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PHAbymom: On behalf of Jeff Barringer and CatHobbyist, I am pleased to welcome you all to our chat with Mary Bruce and Peggy Marks of Mindful Tails on the use of TTouch with cats. PHAbymom: Mary Bruce and Peggy Marks of Mindful Tails are Guild Certified TTouch Practitioners in the Long Island & NYC/Tri-State areas. They work with pet owners, shelters, rescue organizations, and animal hospices, offering TTouch as a gentle, positive, non-invasive way to modify behavior patterns and enhance wellness, while training owners to continue the work. PHAbymom: The Tellington Method of Training and Wellness--or TTouch--uses specific circular touches on the skin, which works on the cellular level to release fear and tension and activates the regenerative intelligence of the body. Other series of gentle touch and awareness exercises are also used to help train pets, modify behavior issues, and in support of veterinary care. TTouch can address such issues as: fear of vet visits, groomers or loud noises; chewing, pulling and jumping up; recovery from illness, injury or surgery; basic obedience issues; as well as promoting overall health issues. Many senior animals have also found the rejuvenating TTouch gives them a new lease on life, assisting with such aging issues as stiffness, arthritis and more. It can also be used as an emergency treatment on the way to medical help. TTouch is for all animals and is now being taught as part of a health care curriculum for people in a leading university. PHAbymom: Welcome Mindful Tails! Mindful_Tails: Thanks, glad to be here PHAbymom: I'll get us started... How did you get started with TTouch? Mindful_Tails: Briefly about 4 yrs ago a friend mentioned this wonderful thing her friend was taking -- which led us to find out about TTouch. We loved that it was a gentle way to handle animals and help with wellness PHAbymom: What exactly is TTouch? Mindful_Tails: we then took the practitioner training and became practitioners Mindful_Tails: TTouch is a gentle, non-invasive way to effective influence behaviors, personality and health of our feline friend and all animals species Mindful_Tails: consisting of gentle connected circular ttouches and other vody work, it can help with a wide range of issues such as calming a pet who is fearful, supporting the healing process--recovery from illness injury and surgery, support in senior years, and many other issues. Mindful_Tails: one of the photos show a great guy Harry #4 a cerebella hypoplasia cat who was attacked by a pack of dogs -- doing ttouch on his ears prevented him from going into shock on the way to medical help -- it helped save his life and he is now happy and doing well -- but being kept indoors! PHAbymom: Illustration #4 http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/index.php?photo=265562&user=106218 PHCatByte: snowta, you have a question? SnowtaMom: Can TTouch help with behavioral issues, such as spraying? I have a cat on two medications for behavioral spraying, and I'm looking for alternative ways to help him. Mindful_Tails: ttouch has been able to help with many issues. one of the things you need to do of course is to make sure there is no medical issue. Ttouch supports veterinary care but should not be a replacement as with any alternative SnowtaMom: He has been thoroughly checked out for medical issues, and it is determined to be behavioral. ga Mindful_Tails: is this an unneutered mail? and what are the medications for? SnowtaMom: He has been neutered for years; the medications are an anti-depressant and a stress reliever. ga Mindful_Tails: okay, ttouch can help with relieving the stress issues and may help with the depression, which in turn may influence the spraying issue. ttouch often works on underlying issues that are causing the obvious issues SnowtaMom: Thank you. ;) ga Pepper: And, i am curious about the benefits of TTouch for a cat (my cat, Cookie) who has diabetes in addition to other medical problems. Specific regions to be touched? Mindful_Tails: diabetes is a medical condition that needs to be addressed by your vet or speaking with a nutritionist who may help with using diet. specific areas would be ear work, and other specific ttouches that you would do all over the body Pepper: I see. Well, she is under the close supervision of a veterinarian and has the insulin, etc. I am just trying to do as much as I can to insure that she lives at the highest level of quality of