower than those you use when you pet your cat.

While massaging, Ruthig suggests monitoring your cat's reactions to figure out what areas to avoid, and to tell if your pet is enjoying the massage. If your cat is purring, you can linger in the particular area using varying amounts of pressure. "All cats are different," says Ruthig. "One may allow only a very light touch or a short session, while another may love deep pressure and long massages."

The benefits of cat massage range from relieving pain through the release of endorphins to reducing anxiety and behavioral problems. Remember: Fifteen minutes of massage is all it takes to relax your cat and strengthen the human-animal bond.

Stacey Brecher is an editor at Woman's World magazine, where she covers a variety of topics -- from home decorating tips to travel. 

Copyright © 2011 Studio One Networks. All rights reserved.

  • Blue's Pet Page

  • "The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog." -George Graham
    "The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog." -George Graham

  • "The more people I meet, the more I like my cat." -Anonymous
    "The more people I meet, the more I like my cat." -Anonymous

  • GWEN STEFANI The singer and her pup hit the beach for a day of sun and fun in Marina del Rey, California.
    JESSICA BIEL They're walkin' here! The actress and her dogs pound the pavement in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood on Saturday.

  • By Pamela Babcock WebMD Pet Health Reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM Taking your pet to the vet? Whether it's a routine appointment or you're checking on symptoms, there are steps you can take to help the
    By Pamela Babcock WebMD Pet Health Reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM Taking your pet to the vet? Whether it's a routine appointment or you're checking on symptoms, there are steps you can take to help the

  • ByStephanie Watson WebMD Magazine Reviewed byWilliam Draper, DVM Puppies and kittens aren't like human babies. You can't wait 2 years to start potty training. "With a puppy or kitten you say, "Oh it's
    ByStephanie Watson WebMD Magazine Reviewed byWilliam Draper, DVM Puppies and kittens aren't like human babies. You can't wait 2 years to start potty training. "With a puppy or kitten you say, "Oh it's

  • Why do cats meow? The reasons change as they grow from kittens into cats. Kittens meow to their mothers when they're hungry, cold, or scared. But once cats get older, they use other vocalizations -- such
    Why do cats meow? The reasons change as they grow from kittens into cats. Kittens meow to their mothers when they're hungry, cold, or scared. But once cats get older, they use other vocalizations -- such

  • We love to hear our cats purr, don't we? We take it as a sign that our pets are happy, healthy, and well fed. A purring cat is like an acknowledgment that we are doing a good job as a pet owner. But if
    We love to hear our cats purr, don't we? We take it as a sign that our pets are happy, healthy, and well fed. A purring cat is like an acknowledgment that we are doing a good job as a pet owner. But if
*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.
Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and KLFY. All Rights Reserved. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.