Today we will talk about the healthy hug. The Healthy hug is actually a message that soothes the cat and releases stress from the cat. It also enhances the cat owner relationship. Make sure you and the cat are in a comfortable place and make sure the cat has a bowl of water near by. Do not do the massage if the cat is injured or has an open wound or bruises, the message will not have the same affect. Here are some instructions:
Effleurage is a gentle, long stroke, which helps to warm the tissue. The amount of pressure applied to the animal is about 5 grams to a pound. This is a very, very light touch. One hand is on the pet at all time, while the other hand slowly slides down over the face, head, body, tail and outside of the legs. Make sure to go in the direction of the hair growth.Next, gently stroke up the inside of the legs, against the hair growth. With hand over hand efflurage, one hand starts a stroke as the other hand ends a stroke. This leaves one hand connected to the animal at all times. Centripetal efflurage is a circle motion toward the heart. Be careful not to pull the hair. Do not touch areas of infection, open wounds or lumps.
Passive Touch
When passive touch is applied, it is done with no pressure at all. Your hand is held on a muscle group only. A hand is held on the head, shoulder, along the side or the thigh and hip. This is done for a few moments. It will produce calmness, and help to relieve some pain. Your pet will be comforted by this weightless touch. Passive touch can be done anytime. Again, areas of infection, bony areas, open wounds and lumps are not touched.
The benefits from massage are many:
Increased flexibility
A general sense of wellness
Reduction of pain
Increased circulation
Calmness
(Message instructions and benefit list from http://www.petplace.com/cats/how-to-give-your-cat-a-massage/page1.aspx
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