life. thanks! Mindful_Tails: calming and stess relieving ttouches would be good -- which again is ear work, doing the ttouches around the head, around the base of the ear, and whereever you feel she may be holding stress PHAbymom: Please use the ga for go ahead when you've finished your comments or question. It helps us know when to move to the next question. Pepper: Great! I appreciate that and will definitely give it a try. Thank you very much PHCatByte: wiscats, you're next! Pepper: ga Mindful_Tails: welcome Wiscats: I have two cats with CH (cerebellar Hypoplasia). I am wondering if TTouch would help them at all. I'm thinking especially of the youngest one who is about 8 months old. Her head shakes so violently that eating is a long and messy process for her. I even worry that she might injure her mouth or teeth when they hit the side of her dish... Mindful_Tails: we have worked with many CH cats -- photos #4, 5, 5A show two Mindful_Tails: Lotus especially was crib bound and could not even use her front legs. PHAbymom: Illustration #4 http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/index.php?photo=265562&user=106218 PHAbymom: Illustration #5 http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/index.php?photo=265564&user=106218 Ilustration #5A http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/index.php?photo=265568&user=106218 Mindful_Tails: ttouch helped both to become more mobile, more coordinated, and "free-er" harry now runs -- yes runs -- in a pretty straight line and quit fast Mindful_Tails: also, Lotus was able to move more freely in her crib or on the ground and gained a lot of mobility after our sessions. Mindful_Tails: how ttouch affects each CH cat depends on not only the severity of the CH but on the individual cat -- I did and am still working on a study of how ttouch affects CH cats Mindful_Tails: I have found that in general they gain more mobility and coordination, but each in their own way is affected differently. Mindful_Tails: Sydney #8, not only was very grumpy, and would not tolerate even being touched, but was also unable to eat due to the severity of her CH. We would have to hold her head to allow her to eat PHAbymom: Illustration #8 http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/index.php?photo=265571&user=106218 Wiscats: Yes, I hold Giselle's head also. ashnzade: ? Mindful_Tails: now, she is able to eat on her own, she is still a little messy, but able to be independent. We have to look at the overall cat to determine the best course and what we can reasonably expect to be an outcome. Mindful_Tails: ga Wiscats: How do I learn how to do something for them myself? PHCatByte: mary, you have a question? MaryNY: Is it an overall, gentle massage, or is it more like accupuncture with specifics points to be massaged? Mindful_Tails: not massage not accupuncture. MaryNY: could you describe in more depth,then, please? Mindful_Tails: it is on a cellular level, working with the nervous system. TTouch uses just enough pressue to only move the skin in a circular way, MaryNY: only the skin is moved? Mindful_Tails: the ttouches are done in a generally clockwise direction, circles should be round, pressure is light -- only enough to move the skin, not the muscle, and it should be a circle and a quarter Mindful_Tails: the ttouch circle is never done in the same place but you move on to the next position -- usually in a straight line around the body -- does that make sense? MaryNY: yes, it does. thank you Mindful_Tails: ga PHAbymom: How would we find a ttouch class or a practitioner in our own area? Mindful_Tails: we work in the NYC/long island tri state area. to find a practitioner in your area, go to www.ttouch.com and click on the "find a practitioner" in upper right corner of home page Mindful_Tails: workshops are held by individual practitioners and you would have to check with them when they are being held. practitioners also do private sessions with pet caretakers Mindful_Tails: ga PHCatByte: wiscats, you needed a bit more info? Wiscats: I wonder how i can learn how to work with my two CH cats. I would be surprised if there was a practitioner in my area... Mindful_Tails: wher are you located PHAbymom: We've focused on cats, but it works on dogs or other animals as well, doesn't it? Wiscats: Duluth, MN Mindful_Tails: it works on all animals -- even us! Mindful_Tails: i think there are practitioners in MN -- check www.ttouch.com Wiscats: Thank you. ga PHCatnip: Is there a book