TTouch for Cats

Embracing the Essence of Tellington TTouch® for Cats

Cats, those intriguing and sensitive companions we share our lives with, often flourish with the philosophy that less is more. While seemingly aloof nature might suggest distance, in reality we must recognise that the power of minimalistic interactions can be transformative. This is where the art of Tellington TTouch® comes into play, offering a concise yet impactful set of techniques designed to enhance feline well-being and foster connections, all by doing just enough. Always remember that ‘less is more’ in TTouch, especially when working with our feline friends.

Tellington TTouch® revolves around the principle that subtle, intentional, non-habitual actions can have a profound effect on a cat’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. Through the wisdom of ‘less is more’, TTouch can help unsocialised or feral cats gradually accept touch, as well as encouraging cats to adapt to new situations and enhance relationships with others without overwhelming them.

If you would like more help with your cat using Tellington TTouch® techniques, click here to get in touch with a practitioner.

Disclaimer: Please note that Tellington TTouch® is not a substitute for good veterinary care. If you suspect any underlying health issues with your cat, seeking the opinion of a qualified veterinarian is essential.

Key Benefits of Tellington TTouch® for Cats

Adapting to New Situations

Cats, renowned for their affinity for routines, often find themselves at odds with change. The introduction of new situations or environments can be particularly unsettling for these creatures of habit. Fortunately, Tellington TTouch® techniques offer a gentle and reassuring approach that helps our feline companions navigate unfamiliar territory with greater self-confidence, making transitions a more manageable journey.

For cats, their routines are more than just habits; they are cornerstones of their sense of security. The sudden disruption of these familiar patterns when faced with new situations or environments can trigger anxiety and unease. Such changes might include moving to a new home, the introduction of new family members or pets, or even something that might seem a small thing to us like rearranging furniture. Cats can exhibit signs of stress, withdrawal, or even exhibit undesired behaviours as they grapple with the unfamiliar.

The Tellington TTouch® method acknowledges the importance of respecting a cat as an individual. Instead of imposing abrupt changes, TTouch involves the art of of gentle, conscious bodywork that help build a trusting relationship. 

Calming Anxiety

Anxiety can cast a shadow even over the most serene feline souls. Whether rooted in past traumas or stemming from their inherent cautiousness, many cats find themselves grappling with the unsettling grip of anxiety. In these moments of vulnerability, the magic of Tellington TTouch® techniques comes to fore. With every gentle, purposeful ttouch, we pay consideration to not being hurried or forced but instead they are a symphony of consideration and empathy that resonates deeply with the cat’s being.

Utilising the Tellington TTouch® method to alleviate feline anxiety involves a gradual process that requires patience and careful attention. With each deliberate touch, the cat’s tension can begin to ease, creating a pathway for a prevailing sense of calmness throughout their body and mind , remembering that ‘less is more’.

The following article was written by Tellington TTouch® Instructor Toni Shelbourne, based on her experience with Cats

TELLINGTON TTOUCH® FOR CATS

Is your cat anxious and timid – or perhaps inclined to be aggressive? Does she have litter box issues, suffer from travel sickness, or have a noise phobia? Maybe you would simply like her to be a bit cuddlier? The good news is that Tellington TTouch® Training can help with all these issues as well as many others.

 

HOW IT ALL STARTED

 

The Tellington TTouch® Training method (TTouch for short) was developed in the 1980s by Linda Tellington-Jones, a horsewoman with an extensive background in training and massaging horses. While studying with Israeli physicist Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais (the pioneer of a learning system of gentle non-habitual movements to create changes in the human body, brain, and awareness of self) Linda was inspired to adapt and begin applying his technique to animals. The effects were astonishing; so much so that since its small beginnings over forty years ago, Tellington TTouch® is now used worldwide by animal trainers, vets, breeders, behaviourists, and shelter workers.

 

But it’s not a technique confined solely to use by professionals; it’s something every cat carer can learn, and which can produce a wealth of benefits for both you and your cat.

