Meow-ve-lous Massage
Step into your cat’s paws for a second (figuratively, of course). You’re waking up from your third nap of the day and starting to do a yogalike stretch just as your owner bounds your way wearing that silly grin. Now, still imagining yourself as your cat, which of the following would you purr-fer?
Scenario 1: “Hey, Callie! Great to see you! Come over here and get some petting!” These shrieking words are followed by a quick series of open-handed thumps pounding on top of your head. Your owner views it as a friendly greeting. You view it as the start of a giant headache.
Scenario 2: “. Would you like a little kitty massage?” These soothing words are spoken softly. You, as the cat, stand up, stretch, and agree to a 5-minute muscle massage that runs down the spine from your neck to the base of your tail. You feel meow-ve-lous.
Indoor cats everywhere have been anxious for me to tell cat owners: Petting is passé. What cats really want are massages. Now, step back into your body and let me show you how to make your cat feel like she’s living in a fancy spa resort!
Why Massage?
Regular massages are incredibly good for your indoor cat. This ancient therapeutic treatment does more than pamper. It keeps cats healthy, fit, and feeling fine. Scientists have shown that massage, when done properly, relieves muscle tension and joint stiffness. It also enhances the flow of rich, oxygenated blood throughout the body as well as increases flexibility and range of motion.
And there are more benefits! Regular massage strengthens the cat-owner bond. It’s a special time when you can pay attention to and express affection for your cat. I’ve had a lot of friends tell me their once-aloof cats became interactive members of the household after they started receiving regular massages. Massage builds trust and friendship.
Massage has its medical merits, too. By moving your hands through your cat’s coat, you can detect any lumps, cuts, fleas, or ticks. The earlier the detection, the quicker the cure!

Top 10 Tips for the Ultimate Feline Massage

To make massage time enjoyable for both you and your feline friend, here are a few pointers:
1. Let your cat pick the time. Don’t try to force a massage just to meet your schedule. Cats can read your body cues and know when you feel stressed or harried.
2. Let your cat pick the place. Among the popular choices are in your arms, on his favorite blanket at the foot of your bed, on a wide windowsill, on a sofa or chair, or even on the carpeted floor.
3. Clean and dry your hands first. All you need are your hands; cats don’t need fancy oils, creams, or lotions.

4. Initiate gently. Walk up to your cat slowly and talk to her in a soothing voice. Let her know you want to give her a massage.

5. Stick with using your hands and fingertips. Don’t use your fingernails. Don’t use your feet, even if you have the most talented toes in your town!

6. Work slowly. Stroke and stretch your cat slowly. This will help your cat relax into the massage and will also help warm the muscles.

7. Hold each limb just below the knee/elbow joint. This allows good flexion — not so much that the cat feels uncomfortable, but enough that he enjoys the stretch.
8. Never press too deeply. Always stroke the muscles in the direction of the heart to improve healthy blood flow. Use an airy touch, light caress, or mild strokes.
9. Detour around an area of recent surgery or an open wound. Gently massage above and below these areas to stimulate blood and nutrient flow to speed healing.
10. Read your cat’s body language. You know he loves the massage if he gives you a sleepy half-eyed look, noses you (a cat kiss), or even falls asleep in your hands. You know he would rather be elsewhere when he begins to resist, wiggle, give you a full-pupil glare, and cry, “M-e-o-w!” (the cat equivalent of “Stop!”). End the session and try again when your cat is in a massage mood. My cats seem to prefer massages of just 5 to 10 minutes; any longer and they start to get restless.

Step-by-Step Feline Massage

Step 1: Stretching. If your cat is relaxed, begin the massage by stretching his or her limbs, holding just below the knee/elbow joint. Your cat may object to this if he or she is feeling particularly playful; in that case, skip ahead to step 2.
Step 2: Effleurage. This basic massage stroke is simply a straight, flowing, continuous motion from head to tail. Steadily slow the pace until the cat is completely relaxed.
Step 3: Petrissage. Press in a circular motion with the palm of your hand all over the cat’s body. “Pick up” handfuls of the soft tissue between your fingers and thumb, then release. Flick your palm and all five fingers in a gentle caressing motion across the spinal area.
Step 4: Wringing and rolling. When your cat is very relaxed, gently push and pull the skin in both hands.
Step 5: Stretching. Repeat step 1.