Gentle Touch for Arthritic Cats
I strongly advocate for a multimodal approach to optimally manage osteoarthritis (OA) in your cat. First and foremost, no animal should suffer in pain! If you suspect that your cat is experiencing discomfort or pain, please consult with your vet. Your veterinarian will prescribe medications tailored to your cat's specific health conditions.
In addition to medication, complementary therapies like acupuncture and laser therapy can be highly beneficial.
Simply spending quality time with your cat by being present and mindful is a gift for both of you. Here is a simple guide to help you spend mindful, quality time with your arthritic cat:
Find a comfortable spot and sit down with your cat. Start by bringing your attention to your breath, letting go of any external distractions or inner thoughts and expectations. Next, focus on your third eye, located in the center of your forehead. Slowly guide your awareness from your third eye to the back of your head, then down your neck to your heart. Imagine a gentle, radiant, warm light energy flowing from your heart to your cat, through your arms and hands as you softly pet her. Let this energy connection deepen as you stay present and calm.
Let your observations and intuition guide you as you touch your cat. Notice which areas she enjoys being touched and which ones she avoids. Does she prefer the palm or the back of your hand? Is a lighter or firmer touch more comfortable for her? Pay attention and adjust based on how she responds.
If you want to further support your cat in a mindful and gentle way, consider learning the basics of Tellington Touch, Jin Shin Jyutsu, or acupressure. These gentle modalities can help soothe the nervous system, which can be on high alert due to chronic pain. Your cat will appreciate the comfort and relaxation these techniques provide. Jin Shin Jyutsu and acupressure also help balance the body's life force energy, promoting overall well-being.
You can find various courses, books, and resources on these therapies here:
Tellington Touch
The book “Getting in TTouch with Your Cat” is out of print. But you should still be able to find it used.
Jin Shin Jyutsu
https://www.jsjforyouranimal.com/
The book “Jin Shin Jyutsu for Your Animal Companion” explains the basics of Jin Shin Jyutsu and offers step-by-step directions on how to practice this art with your furry companion.
https://www.jsjforyouranimal.com/product/Jin-Shin-Jyutsu%C2%A9-for-Your-Animal-Companions
Acupressure
The book “Acu-Cat: A Guide to Feline Acupressure” explains the basic concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and offers protocols for conducting a complete acupressure session with your cat.
Feline acupressure training book | Cat acupressure training guide
If you would like some hands-on guidance, I’d be happy to come to your home and share some basic techniques that you can easily incorporate when you spend quality time with your beloved cat.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like more information.