 

Tellington TTouch® can help your pet with both emotional and physical challenges, but even if she doesn’t have any you are aware of, it’s still worth learning. It gives you another way of interacting with each other, and which will enhance and deepen the bond between you. Best of all, using the TTouches, a specialised way of moving the skin around, is a two-way thing; they can be as calming, relaxing and enjoyable to give as to receive.  TTouch can also help you notice early on when things are not quite right with your cat, so you can act sooner rather than later.

 

Some of the other issues TTouch can help with include:

 

·      Handling issues like petting, grooming, nail clipping, medication administration and vet visits.

·      Introducing a new pet to the household or two cats not getting along.

·      Feral or untouchable cats.

·      Dislike of traveling.

·      Boredom – encouraging movement and exploration.

·      Mobility for older cats or overweight cats.

·      Fear of other cats, dogs, noises, environments etc.

·      Socialisation of kittens.

 

WHAT IS TTOUCH?

 

It may look like massage, but it’s very different! The object of the special TTouches (pronounced ‘Tee-Touches’) is only to move the skin, rather than pressing down into underlying tissue. Non-invasive and non-threatening, no specialised anatomical knowledge in needed, and they are very safe to use on your cat.

 

Research into how and why TTouch works is still ongoing, although it’s thought that the nervous and sensory systems are affected on many levels, reducing amongst other things, stress levels. By also helping to release tension and increase body awareness, cats feel more comfortable and confident in a variety of situations.

 

The TTouches are easy to learn. You can get started right away and see a difference in your cat – although the more you practice, the better you will get and the more profound the effect.

 

There are three types of TTouch bodywork: circular TTouches, strokes and slides, and lifts.  We also work with the extremities of the body – feet, tail, and ears. The hands and fingers are used in different ways with each producing different effects.

 

In addition to the TTouches, equipment is sometimes used including wraps, paint brushes and feathers – but the TTouches are where it all started and remain at the heart of the Method.

 

You can even encourage your cat to negotiate the TTouch Confidence Course, a series of elements for her to walk over, around and on. This is perfect for improving proprioception, as well as engaging your cats brain providing mental as well as physical enrichment.

– Photographs courtesy of Toni Shelbourne –

WHAT IF YOUR CAT DOESN’T APPEAR TO LIKE IT

Always bear in mind that TTouch is something you do with rather than to your cat – it’s an important distinction! Always be respectful of her body, mind and spirit and don’t persist with a particular TTouch or touching a specific area of her body if she really isn’t keen. You may need to introduce Tellington TTouch® in a different way or ask a Practitioner to help you. If you are concerned, it is best to seek the advice of your vet.

MABEL
Like so many cats when there are major changes to their environment, or if they are bullied by other neighbourhood felines, five-year-old Mabel was spraying the furniture indoors, instead of using her litter tray or the garden to toilet. This can be a difficult behaviour to live with and is probably one of the most common issues which cat behaviourists and Tellington TTouch® Practitioners are asked for help in solving.

In such instances, as well as taking actions such as protecting our cats from having their home invaded by others or checking that the litter tray is positioned in a quiet area, away from food bowls and kept clean, it is useful to know some of the Tellington TTouches to combat stress; usually, as stress levels reduce, the spraying stops. In Mabel’s case, when some building work in the house upset her, doing just a few minutes of the TTouch body work each day made a huge difference, and before long she was back to normal and once more toileting appropriately in her litter tray.

Want to learn more? TTouch Instructor Toni Shelbourne has a self-paced online course specifically for cats which you can find here https://learn.ttouch.ca/product/getting-in-ttouch-with-your-cat-online-course/

She also runs live trainings online a few times each year. Details of which can be found on the TTouch Learning platform at https://learn.ttouch.ca/product-category/catc/

Need face-to-face help for your cat. You can find a local companion animal practitioner here https://www.ttouchtraining.co.uk/practitioners/category/companion-animal-practitioners/

Many of our practitioners and instructors are also happy to run face-to-face workshops in rescue shelters etc.

     – Toni Shelbourne, Tellington TTouch® Instructor

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