How to massage the hind legs of cats
Massage is just as beneficial for animals as it is for humans. This type of physical therapy can relieve pain and inflammation, accelerate the absorption of hematomas, improve muscle tone, and improve joint mobility. There are calming and relaxing massages and therapeutic and preventative massages. Cat owners use the former unconsciously—it involves lightly stroking and scratching their pet's back, belly, and head.
Therapeutic massage is prescribed by a veterinarian. The technique used depends on the reason for the procedure. Veterinarians most often prescribe back or paw massages for cats. It's recommended that the veterinarian perform the first session, and then, once the necessary techniques are mastered, the pet owner can perform the procedure themselves.
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Indications for massage
For cats, hind paw massage as a therapeutic procedure is included in comprehensive disease treatment programs and is also prescribed as a rehabilitation method.
This physical procedure is indicated:
- after closed injuries (bruises, dislocations of the knee or hip joint);
- muscle pain;
- paresis and paralysis;
- muscle rigidity (overstrain, increased tone);
- neuritis (inflammatory diseases of the peripheral nerves, accompanied by pain syndrome and impaired tactile sensitivity);
- edema;
- arthritis (inflammation of the synovial membrane of the joint);
- arthrosis (a joint disease that causes its gradual destruction);
- osteodystrophy (dystrophic changes in the structure of joint tissues, during which bone tissue is replaced by fibrous tissue);
- as a means of recovery after surgery.
Important to know: Some cat breeds are particularly prone to musculoskeletal disorders or are more prone to paw injuries than others. This is due to genetic and anatomical differences between the breeds. According to the Animal Orthopedic Foundation, Chartreux, Cymric, and Maine Coon cats often suffer from hindlimb weakness, with the incidence rate reaching 18-24%. Scottish Fold and Devon Rex cats are more likely to suffer from hereditary osteoarthritis than other breeds.
Contraindications
Certain illnesses and conditions prevent massage for cats. This procedure is prohibited in the following cases:
- damage to the skin of the hind legs;
- skin diseases (dermatitis, ringworm, eczema, scabies) localized on the hind limbs;
- any diseases accompanied by high temperature;
- internal bleeding.
Massage techniques
When massaging a cat's hind limbs, all five basic techniques are used:
- Stroking. Performed in the direction of hair growth, hands glide rhythmically over the skin without applying pressure. This technique provides a superficial effect, is relaxing, and helps remove dead skin cells and sebum.
- Trituration. The fingers move in the same way as when stroking, but instead of sliding over the skin, they push it forward, creating a deeper impact. This technique improves circulation and increases muscle and vascular turgor.
- Stretching. This technique takes up most of the massage time, engaging the subcutaneous layers and muscles. It's performed with the fingertips and the palm of the hand: the fingers grasp, lift, and move the skin-muscle fold, then press it against the bones of the joint with the edge of the palm.
- Vibration. This massage technique affects deep-lying muscle tissue, blood vessels, nerve endings, and internal organs. It is performed using the fingertips of one or both hands: without lifting the fingers from the skin's surface, they perform rhythmic oscillating movements.
- Beating. It stimulates blood flow, causes muscle contractions, and has a positive effect on the nervous system. The technique is performed as follows: using bent fingers or the edge of the palm, quickly but gently tap the surface of the hind leg, avoiding the joints.
Methodology of implementation
When massaging the hind legs of cats, it is recommended to combine massage techniques with periodic flexion and extension of the joints.
Helpful tip! During the massage, your cat should be calm and relaxed. However, many cats dislike having their thighs or paw pads touched—these are particularly sensitive areas. Therefore, for the first few days, limit yourself to stroking and lightly rubbing the hindquarters, avoiding any obvious signs of discomfort.
The procedure for performing the massage is as follows:
- Perform a series of strokes, starting from the animal's back and ending with the hind legs.
- Take the cat's hind paw in your hand and lightly massage the paw pad and each toe of the hind limb using vibrating movements.
- Knead the muscles and tendons located around the wrist joint, bend and straighten the joint several times.
- Then, using circular rubbing movements, move towards the base of the paw, reaching the hock joint.
- From the hock to the knee joint, alternate the “kneading” and “stroking” techniques; this is the main part of the massage in terms of time.
- Gently bend and straighten your knee joint several times, while simultaneously stretching its muscles.
- Massage your thigh using circular motions, alternating stroking and kneading.
- On the soft tissues of the thigh, you can perform tapping movements using bent fingers.
- Finish the paw massage with slow, deep strokes.
- Massage the other paw in the same way.
- Pet your cat and praise him.
If you perform the massage correctly, your pet will not only benefit from it but also enjoy it. When touched by your owner's hands, the cat will purr, close its eyes, and snuggle into your hands.
