I really had to find out more, and spent a day at Battersea Cats & Dogs Home on a course about 'Cats & TTouch'. In particular I remember the depth of Sarah and Tina's assessment of a ginger kitten, and their interpretation of areas of sensitivity - termed tension patterns - on her body. Not only was this a new concept, but to find them in a kitten? It was a truly astonishing experience.

My appreciation of TTouch grew steadily as awareness and skills developed during practitioner training, though there were times when I felt completely inadequate. This holistic technique is now used when there are indications it may benefit cats in my care. These are gleaned from information gathered by gentle exploration of the body, and observation primarily of posture, movement and tension patterns. Calming signals such as eye blinking, are then used in conjunction with the appropriate application of TTouch.

Boarding cats often arrive with varied physical, emotional or behavioural issues, and if required veterinary advice is sought. It is not uncommon for cats like Mindy to avoid contact or lash out when touched in certain areas, often over hips or spine in the older cat. The appropriate TTouch was introduced during her stay then continued at home, and now both Mindy and

More unusually a regular boarder, 14-year-old Hercie, was previously given a poor veterinary prognosis following a Toxoplasmosis infection. He lost weight, became nervous, and developed mobility difficulties. During the previous 3 years he received veterinary treatment for recurring hair loss possibly linked to emotional trauma. Assessed when boarding at the cattery, dull flat thinning hair with large areas of bare skin on hind legs and abdomen were evident accompanied by an anxious expression. Poor Hercie.

His owner, Joy, was given specific details of TTouch to continue at home, and after 4 months his coat was luxuriant, Hercie put on weight, remained off medication and is now a much happier cat. Discomfort over his spine and hip has reduced but TTouch continues in those areas. He is now 15 ½, in better condition than before and even tries to play, much to Joy's delight.

In our cat rescue unit, Alana, a young adult CP feral cat, had few options when admitted. She should have been neutered and returned, but her previous environment was too bleak to countenance sending her back making euthanasia a possibility. TTouch was attempted as a last resort and I don't know which of us was more terrified! I disguised a carrier box as a permanent bed within a pen then gently covered her with a towel after her instinctive retreat into it. With minimum stress TTouch was applied through the towel, then later directly onto her body. This resulted in a delightfully relaxed and happy cat now ready for life in a new home.

I am constantly learning and regard cats as my teachers. To identify what is going on in the individual cat and use TTouch to make positive changes is so rewarding. These techniques deepen the bond between us and are a joy to use.

To book an appointment please ring 01595 840275

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