see more Lolcats and funny pictures
Stretchy kitties are happy kitties. Cats have the ability to remain immobile for long periods, then explode into action. This is a vital strategy of their hunting style.
Stretching elongates the muscle fibers to their fullest extent. This will preserve and enhance their ability to do that, on short notice, when the time comes.
Slow stretching lubricates the joints through their full range of motion. This establishes where their full range of motion will be. They might need every bit of it.
Stretching also works on the circulatory system, encouraging the flow of oxygen to all cells and improving blood vessel tone. The lymphatic system also benefits from full range of motion movements; this is how immune system response gets to where it is needed. Even skin benefits; stretching improves blood flow caused by the pressure of our bones against our skin and whatever our body is resting upon.
In arthritis advice for humans, we are getting told to act like a cat:
Be like a cat and stretch often — and luxuriously. Your body wants to stretch, and often does so unconsciously.
This is why it seems our cat cannot make a change in position without an accompanying stretch. They are being urged to stretch by their own body because their instincts still don’t know dinner comes in a can. Their body says they must be ready to react at any moment.
They are also getting good feedback from their body; stretching feels good. We know that; we just don’t act on it as often as we should.
An article in Arthritis Today advises cat owners to take a cue from their cat. Watch how many times she stretches every day, and when she does, you do it too.
It’s just another way our cat sets a good example. For us.
To stretch with a purpose, we can’t do better than trying The Egoscue Method. This book healed my bad knee; others report that their bad backs, sciatica, and carpal tunnel syndrome have gone away.
It’s all about motion.
Got here from a Link or Search?
There’s more ways to care for our cat with The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See all of my posts on CAT CARE.
