Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

What Is Cat Massage Therapy? Our Vet Explains the Indication, Types, & FAQ

tabby cat getting a massage

If you’ve ever received a therapeutic massage, you know how effective it can be against severe muscle aches, muscle pain, tension, and tightness. Massage therapy also reduces muscle spasms, helps aid the rehabilitation process, and helps you regain flexibility and strength. It is natural to wonder if massages can offer pets the same benefits.

Cats, not surprisingly, rely on the flexibility and suppleness of their muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints as much, or more, than humans. If your cat has been injured, sick, or is getting on in years, cat massage therapy can go far toward helping cats recover or give them a better quality of life. If your feline friend is suffering and you’d like to know more about the benefits of cat massage therapy, what it does, and how it works, read on.

 

divider cat faces oct 2024

How Does It Work?

Cat massage therapy is quite similar to massage therapy for humans and uses many of the same techniques. That includes manipulation (i.e., movement) of the soft tissue of your cat’s body, which consists of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Cat massage therapy, like its human counterpart, also involves the application of pressure to the soft tissue in various ways. These movements and pressure are referred to as “strokes,” and a massage therapist will use a wide variety of strokes on your cat during a therapy session. Each stroke is meant to provide a different result and is used to help improve a different muscular problem. Massage therapy works in several ways.

Reducing Muscle Soreness

When massaged, muscle is mechanically stretched. This action reduces the muscle’s tone, and increases its flexibility. Over time, this leads to a reduction in muscle soreness and an increase in the relative strength of the connective tissues that surround the muscle. Likewise, massage can soften and mobilize scar tissue, helping maintain mobility between tissues and restore muscle function after episodes of injury or surgery.

Improves Lymph Flow

Massaging any part of the body increases interstitial pressure (the pressure in between body tissues), which in turn increases venous and lymphatic flow. In addition, as the hands move, squeeze, and stretch the tissues, pressure differences are created between one tissue and another. Higher pressure pushes old fluid and irritating metabolites into the circulation. In turn, areas of low pressure draw in new fluid. This flushing effect may be responsible for decreasing inflammation, pain, and muscle fatigue.

Reduces Stress

In humans, massage induces reflexes that decrease blood pressure, slow breathing, and improve digestion. Human patients that receive massage also consistently report feeling less pain and request less medical intervention 1.

Dogs and cats lick and rub themselves and their young in response to injury, possibly as a means to expedite healing and to manage stress. Therefore, it’s possible that similar benefits are afforded to them through massage as well.

Cat Massage
Image By: Gumpanat, Shutterstock

divider cat faces oct 2024

The 5 Types of Cat Massage Therapy

Please Note

There aren’t many types of cat massage therapy, per se, but there are a wide variety of massage techniques. Most cat massage therapists use several or all these techniques when massaging your cat. The movements they use are called massage strokes or simply strokes. Below, we’ll explain the most commonly used strokes your cat massage therapist will use when treating your cat.

1. Simple Stroke

One of the techniques is simple stroking, which is more or less petting your cat from head to tail and toes while applying low to medium pressure. There are two main benefits of this technique:

  • It allows the therapist to perform a preliminary assessment of your cat’s body tissues.
  • This technique may possibly help reduce anxiety and encourage relaxation in your pet
A British shorthair cat enjoying a massage
Image By: TigerMysterio, Shutterstock

2. Effleurage Stroke

Another cat massage therapy stroke is called effleurage. When performing effleurage, a cat massage therapist molds their hand to a limb, stroking from the far ends of your cat’s limbs towards the parts of the limbs that are closer to their trunk. While performing this stroke, a therapist’s hands maintain contact and pressure throughout the strokes.

This stroke serves three main functions:

  • It decreases swelling, thereby help with pain
  • It reduces muscle tone while improving its flexibility.
  • It improves mobility between tissues.

3. Compression, Kneading, and Wringing

This is one of the more complex motions a massage therapist does for larger muscles on your cat’s body. In this process, the large muscles are compressed and released in a rhythmical manner. The right and left hands, or the back of the fists alternate with each other and in opposite directions; one moves clockwise, the other counterclockwise, with medium or deep pressure.

Compression, kneading, and wringing serve several purposes:

  • These actions have a “flushing” effect; they remove by-products of inflammation.
  • Compression, kneading, and wringing increases mobility, extensibility, and strength of tissues.
  • This action also helps decrease muscle tension and pain.
  • These strokes aid in venous and lymphatic drainage, return, and flow.

4. Friction

Friction refers to the thumbs or fingers making small rotation-like movements with increasing pressure to the depth of the tissue being treated. The pressure is determined by the therapist.

