How to massage my cat?

[John Murdock]

I enjoy giving my cat a massage, what is the best way to massage a cat and where. I hear that cats don't like to get touched on the stomach but she does not mind.
I rub the spots I know she can't reach herself so I know she wants to get massaged in those areas and usually she will drool purr and fall asleep.

 

[rdeleon81]

Some cats don't like bellyrubs, but mine does! I love giving her kitty massages, and she loves it too! I don't follow any specific method. I just start by petting her as normal- this is to calm and relax her. I usually wait for her to purr, then I begin kitty massage. Then I rub her cheeks gently, then move to behind her ears. Just remember, during all of this, you want to use a very gentle touch. Okay, after the ears, I move to the neck, making small circles, and work my way down her body. Then I do her legs the same way, and don't forget the paws! And the front legs also. If your cat rolls over, it might be an invitation to give him a bellyrub. When I rub my cat's belly, I rub her chest also. More often than not, I put her into a relaxed sleep when I offer kitty massage. Good luck!

 

[Miss.Lucy]

my silly cats love to get there belly rubbed.

 

[latexlove]

My cat loves it when I scratch under his neck and along his spine.

 

[Kristen]

I had a cat too, it somewhat love bellyrubs, but what he adored was when i rubbed under his cheek bones and use my nails ( not hard) and slowly storke down his back. i would use my two hands and rub underneath his cheeks and use my thumbs to rub his ears. ( he loved it) But i sadly had to give him away :[

 

[kellamnity]

They have massage spots just like people. I vaguely recall a book from my childhood- "How To Live With A Neurotic Cat" and a sequel "How To Live With A Neurotic Cat Owner"- both good books. I think I recall this information coming from it but it could have been from anything. There were recommendations for cat massage such as head massage stimulates cerebral activity and blood flow to the brain, ditto for shoulder massage and foot massage respectively. Above the tail on the hind hips it a sensory region but I think it's sexual so steer clear! (that's info from my bf who has recently fallen in love with my cats since we now live together and they like him-google, I expect). Another very sensitive spot is the bridge of the nose/muzzle area. My kitties LOVE it, I rub that short little stubbly fur back and forth and they are in Nirvana!

 

[michele_cat_cyprus]

Whilst many cats dislike having their belly rubbed, those with an especially trusting nature do seem to really enjoy it. Giving your cat a massage is a great idea. Not only is it enjoyable for both of you, but it's a great way of being able to spot any physical changes which might need veterinary treatment. As they grow elderly, it can also help relax aching joints or muscles too.

This article has lots of helpful advice on how to massage a cat.

http://www.messybeast.com/catmassage.htm