you can recommend for those who don't have a practitioner close to them? ashnzade: I got here late so if this has already been discussed, I'm sorry. But I have 3 very healthy, happy cats, thank goodness. Is there a value to TTouch for them, or is it only for kitties who have a problem? ga Mindful_Tails: there is a book: Getting in TTouch with your cat or Getting in TTouch with your dog by Linda Tellington-Jones PHCatnip: Thank you, Tails. :) Mindful_Tails: yes -- it can be used for wellness, to enhance quality of life and to keep them healthy Mindful_Tails: that was for ashnzade ashnzade: Is this something that they seem to enjoy? Mindful_Tails: they love the ear ttouches --hair slides and whisker slides Mindful_Tails: all are done gently and slowly, never pulling Mindful_Tails: it is a long thoughtful stroking on the ears in the direction the ear is growing ashnzade: Thank you -- I will have to look into this -- I do the whisker slides with them a lot and mine love this ashnzade: thank you -- ga PHCatByte: wis, you're up! Wiscats: As long as I won't be hogging the chat by asking another question...I also have a "twisty" cat who is very fearful. I've had him 5 years and he still won't let me pet him. Would there be any hope that ttouch could help there? Mindful_Tails: yes. see Madison #9 and Charlie #6 Mindful_Tails: both of these cats were very fearful creatures when adopted. we used ttouch to address the fear factor issues and used a lot of calming and tension relieving ttouches. Mindful_Tails: in both cases, because of the severity of their fears, and backgrounds, it took some time, but they now both are able to be touched and their reactions (to fearful things) are much reduced. ga Wiscats: thank you PHAbymom: Illustration #9 http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/index.php?photo=265572&user=106218 PHAbymom: Illustration #6 http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/index.php?photo=265569&user=106218 Mindful_Tails: may i add a comment? PHCatnip: After only one session, we were able to pick up a cat that never wanted to be held. Mindful_Tails: Yes, Moe PHCatnip: That was supposed to start off with Mary & Peggy had helped us with a rescue cat. PHCatnip: And Moe is now in his new home and his new human is also working with him and he is coming along nicely. PHCatnip: ga Mindful_Tails: for all, find the area where your cat holds it tension the most -- shoulders, hindquarters, belly... being careful of the sharp points of the cat, do the ttouch there. cats should only be worked on in very short sessions. Mindful_Tails: short meaning about 2-3 minutes tops. you can do several short sessions during the day but don't over due Mindful_Tails: glad to hear Moe is doing well! gorgeous guy Mindful_Tails: ga PHCatByte: franci, you have a question? PHCatnip: By sharp points, do you mean ears and tail? cannonbawlfranci: yes, please Mindful_Tails: sharp points meaning tooth and claws PHCatnip: Ah. Thank you. cannonbawlfranci: nice to see you again mindful, glad we didnt scare you off Mindful_Tails: hi - we're not scaredy cats! meowl! cannonbawlfranci: what i would like to know, is the book available in the PHBookstore Mindful_Tails: I am not sure about that -- you can order through us or even amazon carries it. cannonbawlfranci: Considering i missed most of the chat i would like to get caught up Mindful_Tails: ga cannonbawlfranci: oh , good PHCatByte: ash, you're up! cannonbawlfranci: Could you give the title again, please Mindful_Tails: Getting in TTouch with your Cat / Dog Mindful_Tails: by Linda Tellington Jones cannonbawlfranci: thanks ashnzade: Does TTouch help cats who have behavioural issues, such as litterbox problems or fighting with siblings? Mindful_Tails: that is two separate books guys Mindful_Tails: yes it can help behavioral issues. in cases wher multiple cats are involved, we recommend working with all the cats, not just the apparant culprit Mindful_Tails: ga ashnzade: would there be a specific body part then that you would work on? ashnzade: Or would you just be feeling for stress points in the cat? PHAbymom: ? Mindful_Tails: Mouthwork for aggression is good, as well as earwork and tailwork (again watch that tail!). Always be aware of your cat's posture, signals. Stop before they get too "excited" PHStilts: I have a jack russell mix that doesn't really like to be touched he gets a little snippy is the T touch some thing that I can do to try and get him comfortable with touch and if