Clip of Cat Getting a Massage Delights Viewers: 'Self-Care' - Newsweek

[Maria Azzurra Volpe]

A viral video showing a tabby cat enjoying a relaxing back massage has taken the internet by storm, proving that self-care isn't just exclusive to humans.

The heartwarming clip shared on TikTok in April, under the username @kirakira_gg, shows the kitty named Kira lying belly down on an ironing board, stretching out her body, as her owner massages her back.

"Nothing a massage can't fix," reads layover text in the clip, as the poster adds in the caption: "Self-care isn't just for humans."

We all love a good back massage, and so do our pets. Massages have multiple benefits for our felines; they help relieve aches and pains, reduce anxiety, and can even lower blood pressure.

But before giving your pet a massage, you should get into the right state of mind to do so, says a Catster article medically reviewed by Dr. Luqman Javed; you should only do it when you have the time and can fully focus on them.

Cats aren't big fans of deep-tissue massages, so it is advisable to use light pressure and soft touches instead, starting from the head, then down to the shoulders and the back, avoiding the belly if your cat doesn't like it.

Remember to keep the massage short, and always observe their body language for cues they may have had enough.

Massages should take place in a quiet area of your home, without any distraction. It is always best to consult your veterinarian to check if your cat is in the right physical condition for a massage, and to learn how to do it effectively. You should not massage any feline that is affected by a medical condition.

Stock image: A tabby cat gets a back massage from a human. Stock image: A tabby cat gets a back massage from a human. getty images

The video quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 560,000 views and more than 37,000 likes on the platform.

One user, Monkey_d_ruffy86, commented: "She was stressed after a day full of … doing cat things, so that's the least u can do."

Mariacob426 posted: "I work from Monday to Sunday and I don't get that treatment. I should be born a cat in the next life."

Grace Jeaney wrote: "Loving the professional spa atmosphere."

Another user, Vorname Nachname5855, added: "Seems like we found the wellness cat."

Newsweek reached out to @kirakira_gg for comment via TikTok comments. We could not verify the details of the case.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

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