All kidding aside, you know that your cat’s muscles and bones get tired and sore, too! Especially if your cat is a little on the older side! Just like people, cats need a little TLC from time to time, and one of the easiest ways to achieve that is to give him or her quick kitty massage. It can last just a couple of minutes, but will have a lasting effect on your cat!
Your cat may think you’re a little off your rocker at first, but minimal resistance, your cat will learn to love getting a quick massage. It is best to wait until he or she is relaxed before you attempt the first few times, this way you won’t catch them off guard or anything. The best times are always after playtime or just before nap/bedtime.
Make sure that your cat is comfortable before you begin the massage. The best position is for him or her to be lying down or sitting comfortably. Then, begin at the back of the neck. You know your cat better than anybody, so if there is an area that you know he or she doesn’t like to be touched, I would strongly recommend not trying to massage there!
Basically, you want to use your fingertips or the meaty part of your hands to gently massage your cat in circular motions. Go in-between the shoulder blades, under the chin, neck and chest area, your cat will let you know which areas he or she likes. Make a mental note for future reference if he or she seems to dislike one particular area. This will also give you a chance to check the animal for any bumps or lumps you might not normally notice, too.
The trick is the amount of pressure that you apply to the body. You will want it to be hard enough to be able to feel the muscles, but not hard enough to make the cat uncomfortable. Don’t worry, it’s pretty easy to figure it out and soon, both you and your cat will come to enjoy this precious time together!
It is possible that you have a cat that is not crazy about being massages. If this is the case, there are other ways to help them wind down and relax. Maybe he or she likes to lounge on an electric blanket. Some crazy cats even like to sleep in the tub; it doesn’t matter, as long as you are okay with it!
There are some people that will inevitably try to use an electric massager on their cat. I would strongly recommend against this idea. If you really want to go that extra mile, then ask your vet if there are any safe massagers on the pet product market. You don’t want to hurt your furry friend, so don’t go overboard!
