If your cat is old or sick, a massage can help them fall asleep, too.

If you think your cat needs a deeper massage, you can take them to a vet to get it done professionally. As you move throughout the massage, you can use one or both of your hands.

There’s no set amount for how often you should massage your cat, so you can tailor it to their needs. In general, try not to give them a massage more than once or twice per day.

Never massage your cat if they’re in a lot of pain, if they have open wounds, or if they have blood clot problems. You should also never perform a massage directly on top of tumors or infected skin. [5] X Research source

Giving your cat a massage can be a relaxing activity for you, so you can use it to help you destress after a tough day. If you aren’t in a good mood, your cat may not want to be petted by you at all, anyway.

Make sure there aren’t a ton of loud noises (from kids, other pets, or TVs) so your cat can stay calm and relaxed. You should also keep the temperature neutral—not too hot and not too cold.

Try to wait about 2 hours after your cat eats before you start a massage. That way, they can digest their food first.

If your cat isn’t approaching you or doesn’t want to be touched, they probably aren’t in the mood for a massage right now.

You know what your cat likes best, so stick to what you know!

You can figure out where your cat likes to be touched by listening when they start to purr. It’s super important to start slow—going too fast can overwhelm your cat and make them anxious. Try to stay away from the head and face unless your cat really likes that. Cats can interpret that sort of touch as a threat, and it can stress them out. Cats typically prefer to be touched from the neck up. [12] X Expert Source Molly DeVossCertified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant Expert Interview. 15 July 2021.

You can use just one hand or both hands.

If your cat backs up or starts to scratch you, stop the massage. It’s probably nothing personal, and you can try it again in a few hours or a few days. Some cats may raise their hind end when they’re enjoying a massage, especially if you’re petting them along the spine from their head to the base of their tail. [15] X Expert Source Molly DeVossCertified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant Expert Interview. 15 July 2021.

Pay attention to how your cat reacts to having their head massaged. Some cats perceive this as a threat, so back off if they look uncomfortable or anxious. You might want to come back to the head after you’ve massaged your cat more, since they might need to be more relaxed in order to fully appreciate having their head massaged.

The neck is another sensitive area, and your cat may not like it. Pay attention to their body language and how they act during this part of the massage.

Cats rarely get touched on their faces, so getting massaged here can feel really good.

Try to repeat each motion at least 6 times to really relax your cat.

Your cat’s shoulders can get really tense after running around all day. A nice massage can free up that pressure and make them feel great.

Remember to pay attention to body language and purring.

Some cats really don’t like to have their bellies touched, so do this carefully at first. [24] X Expert Source Molly DeVossCertified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant Expert Interview. 15 July 2021. If your cat starts to hit you with their paws or stops purring, move onto a different spot. You can also mix it up, massaging your cat’s belly with one hand while massaging his head or back with the other.

If your cat is relaxed enough, you can use your fingertips to gently massage the chest, too, working from the outside in.

You can even massage your cat’s head with one hand and the tail with the other. If your cat starts wildly moving their tail, then they’re probably getting excited and maybe even angry, which is the opposite of what you want.

This is also called “pawflexology. ” When you’re finished with the massage, you and your cat can cuddle together, have a nap, or enjoy some catnip. Massaging your cat’s feet and toes while they’re a young kitten makes the nail cutting process easier as they get older. [28] X Expert Source Molly DeVossCertified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant Expert Interview. 15 July 2021.

If the fur is matted or greasy, this could indicate health problems such as diabetes, bladder infections or other issues. If it seems unclean in only a few spots, this might indicate that your cat has trouble reaching certain areas of his body, perhaps because of arthritis. If the fur is over-groomed and the fur is actually missing or sparse in some areas, this could indicate a dermatological issue, such as a skin irritation or allergy.

If you do notice anything strange, take your cat to a vet to have them checked out.

Heated spots on the body might also indicate arthritis.

If you think you’ve found a tumor, take your cat to the vet right away.

Take your cat to the vet regularly to check in on their health.