We are always looking for ways to help cats have a better quality of life. There are so many easy things you can do at home, along with veterinary care and expurrt advice as needed. Here’s an incredibly easy thing you can try at home if you think your cat is feeling anxious or stressed. It’s called acupressure, which looks a lot like petting your cat in such a way that they enter Nirvana!
Note: This information is for educational purposes only. As always, consult your veterinary first if you suspect there could be an underlying health-related issue.
Simple Acupressure Techniques for Cats
Recently, Dr. Gary Richter, veterinarian and author, shared some simple tips for how to help cats feel less anxious. Anyone can do this, and frankly, we wish someone would do it to us right now! He shows a few very simple ways to apply acupressure with gentle motions. It’s all to help them relax, but it’s probably quite relaxing for you, too!
These techniques are somewhat like acupuncture, but don’t worry, there are no needles involved. It’s just precise motions, and it should always be very gentle. If your cat’s body language tells you they aren’t enjoying it, stop. And we wouldn’t suggest trying in on a cat that hasn’t bonded with you already.
“Acupressure is something you can do at home. Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, except you’re not using a needle. You’re just using your fingertips,” he explains.
Dr. Gary Richter with Chainsaw the cat via Instagram/petvetexpert
A Cat with a Purr Like a Chainsaw
There may not be needles here, but there is a Chainsaw. In the video, Richter works with a kitty with that name, which was inspired by the orange boy’s incredibly loud purring. What an ameowzing name!
“He purrs like [a chainsaw.] You can hear it across the room 😂,” Richter explained.
Richter tries two acupuncture techniques with Chainsaw. In the first method, he gently rubs in a tight circular motion right in the middle of the cat’s noggin using just one finger (see video). After 30 seconds, Chainsaw seems to be more relaxed.
Next, Richter shows how to do another simple technique, applying very gentle thumb pressure behind each ear. Using a circle motion, we see that Chainsaw has reached a state of pure bliss in under 30 seconds. We bet he got that chainsaw purring action going!
If your cat isn’t overly stressed, we could see how these simple techniques could help a cat as you’re waiting at a vet’s office. Unless that is, they are too scared to want any kind of touch, which can certainly happen! In that case, just being there and using a calm, soothing voice can help. See more suggestions here.
“How to help your furry friend find peace: Acupressure for Cats 🐱✨ Say goodbye to stress and anxiety with these gentle techniques!” Richter shared.
Video via Instagram/petvetexpert
Acupressure and Other Holistic Therapies
As well as being a holistic vet, Richter is the author of “Longevity for Cats: A Holistic, Individualized Approach to Helping Your Feline Friend Live Longer and Healthier.” The book explores how you can help increase both the “life span and health span” of your pet, from a kitten to the end of life.
He considers cats “fascinating, amazing creatures,” with unique needs. In recent years, there’s been a shift in veterinary medicine away from treating cats like small dogs. This shift has been informed by the “Fear Free” initiative for veterinary care to help cats have a better experience during office visits. Fear Free takes into consideration a pet’s physical and emotional well-being.
“We just approach cats very differently than we used to with a lot more respect for them and their worldview,” he said in an interview with Community Cats Podcast. (see video below)
Integrating Holistic Practices Like Acupressure with Traditional Vet Care
While practicing conventional veterinary care, he complements it as necessary with holistic practices like acupuncture, chiropractic, physical therapy, cannabis, and more. He finds that incorporating some of these alternatives can help achieve better outcomes for many pets’ well-being.
Of all his patients, he has seen the most impressive results in cats with ongoing chronic health issues.
You can find out more on his website, Facebook group, Instagram, and YouTube.
More about Dr. Gary Richter and holistic care for cats in this video interview with Stacy and the Community Cats Podcast:
