People aren’t the only ones that benefit from regular Reiki sessions. Cats and other animals are creatures of energy, finely attuned to nature in a way that most humans aren’t. As a cat behavior and training volunteer at the Humane Society in Marin County, I offer Reiki to animals both at the shelter, at private homes and from a distance.
Situations when you might consider Reiki for your cat:
- As an adjunct before and after surgery or to help healing during an illness.
- To help her adjust to a new home or situation.
- Before leaving him with a sitter to go on a trip.
- When she’s thinking “outside of the box” or other behavioral issues. I can help you evaluate if other issues may be operative.
- If he’s generally “stressed out” and needs some extra TLC.
Not all animals will accept Reiki and this must be respected. I adopted a kitten who, after 9 months, grew very sick. It was determined he was dying of leukemia. In his last week of life, when offered Reiki, even from a distance, he refused it. He immediately walked away from the energy flow and settled elsewhere. Although painful because we wanted to help him, his wishes and innate wisdom had to be honored. On the other hand, at the shelter where I volunteer, often multiple cats will take me up on the offer: Recently, in the feral cat room, I visited a cat named Sweetie who was just starting to trust the staff. As I offered Reiki, I felt a great increase in Reiki flow and realized that the grumpy tom in the “upstairs condo,” who was at first quite growly, was also partaking and soon lay relaxed in the back of the cage. When I left, everyone was napping and peaceful.
Like iron filings to a magnet, Coquette, Claudette and Steed flock to Monica’s feet to soak in the Reiki during her daily practice.
A HAPPIER KITTY CLIENT
A few years ago, my husband and I rescued a black and white “tuxedo” cat that had shown up at the barn where our horse was boarded. This friendly cat, christened “Sylvester,” had two severely diseased legs and was basically hopping around on his two “good” ones. We brought Sylvester home and provided the best food and veterinary care that we could, but he was fearful and reactive and compulsively groomed his affected legs. After Monica gave Sylvester several Reiki treatments, I noticed he was more relaxed and confident, easier in his movements and able to sleep contentedly without being startled awake by the need to groom. Now a year older, Sylvester continues to improve and is an affectionate, self-confident and extremely talkative member of the family.
- E. O’Connor, Larkspur, Calif.