The benefits of massage have long been studied in humans and the results in animals are proving to be the same. Massaging your cat might sound a bit strange to some, but it can greatly improve the quality of life for both of you. Not only can it be used as a natural treatment for certain ailments, it can provide a relaxing way of life if you implement it into your daily routine. There are several benefits of massage that should be addressed, so if you’re still on the fence, consider these points.
#1 – Relaxation
Massage is known for its ability to offer both mental and physical relaxation. Physical touch reduces stress and has been shown to alleviate anxiety and aggression in nervous cats. They become more used to human interaction and are positively rewarded for it by the physical pleasures of massage, all while healing their emotions. Calming and relaxing your cat will also help heal traumas and illnesses, so the relaxation aspect of massage helps here too.
#2 – Improve Circulation
Stimulating the muscles and tissues of the body increases circulation and this improved blood flow brings healing. Increased circulation allows more oxygen to reach the tissues and if there are any wounds, inside or outside of the body, this oxygen will promote faster, more comfortable healing. Massage has also been shown to improve range of motion and lower the heart rate. This also relieves muscle spasms and reduces toxic compounds like lactic acid, which cause pain and discomfort.
#3 – Spend Quality Time Together
We all love petting our cats, so why not turn it into a great massage session? Spending quality time with your cat (or each of your cats, if you have more than one) is important to keep your bond strong. We want our cats to trust us with their lives as we provide for them, so making them feel comfortable being around us is important. Cats are known for being independent creatures, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need human attention. More often than not, our cats want to spend as much time with us and we’re able to provide.
#4 – Early Detection
Getting a feel of your cat’s body is beneficial when it comes to early detection. You’ll be able to feel wounds that you can’t see through your cat’s coat, or any lumps and bumps that might be developing inside your cat’s body. These things can be felt before seen, so taking notes when you massage your cat and noting what’s abnormal will help your veterinarian determine the issue. Early detection is critically important in treating many illnesses and massage will certainly help.
#5 – Improve Your Health
Yes, it’s true. Giving your cat a massage is also good for you. Science has shown that petting animals actually improves the health of humans. It reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and elevates our moods. This is why so many pet owners tend to be happier people! This is also why therapy animals are so important – science has shown that petting animals greatly improves the mental and physical health of people, regardless of whether or not they want to admit it.