Cat Massage - A Hands-On Experience

Doing the Massage

I like to start my massage sessions by stroking the cat in the ways it enjoys most. First I feel the coat's condition and take a closer look at any areas that feel harsh or sparser than normal. By dampening my hands I can use the palms of my hands to stroke out molted fur. After the initial flat-palmed stroking, I press my fingertips down more firmly to feel the skin as I stroke. That way I can feel if Sappho's eczema is flaring up, or if Aphrodite has any scabs under her long thick fur which means I need to use flea spray sooner than I thought. On Cindy I thought my fingers had found a skin tag, but it proved to be a small rabbit tick. Later on, that area became permanently hardened due to a reaction to the tick's saliva. I added this information to my mental map of my cats' bodies.

After stroking and checking for signs of external parasites or skin troubles, it's time to start the real massage. I always start the massage with their favorite attention areas, usually the ears, neck and back though all cats have different preferences ranging from belly to paw-pads and even inside the mouth (seriously). The edge of the jaw between ears and chin is often a favorite area. I then work along their sides and down to their belly as by this time they are lying full length on their backs doing Tai Chi with their front legs.

Many of my cats have loved having a belly rub and I love running my fingers through their warm silky belly fur. I wouldn't belly rub if they disliked it and I always stop if they get overexcited and decide to play-fight my hand. If your cats hate belly rubs or fight your hand then you should move straight on to the paws. While they're upside down or lying on their side, I massage each leg in turn, gently flexing the paws and feeling the pads and between the paw pads for thorns or splinters. I also check whether any claws need clipping! Then I go back to the belly until one or other of us gets tired of it though you should go back to whatever bit your cat likes best.

American behaviorist Warren Eckstein recommends you first relax your cat by stroking it and talking gently. Then massage using small circular motions of your thumb and fingertips as you stroke, never losing contact with the cat's skin. He suggests you start either side of the spine and work along the cat's back, shoulders, sides and hind legs. These areas see a lot of wear and tear. Then work from the chest to the belly and finally the forelegs. Massage gently and stop if your cat protests.

No-Go Areas and 'Yes Please!' Areas

(Continued on next page)