Massage and cats?

Has anyone ever learned how to massage their cats and done it? I've started reading a book on the subject. The author, a vet, massage therapist, and animal psychologist, says there are huge benefits, physical and mental, for the cats. Since I believe in the positive effects of massage for human health, I'm inclined to be open minded about the possibility of helping cats through healing touch.

Is anyone familiar with this author, Michael W. Fox, and his teachings?



Robin

I'm not familiar with Fox or his teachings.

But FWIW:  I've had masssages (and accupuncture) for years.  Along the way, I learned a little about massage techniques.  And in the two years since I've adopted Ritz (my first cat/pet ever), I've learned what Ritz likes, doesn't like.

Stroking in the same direction, consistent pace.  

Occasionally, stroke the entire length of the body/spine; in other words, if you're stroking the neck area (a favorite of Ritz), once or twice, continue on along the spine, tapering off the pressure as you go. 

In the past six months, Ritz has started to deliberately turn on her back, wanting a belly rub.  In her belly area, I'm more likely to massage her in a circular motion.  (When my massage therapist massages my stomach area, she uses a circular motion with her hands.)  She also likes me to massage under her arms, analogous to the arm pit.  That is a circular motion with my finger tips.  You will have to experiment with how much force/pressure you use. 

Ritz gets the most amazing expression on her face when I am massaging her neck, behind her neck, her belly, and she kneads in the air.  (She never kneads otherwise.)

Always always I am watching her reaction, especially when tresspassing on her belly.  I tend to periodically pause during the massage session to gauge if she wants me to continue.  Signs probably vary among cats, but in Ritz' case, stretched out paws say continue, any kind of tail motion, discontinue.   If she falls asleep, I know I've done my job

Years ago I saw a book at the library on shiatsu massage for cats and dogs. I've never been able to find it since much to my annoyance because I'd like to learn about it. My cats just have to make do with patting and snuggling.
I wonder if that's the same author?

He's written something like 30 books on animal care. He's past president of the US Humane Society and past vice president of the international Humane Society. He has a syndicated newspaper column, "Ask Dr. Fox." He's a big advocate of grain free foods and thinks that vets selling pet food is a conflict of interest. He has a lot of other "holistic" opinions, too. I got all this from Googling him. I never heard of him before. I can't believe it.

The book is entitled, "The Healing Touch for Cats." It's not new, but even so it's a second edition. The original came out over 20 years ago (I think, I'm writing this at work on my phone, and the book is at home).

I haven't gotten into the chapter that tells you what to do as far as strokes and where. I read the background info on how he got into this, the benifits to the cats, and a chapter on basic cat anatomy.

He also wrote books on massage for dogs and horses.

The book is about $11 from Amazon. Anyone want to get it and explore this along with me?

Robin

Oh, and I've been getting a massage every 2 weeks for many years now. It helps keep me sane and pain free. So I know the benifits.

I'm thinking, particularly of helping my elderly arthritic foster, Halo, and my touch phobic nut case, Ariel.

Robin

No, I have never heard of this author. I will have to check it out too. I have been a massage therapist sense 1992, & have always been interested in massage for animals.  In fact I was just massaging down Angel's spine yesterday & he didn't seen to mind. (was just using my thumb & fingers on each side of the spine, in sort of a back & forth motion as i worked my way down).  I'm surprised he let me!