You can also ask our website's staff veterinarian a question, who will answer them as quickly as possible in the comments box below.
Cat massage technique on video:
Read also:
- Massage for cats and kittens during constipation
- How and why to massage your cat's bladder
- My cat has trouble walking on its hind legs: what should I do?
34 comments
Evgeniya
Hello! Our cat has been diagnosed with thromboembolism, and his hind legs are failing. We are currently undergoing medication treatment. Can this be combined with massage? Have cats ever recovered? Thank you!
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello!
The prognosis for thromboembolism ranges from guarded to poor. It depends greatly on the size of the clot, when treatment begins, and the animal's resources.
Massage is controversial. It's useful in rehabilitation, but it can also dislodge a clot, which can then lodge in another vessel, causing even more serious damage. Discuss this with your veterinarian.
Wishing the cat a speedy recovery.
Michael
Hello, doctor, we went for an x-ray. My cat is 3 months old. She can barely walk, she plays, and everything is fine. She eats, but her back legs are weak. They immediately suggested euthanasia without an examination. We refused, saying she will break her joints, her bones are weak, and her spine is curved.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! What's the precise diagnosis? Surely they couldn't have just said "crooked spine and weak bones." There needs to be a specific nosological entity—a precise name for the disease. At least the differential diagnoses were provided.
Veronica
Hello. We live in a private house, and our cat is 1.8 years old, and we let her out for walks. Three weeks ago, we found her near the porch, dragging her hind legs. We then noticed a wound on her hind leg and worms in the groin area. After a visit to the vet, he diagnosed sepsis. He took an X-ray (no fractures), shaved the area, and treated the wound. We subsequently took her home with a discharge. She completed a 10-day course of antibiotics, ate expensive food and even baby food, and there was a visible improvement: her appetite was getting better and better (even too much at times), and she felt generally well and energetic. But her paws still weren't moving. After a couple of days, she began to "tremble" and even started to reach for them, but she still has difficulty going to the toilet. I give her a light massage daily. Is there any prognosis for improvement?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! How can you predict a recovery without seeing a single image or test result? Ideally, you should have done a CT scan, not an X-ray. The X-ray confirmed the integrity of the bones. A CT scan is necessary to assess the condition of the spinal cord. Are there any injuries, herniated discs, damaged intervertebral discs, or impingement? A consultation with a neurologist is necessary. It's possible the cat was either hit by a car or dragged by a dog (I don't want to believe that people injure you like that, but it's not uncommon).
Nile
Hello, please help, my cat was poisoned and is paralyzed, her paws won't move. We don't have any veterinarians in our city, please help.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Without toxin data, it's impossible to prescribe detoxification therapy! Fluid therapy is necessary, and an antidote may also be prescribed! No massage will help if the animal is poisoned!
Anna
Hello, Maine Coon
Four months ago, he started limping on his front paw, and at first he couldn't even stand up. Afterwards, he seemed to be getting better, but the limp remained.
We bought good food.
2 days ago I had to buy a Viskaz. After 2 days he started limping on the building, he walks poorly, when he sits he moves one back paw.
What's this? Viskaz food was removed from the diet today.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! You've purchased an expensive breed, but the food... Your kitten is growing rapidly, including its musculoskeletal system, and it needs a well-balanced diet (there are super-premium and holistic foods specifically designed for these beauties). My advice: take your pet to the clinic for an x-ray and an in-person examination. Otherwise, you'll end up with crooked legs and permanent lameness. Neurological problems should also be ruled out, but these can only be determined during an in-person examination.
Egor
Hello, my cat can bend and straighten her joints, but she can't do anything. She can only crawl. All her functions seem normal, including urination and feces. She can feel her legs more or less, but exercises with her legs don't help. The vet said she can lean on them. I'll try the exercises above now, but can you give me any advice?
Irina
Hello, Doctor. My 12-year-old British Shorthair, Kasha, has started limping on her front and back legs. X-rays showed changes in her joints, and she has soft, fluid-filled lumps in her hocks. In our country, we don't offer treatment for these types of dogs. I'm using the massage technique in your video, and I have a question: how often can I do it and what else can I do to help her? Thank you for your reply.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! In the capital, there's always a clinic with experienced and competent specialists (such specialists are extremely rare in the regions). When you did the X-ray, did they suspect anything was wrong with your joints? Did they do a puncture of the joint capsule? If you have purulent inflammation, you shouldn't use heat or massage, otherwise you'll risk a breakthrough. Are there any changes in the articular surfaces of your bones? Are you seeing a doctor? They could prescribe a special diet (based on the availability in your region) and pain medication (dose and course).
