Caring For Your Cat

Have you ever received a cat massage?  Do you know what
a cat massage is?  It is where your frisky little friend hops
on your back and gives you a gentle massage.  This little
technique is actually something that my precious Cuddles
made up on her own, and it had many benefits for both of us.

It was rather comical when it first started.  I was lying in
bed when Cuddles jumped on my back and started kneading
away and purring up a storm.  She was kneading with such
intensity that it actually felt like I was at a spa getting a real
massage.

She would not do it often, but I certainly enjoyed it when
she was in her loving mood and I let her know with some
extra hugs and stroking.  She is gone now and the other cats
have never done the kneading massage on my back, so now
it is up to my husband to do the back massages.

There is another type of cat massage.  It is a massage that
you give your cat.  You must do this with care as you do not
want to turn your cat off to a wonderful bonding experience.

There are two main purposes of massaging your cat.  Getting
your cat to relax and for you to do a self-examination of your
cat.  It will also allow you to get to know your cat very well
and create a special bond.

Massaging a cat can be a little tricky, depending on how touchy
or loveable your cat can be with your touch.  Some cats love
to be rubbed down all over and some do not.  It will take time
for you to find the areas that your cat will allow you to do a
gentle massage.  Be patient and take it slow, you want it to be
enjoyable for both of you.

While you are exploring with massaging your cat, notice how
they feel to your touch.  Get to know each area of them, at
least the ones that they will allow you to touch and massage.
After awhile you will notice your cat relaxing more and this
will allow them to relieve any stress they have felt during
the day.

Each one of my cats is different in the areas that they will
allow me to massage. Tiggy is very fussy about her tummy
and refuses to let me rub or massage it, so I leave it alone and
just work the rest of her muscles.  Cooper loves a massage
anyway he can get it, as long as it is when he wants it.  Leena
also does not like her tummy to be rubbed or massaged,
but she sure does love her neck to be rubbed.

When massaging them also pay attention to things like lumps,
bumps, or anything that doesn’t feel normal.  Or even a new
irritation that they didn’t have with the massage before.  I
actually found a lump on Leena’s neck during one of her massages. 
I did not like how it felt, so I immediately made an appointment
for her to see the vet.  She had a skin infection on her chin and
it was her limp nodes that I felt as being lumpy.  I am glad that
I found it, because she could have gotten really sick from the
infection. 

Learning to give your cat a massage has many benefits.  You
create a loving bond with your cat.  It releases any stress and
relaxes them, so they feel better.  And you can even discover
a condition that is not normal and have it looked at before it
becomes serious.

Get your cat and discover the benefits of massage with them,
maybe you will even be lucky and they will surprise you by
giving you a massage.