Friction is used for the following:

  • It breaks down adhesions between tissues.
  • It stimulates local circulation, this can be beneficial for areas with limited blood flow, such as joint capsules.
  • It helps restores mobility to tissues being treated.

5. Percussion

Percussion is also sometimes referred to as hacking or clapping. For this stroke, your cat’s massage therapist’s hands are cupped with wrists held loosely. The cupped side of their hand strikes an area of your cat’s body rapidly and briskly (but not forcefully), alternating between hands. Another version of this stroke is done with the hands held vertically, and the pinky fingers striking the tissues lightly and rapidly, with movement coming from the wrists.

Percussion is thought to be useful for the following purposes:

  • It stimulates local circulation.
  • It stimulates muscle and tendon reflexes and enhances muscle tone.
  • In some instances, it may help loosen airway secretions.
Massage the body of the tabby cat with the edges of the palms of your hands
Image Credit: Ekaterina Kuzovkova, Shutterstock

divider cat faces oct 2024

The 4 Situations Where Cat Massage Therapy is Used

Cat massage therapy (aka feline therapeutic massage) is used for a wide variety of problems that your cat might be suffering. Most cat massage therapy is performed at a veterinarian’s office by a trained and licensed therapist. However, you can sometimes find therapists who work independently and have their own offices.

Some will even make house calls for cats that aren’t fond of traveling. Below are several reasons you would want to talk to your veterinarian about using massage therapy for your pet. In most of these circumstances, it’s possible that the recommendation will come from your veterinarian.

1. Accidents and Injuries

If your cat has been injured or has gotten into an accident and has swellings somewhere along their body, your veterinarian may prescribe massage therapy to help reduce the swelling to promote healing and bring comfort for your pet.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content for PangoVet2 save money


2. Old Age

Like humans, when cats get older, their bones, joints, muscles, and other body parts become stiff and sore. When they do, your cat will have no choice but to slow down and take it easy, which can cause even more tension and stiffness. When an older cat receives cat massage therapy, they will be more relaxed, have less pain, and have more freedom of movement.


3. Chronic Pains

Many forms of chronic pains can lead to decreased mobility, pain, and may also leave your cat stressed out and anxious. Osteoarthritis is common in some pet cats, and your veterinarian may prescribe massage therapy to help your cat cope with their chronic conditions in a better way.

Female vet stroking cat holding x-ray
Image Credit: Motortion Films, Shutterstock

4. Critical Care Patients

Many pets that are hospitalized under intensive care (such as in the ICU) benefit from massage therapy at times. It goes without saying that in such a circumstance the massage would be performed by the veterinarian or clinic staff and would be used for hopefully expediting the healing process for your cat.

divider cat faces oct 2024

FAQ

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about cat massage therapy.

Is petting a good substitute for cat massage therapy?

While petting your cat is essential to their health and your relationship with your cat, it’s not a substitute for massage therapy provided by a trained therapist.

Do all cats benefit from cat massage therapy?

Most cats will benefit greatly from massage therapy, but some find it highly annoying and fuss the entire time. This fussing can defeat the purpose and cause more harm than good.

A British shorthair cat enjoying a massage
Image Credit: TigerMysterio, Shutterstock

Should I use essential oils while massaging my cat?

Never use any essential oils or other paraphernalia that is typically associated with human massages on your cat. Many essential oils are highly toxic to cats, even when applied topically.

If my cat is perfectly healthy, will massage therapy be of any benefit?

Yes! Even a healthy cat will feel more relaxed, less stressed, and have improved blood and lymph flow after a massage, which is beneficial to their health.

Is cat massage therapy harmful in any way?

As long as it’s done by a trained professional, cat massage therapy is safe and will not harm your cat. Most cats love it!

a woman's hand petting a cat
Image Credit: Yerlin Matu, Unsplash

How much does it cost to get a massage for my cat?

While prices vary depending on where you stay, the typical 30-minute cat massage session costs between $25 and $60.

Is cat massage therapy covered by pet insurance?

Some pet insurance plans cover cat massage therapy if it’s given to help them recover from an illness or injury.

My cat is a purebred show animal, will cat massage therapy benefit them?

Massage therapy can help your cat look great and relax during a competition or show.

Is cat massage therapy recommended for older cats?

Yes, very much so. A regular massage can help an older cat stay more active and have less pain due to arthritis.

Can kittens get massage therapy?

Massage is generally prescribed to kittens that are injured. That being said, a gentle massage done by a trained professional might be welcomed by your kitten.

divider cat faces oct 2024

Final Thoughts

Cat massage therapy is very similar to massage therapy for humans and, as with humans, is likely beneficial for your cat. Massage therapy helps your cat in a wide variety of ways. For example, massage therapy can help your cat deal with chronic conditions or offer improved mobility after an accident or injury.

