| Do you remember how you felt the last time | | | | check your pet to make sure there are no lumps |
| someone came and massaged your neck and | | | | or anything else unusual on their skin. |
| shoulders? If you're anything like me, you started | | | | Another method of massaging your cat is to hold |
| purring. A gentle massage is a wonderful | | | | it gently with one hand while using the other to |
| experience so why not give one to your cat. | | | | knead or manipulate the areas as mentioned |
| Cat massage is not as strange as it sounds. And | | | | above. Always be careful of any places that are |
| it is not hard to learn or do. You will need a | | | | tender or inflamed. Cats are quick to let you |
| surface (table, couch or even your lap) that is a | | | | know when something hurts. |
| comfortable height for you to work on and some | | | | The manipulation of muscles has long been shown |
| soft towels or similar for your cat to lie on. There | | | | to be healing in both animals and humans. There |
| are a few different methods of massaging a cat. | | | | are now many practitioners who specialize in pet |
| Start stroking, moving down the cat's body and | | | | massage or pet chiropractic services. A specialist |
| as one hand leaves the body or tail the other | | | | is able to give your cat a much more thorough |
| hand starts at the head again. You can vary the | | | | massage than you can at home. Depending on |
| pressure but you should always start gently. | | | | your specialist, he or she might be willing to teach |
| Experiment to see what your cat likes or will | | | | you some extra techniques you can use at home. |
| allow. Gently running the fingers down the | | | | The therapeutic value of cat massage cannot be |
| vertebrae will also help relax your pet. You can | | | | overlooked. It has been proven to help with a |
| work on specific areas such as shoulders, thighs, | | | | reduction of pain, increased flexibility, calmness |
| neck etc by gently kneading the area. Again, let | | | | and increased circulation which all add up to a |
| your cat be your guide. | | | | happier and healthier cat. And happy, healthy cats |
| Cat massage should be a bonding experience for | | | | live longer and cause less trouble in the home. |
| you both. It is also a great opportunity for you to | | | | |