Massaging your cat can create a positive relationship between the person and cat as well as soothe and relax stiff joints. It can also alleviate stress for both the cat and the owner.
Steps
Start by stroking the cat's back from the base of the neck down to the base of the tail. This should get the cat's attention to you.
Scratch the back of the cat's neck slowly a few times then scratch behind each ear individually 2-3 times each.
Pet the top of the cat's head with one finger, and slide your finger down it's neck. If done correctly, it should lift it's head up.
While it's chin is up, gently scratch the chin 4-5 times then move up to the sides of it's head where the whiskers are and scratch each side twice.
Scratch the back of it's neck again, but stroke the entire back and tail 3-4 times(each time scratching the back of the neck again with each new stroke)
If your cat is lying on it's side now, don't rub it's belly or else it will diminish the soothing effect of the massage and cause it to be playful.
If your cat does not like stroking, you could instead scratch the cat along the top of it's back only.
Your cat will enjoy the massage the most only when it is in the mood for one and is healthy.
If you want your cat to cooperate or to follow you around, massaging it is a great way for it to settle down and if you walk away, it will most likely follow you around for a while.
Warnings
Some cats do not like massages. Avoid massaging a cat if it shows resistance to being touched and/or has had surgery or injury that can only heal if left alone.
Avoid massaging the legs, chest, and stomach since some cats will not feel comfortable and instead will feel threatened.
