Massage therapy for Cats
Massage is any methodical type of physical stroking that provides comfort and fosters optimal health. It also has a soothing effect on the mind and body. Animals also benefit from massages especially cats or dogs that have physical disabilities or behavioral issues. Some of the proven benefits for massage therapy for cats are the decrease of stress, pain relief, flexibility, enhanced immune system, reduction in depression and improvement of circulation. The massaging touch of the hand produces soothing and relaxing results. For pets, such as cats, specific massage procedure can result in toned muscles. It also helps to get rid of spasms in the muscles, reduces soreness and pain caused by arthritis or spinal difficulties.
In addition, massage therapy in cats will assist with speeding up the elimination of metabolic waste as well as reducing swelling and accelerating the process of healing by causing stimulation to the circulation of the blood. For a cat that is hyperactive, massage benefits by calming the cat. Cats that have temperamental issues, especially cats that have been previously abused or traumatized, will profit from massage therapy immensely. Massage therapy for cats can be administered by the cat owner, but a holistic vet that does massage therapy for cats, is the most advised. However, be sure to watch your cat for any physical impairment. Once this becomes apparent, a veterinarian is the best one to approach. This way, you will know if massage therapy is the best solution.
A cat may undergo stress due to its environment especially if the cat owner lives in the city where there is pollution, dogs barking, and loud traffic. Stress from these conditions and things may cause the cat to exhibit problems in behavior or even health issues. Massage therapy helps to relieve such stress and relax the cat. You can tell a cat is taking pleasure in a massage therapy, if the cat has feel asleep or is caught yawning. For optimal health, massage therapy is advantageous to cats, but is should not be used to cure any type of illnesses. Most massage therapy sessions last up to twenty minutes for cats unlike the extended hour for human beings. However, the length of time a massage therapy depends solely on who well the cat accepts touch and its reaction toward the massage therapist. Once the cat becomes comfortable with the process, an half an hour massage would be a welcomed invitation.
There are various kinds of massage therapies for cats that are recommended. Some of these are acupressure, trigger points and remedial massages. Some can be done by the pet owner, but others have to be administered by an expert therapist. Never massage your pregnant or sick cat. If the cat does not like the massage therapy process, do not force the cat to proceed. This may cause undue stress on the cat and this would defeat the purpose of the massage. In addition, never massage a cat after it has just eaten. The more advanced form of massage technique is the acupressure. It gets the most positive results for cats, in that; it encourages healing as well as relaxation for the cat. However, it is not advisable to administer a massage on a cat that has an injury of any kind. The acupressure technique utilizes a sequence of pressure points on the cat’s body such as a limb, or muscle where there may be soreness and pain. This helps to release tension, cure illnesses and get rid of any pain that the cat may have.
A weekly massage therapy is normal and something that most veterinarians suggest. Older cats get the added benefit of a massage to relieve aches, stiff joints, tight muscles, other pains and possibly arthritis. According to some veterinarians, the massage therapy process for the cat owner who may be the one administering this type of treatment to the cat, will help the cat owner to become familiar with the appearance and feel of the cat. Therefore, when any illnesses or irregularities occur, it will be easy to spot.
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