Massage therapy can also be beneficial for older cats and give them a higher quality of life as they age. In most instances, your veterinarian will likely refer you to a cat massage therapist. A cat massage performed by a skilled therapist can make a huge difference in your cat’s life.


Featured Image Credit: Ekaterina Kuzovkova, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Cat Acupuncture: Our Vet Explains How it Works, Benefits & Risks

Acupuncture has long been recognized as originating in China approximately 3,000 years ago, but it may have been around even longer. In 1991,...

Veterinary holding acupuncture needle near cat's head in clinic

Acupuncture for Zazzles: Dr Karyn & Holistic Treatments for Cats

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and...

It doesn't get much more zen than this.

Veterinary TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine): Our Vet Explains How It Helps Cats

In the two centuries since Louis Pasteur and Joseph Lister revolutionized medical practice with vaccination, sterilization, aseptic surgical techniques, and other remarkable breakthroughs,...

tabby cat getting a massage

Does Massage Help Constipation in Cats? Vet-Verified Facts & Treatments

Constipation in cats is not that uncommon, but that doesn’t mean it should be treated lightly. Massage therapy is among the remedies that...

cat-massage

More related

vet doctor checking up the cat

Is Feline Heart Disease (Saddle Thrombus) Hereditary? Our Vet Explains

Heart disease in cats is worryingly common in cats, with more than 15% affected worldwide. That’s an alarming 8.8 million cats in the...

vet holding burma cat

Vestibular Disease vs. Stroke in Cats: What’s The Difference? Vet-Approved Insights

Strokes in cats are very rare. The symptoms that cat owners most often associate with a “stroke” in cats result from vestibular disease....

cat sleeping on owner's lap

Do Cats Like Head Massages? The Interesting Answer

Felines are intriguing animals that have myriad ways that they like to interact with us humans. While all cats are different, many pet...

bengal cat pressing its head against the chair during estrus

Head Pressing in Cats: What Is It and What to Do? (Vet Answer)

All cat lovers will be aware that our cats have many unique ways of communicating with us. Owners will be familiar with the...

Keep reading

Do Cats Need Wet Food? Vet-Reviewed Benefits, Facts & FAQ

Are you wondering whether wet food is necessary or just a luxurious treat for your feline companion? The truth is that wet food is not an absolute requirement for a cat’s health, but it does come with a few benefits...

cat eating canned tuna

Can Cats Eat Quinoa? Vet-Reviewed Facts to Know

Quinoa has become known as a superfood for humans. We can add it to just about anything to enhance the texture and nutrients within a meal. However, can our feline friends enjoy this food too? Yes, cats can safely eat...

Can Cats Eat Quinoa

Why Does My Cat Sit on My Shoulder? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons & What to Do

If you’re lucky enough to have a cat in your home that craves attention and likes being around you, count yourself fortunate. There are cats out there who aren’t big fans of cuddles or being held. Then again, you have...

cat on woman's shoulder by head bite hair

Can Cats Eat Mulberries? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQs

Mulberries are sweet fruits that range in color from red to deep purplish-black. For humans, the health benefits of mulberries are touted far and wide, but what about for cats? Good news: According to the ASPCA, mulberries are not toxic...

Can Cats Eat Mulberries

Does Health Monitoring Cat Litter Work? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Approximately 46.5 million households in the United States own a cat, and if you’re part of this statistic, chances are you’ve stumbled across an advert for health-monitoring cat litter. The product changes color in response to the presence of specific...

Domestic ginger cat looking at litter box

Why Does My Cat Bite Me Unprovoked? 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons for this Behavior

There’s no secret—cats try to get our attention, whether it’s good or bad. Because your little kitties have fangs, it won’t feel too good when they sink them into your flesh. If your cat is biting you for no real...

a red domestic cat bites its owner's hand

Newborn Kitten Care 101: Guide & Care Sheet for a Healthy Kitty

The thought of looking after an adorable newborn kitten can be appealing, but it’s incredibly hard work! Whether you find yourself helping your cat support her kittens or fostering a kitten that’s been abandoned, kittens require round-the-clock care to grow...

A small newborn kitten in the palm of a hand

Why Are Some Cats Lap Cats While Others Aren’t? Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Every cat has their own unique personality and preferences. This is why some end up being natural lap cats, others will learn to be lap cats, and still others will never be lap cats. More research on feline behavior has...

young man sitting on couch with his cat on his lap