Tatiana
Please tell me what can be done in our case. My cat is two years old. Six months ago, he injured his back leg. It went away, but two days ago, I noticed he started limping on his back leg. Today, I noticed his hindquarters are falling over and he's swaying when he walks. His pupils are dilated, but he ate normally this morning, slept all day, and was eager to go outside. What should we do in this situation? What could be the cause? Please advise. I feel very sorry for the cat; he's a family member, after all.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! What exactly was the injury and what caused it? Was there a spinal injury? Has the cat recently fallen (even from a small height)? Could someone have accidentally pinched it in a door? Is the cat roaming freely? If you have Euro-size windows, did you leave the windows half-open (cats sometimes crawl out through these gaps and injure their spine), especially if you live on the ground floor or in your own home? What does the collapse look like: is the cat swaying sideways, limping, or something else? Is there vomiting? Do the pupils react to light (change) or are they constantly dilated?
Lina
Hello. My 9-year-old Sphynx cat jumped off the couch and suddenly pulled both legs. We went to the clinic, and a blood chemistry test showed liver disease. He's been taking Heptral and cocarboxylase plus a vitamin cocktail for 6 days now. There's been no progress so far. He stretches his paws from toes to heel. I'm giving him a light massage. He only drinks water, and I'm forcing Hepatic on him. But I can't find a connection between the liver disease and the sudden, sudden failure of both limbs. His appetite was excellent that day, and his mobility was excellent. The doctor is wary of making a prognosis. Can you explain the connection? Or are these two conditions? Then does that mean we're treating the liver?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! You need an X-ray! Check your spine. Rule out injuries, strains, and bruises there too. There's no way a liver problem could have caused partial paralysis (paresis). Most likely, the unsuccessful jump affected your condition. Seek an X-ray and a neurologist or traumatologist. It's possible you have a pinched nerve or a herniated disc. There are countless options.
Kate
Good afternoon! A couple of days ago, we found a Bengal cat on the street, an unneutered cat. He's about a year old. According to eyewitnesses, he lived on the street for about a month. He's emaciated, has a runny nose, and his hind legs seem weak (his thigh muscles are very prominent, and he doesn't like jumping, although he's quite good at it). Could you please tell me the best way to strengthen his legs?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Start by taking your pet to the vet and choosing treatment if necessary, as living outdoors carries a huge risk of infection and parasites. Deworm, change the diet and balance protein, calcium, and phosphorus, and add vitamin supplements (a course of vitamin injections is also an option). Massage the paws to get the blood flowing and warm up the muscles. Don't expect miracles right away. Once the body "realizes" it's not starving, the pet will start running more vigorously. And again, after a vet visit, it will be clear whether the previous owners abandoned the pet due to any paw abnormalities. Perhaps some pathology was the reason the owners were discarding it. But the breed isn't cheap, so they won't just throw it away. Perhaps they're looking for it.
Dona
Hello! Please tell me if my concerns are justified. I bought a female kitten, 3 months old, bred-
British Shorthair.
My kitten's back legs are splayed out, and she keeps falling over and shaking her head sometimes. But she's very active and eats well. She wants to run, but she can't. Is this treatable? And could it be rickets?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Your concerns are justified. A three-month-old kitten should be able to run normally. A one- to two-month-old kitten might still have some awkward movements. But a three-month-old should be able to stand firmly on its paws. Do its paws slide around everywhere? Or do they slide around on a slippery or bare floor (which could harm the kitten and lead to damage to the hip ligaments)? It's important to rule out problems with the hip joints and ligaments. And we should also figure out what's wrong with its head and why it's shaking. What are you feeding it? Is its diet unbalanced if you suspect rickets? How are its front paws? Are they crooked? Is the rib cage normal? Are the ribs free of rosary-like lumps? Are the last caudal vertebrae firm or soft?
Dona
Good evening, thank you so much for your reply. Her chest and front legs are fine, and she eats on time. When she's on all fours, she loses her balance and falls over. Sometimes she can walk 3-4 steps well, and then it's back to normal. It seems she has a pelvic problem. The vets can't give a definitive diagnosis.
How can I send you a photo of the kitten?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello again! Regarding the photo, I'm not a fortune teller, I don't restore health based on photos, and I don't make diagnoses. You need to get a pelvic x-ray to check for any abnormalities. Get a blood test done for biochemistry. Also, review the diet; it might not be balanced in vitamins, micronutrients, and macronutrients, which is why the ligaments aren't strengthening. Muscle condition also needs to be assessed. Perhaps the paws are weak (try massage, improve feeding, and gradually increase exercise). But a comprehensive approach is essential.