so is there a certain spot I can rub? Mindful_Tails: Jack Russell's are great guys just a little hyper. You need calming ttouches for this, such as ear work, LLama ttouches (back of hand circles) and you may have to start a little faster then slow down as you go along. You will ususally find that your dog/cat slows down with you. Work where he likes to be touched and try to move to areas that are untouchable slowly. Always go back to where he likes it. PHStilts: ok thank you I will try that ga Pepper: I just learned the 'work in short sessions' lesson the hard way just now as my cat, Phoebe, who suffers from arthritis is right here with me and I was practicing what I am learning and now I am bleeding! (courtesy of one of her sharp points) ;-) ga Mindful_Tails: We are currently working with another JR and we also use a lot of groundwork with dogs (do with cats too) to improve their confidence and awareness, as well as to focus them -- especially good with hypers Mindful_Tails: Pepper -- arthritis needs more focused ttouches on the pelvic area. But even lighter than most ttouches and very slowly. If you cannot touch the arthritic area, work around the sensitive section. Use concentrated Raccoons Mindful_Tails: Raccoons are smaller circles with the tips of your fingers again very light pressure -- as light as possible to still move the skin. Mindful_Tails: ga Pepper: I will try again tomorrow. thanks so much. ga PHCatByte: abymom, you have a question? PHAbymom: I do... one of the illustrations was for a cat that hated nail clipping... PHAbymom: I have such a cat... PHAbymom: even her vet gave up PHAbymom: What type of work would help Sadie love to get a manicure? Mindful_Tails: don't give up. Madison #9 and even Taz #10 were "sharp points" when it came to clipping. We recommend that you try to do the small concentrated Raccoon on the paws -- top and bottom -- if possible. If you can't even touch the paws, work on the legs and work your way down to the paws. If they take the paw away, that's okay. keep going back. PHAbymom: Illustration #10 http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/index.php?photo=265573&user=106218 PHAbymom: Illustration #9 http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/index.php?photo=265572&user=106218 PHStilts: thank you for letting me come in in my hosting clothes!! Mindful_Tails: touch them where they like to be touched -- do ear work, head work, body work, always working towards those paws, front and back. As you can then touch the paws with ttouch, start splaying them while doing ttouch. Once you are able to do this more easily you can try the clippers. It took Madison several weeks to get to the point where she now just jumps up for her grooming sessions! Mindful_Tails: ga PHAbymom: I can touch her paws... but not if the clippers are in the same room Mindful_Tails: okay, smart cat! try just getting her to love her ttouch sessions first. then have the clippers out while only doing ttouch. move them closer. this is how Madison got use to it. Mindful_Tails: also use the clippers to do the ttouches on her body and on her paws Mindful_Tails: ga PHAbymom: Thank you. Mindful_Tails: P.S. not the sharp end --- the flat end! PHAbymom: Thank you all for coming! PHCatByte: thank you, tails! Wiscats: thank you Mindful. I can't wait to work with my CH babies and with the others as well. PHAbymom: I hope we can all help our animals benefit from this chat! ashnzade: Thank you so much! Very interesting! PHCatByte: (one of my persians says that touching her ears TICKLES!) PHAbymom: The photos are all in the Cats gallery... SnowtaMom: Thank you ... look forward to trying TTouch with Kelby. ;) Wiscats: Poucette has ticklish feet PHAbymom: under the user name MindfulTails Mindful_Tails: Thank you all for joining us. We really enjoyed talking with you about TTouch and hope we were able to help in some small way -- even though we are kittens at the chat thing! Wiscats: good luck, Snota!! ashnzade: Wow Abymom -- I would just like to thank you for all the work you have done for this Chat Week ashnzade: It has been amazing!!! SnowtaMom: I'll need it, Wis ... Wiscats: Thanks, Aby ashnzade: Terrific Guests -- all chats have been really interesting Mindful_Tails: go slow guys. Less is best PHAbymom: I hope you all enjoyed our chats this week.... PHCatnip: Thank you so much for being our guest, Mindful. It was an honor to have you ladies here tonight.
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