Evgeniya
Hello! Could you please tell me if my concerns are justified? I bought a 3-month-old female Maine Coon kitten. She was very thin, and during the first few days she attacked her food. She had diarrhea during transport; the food I was given was clearly spoiled, with an old, rancid smell. At home, I gave her Vetom, Royal Canin, cottage cheese, and a little meat. Within a week, her weight had decreased, her coat was shiny, she was active and playful, running around the rooms, but... I don't like her rear view. Her pelvis looks narrow, her hind legs are crisscrossed (not visible when she runs), and the acetabulum is clearly visible. Could this be dysplasia or rickets? We don't do X-rays here; our veterinary service is underdeveloped.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Let's start by eliminating natural food if you don't want problems in the future (urolithiasis most often develops from mixing commercial feed and natural foods). Regarding rickets, look at the legs themselves (are they crooked) and the chest, and feel the ribs (for any pea-like markings, the so-called "rosary beads"). Dysplasia can be suspected around six months, and, unfortunately, it can only be confirmed with an x-ray. Gait may be an individual issue (the way they run). Watch how they jump and lie down. Look for any discomfort or unusual limb positioning; they may be taking care of themselves. Add vitamins D and B (D in an oil solution is essential).
Evgeniya
Thanks for the advice. She doesn't have beads, her legs don't look crooked, but she's skinny and her belly is sagging. She jumps onto the top shelf of the playset by herself. What dose of vitamin D should she take, and for how long?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello again! One drop per day is sufficient (too much is also harmful, as the dosage in human vitamins is high). For your own peace of mind, you can have your blood tested for a biochemical analysis (calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D3 levels). Based on the biochemical results, it will be clear whether additional supplementation is necessary. And if so, what, how much, and what course of action. You can start by feeding it for a month (every morning with food). It's best if the food is commercially produced (although they are usually balanced for vitamins and micronutrients). What are you feeding now?
Irina
British shorthair cat. 1.8 months old. Diagnosed with cardiogenic pulmonary edema and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The diagnosis was based on x-rays and external signs. Autonasia was suggested. We went to another vet. We are undergoing treatment. They prescribed Sota Hexane, 1/8 of a tablet twice a day. We have been on treatment for six days. There was an improvement. But today he had a heart attack. His hind limbs were temporarily paralyzed. By the evening, it was better. He got up and ate. What else can you recommend? We are waiting for recommendations. Maybe we should massage his legs? Will it hurt?
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! This is a lifelong condition. Treatment is symptomatic, which means it helps alleviate symptoms but doesn't completely cure the disease. Six days isn't a long time; visible improvements may only occur after 2-3 weeks (cumulative effect). It's important to determine what's triggering the attacks. I can't advise you to euthanize or treat your cat. That's entirely your decision. It all depends on the severity of the disease and how your cat tolerates the therapy. Your cat is generally young, and with an appropriate treatment plan and strict adherence to your veterinarian's recommendations, your cat can live a nearly full life (without heavy physical exertion or severe stress, of course, and if the cardiomyopathy isn't too advanced).
Catherine
Hello! I bought a kitten and its back legs are spreading out like a frog's. It's a month old, what should I do?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Most likely, weak ligaments and muscles. You need to review your kitten's diet, add vitamins and minerals (if on a natural diet), and put rugs or blankets on the floors, as slippery floors will cause their paws to slip constantly. This constant strain will lead to permanent slippage, or even rupture of the ligaments (as a kitten, they are elastic). Let the kitten get stronger. If possible, take it to a veterinarian specializing in orthopedics. They might do an x-ray to determine the problem more clearly.
Svetlana
Hello. Our cat was hit by a car and was dragging her hind legs. There was blood coming from her mouth and genitals. We took her to the vet, they did an X-ray, and all the bones are intact. Today is the third day, and our cat has been under specialist observation. Her fever has gone down, and the bleeding has stopped. However, her hindquarters are still immobile… She can barely move her back legs… She's barely eating. Today at the clinic they suggested euthanizing her so as not to further torment her… We don't agree with that… Maybe you can recommend something? Injections, massages… Thank you.
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! The bones may be intact, but what about the nerves? Are they pinched? Are they damaged? How is the sensation in the limbs? Has it disappeared or is it still there? Was there internal bleeding? What's the condition of the internal organs? Are there any bruises or ruptured capsules? Did they do an ultrasound? And the X-rays should have assessed the animal's condition, not just the bones. Without a clear picture, it's impossible to say whether there's a chance of restoring limb mobility. And even if the bleeding from natural orifices has been stopped, the animal needs to be monitored for any deterioration.
Svetlana
Thanks for the reply!!!! I wasn't expecting anyone to respond... We'll go get an ultrasound today, and I'll pick up the images from the clinic and give them to you. Yes, I still have sensation in my extremities.
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