Scardy cat

I was called to the home of a woman with concerns about her cat. Spider had been spending the majority of her time under a bed. I learned that there had been a lot of emotional abuse in the home from the woman’s husband who had recently moved out. Everyone was traumatized. The woman was hopeful that Jin Shin Jyutsu might help Spider feel safe again.

Spider suspiciously watched me come into the house. Her owner thought that Spider would come right to me and allow me to work with her. That was not even close to the case.  Spider took one look and high-tailed to the bedroom and under the bed. I peeked underneath and it was clear that she was not coming out to visit with me any time soon. 

 I spent the first 20 minutes sitting on the floor close by, inhaling and exhaling  quietly while holding my fingers one by one. Holding fingers in Jin Shin Jyutsu helps calm the emotions and energy of the body and is a great way to get centered before working with any animal. I also “talked” to Spider in my mind, letting her know who I was and why I was there. I told her that this time was hers and she could come when she felt ready.  She finally appeared and jumped up on the bed. Her body language definitely still looked defensive.

 Her owner was a bit unhappy that I’d still not touched Spider. I stayed centered. I assured her that by working on Spider’s timeframe was for the best. Spider continued to sit on the bed and allowed me bit by bit to move closer but not touch. I put my hands as close as she would allow in the locations I use to assist with trauma. After a few minutes, Spider began to purr, relax, and stretch out to receive. I was now able to touch Spider without her feeling unsafe. Her owner also relaxed when she saw how much better Spider was beginning to feel.  

Spider would have loved to receive an hour more of Jin Shin Jyutsu, but I wanted to leave time to teach her owner the hold I had used to continue calming the fear and trauma. I always want to leave the owner with at least one light touch hold they can do to continue helping their pet.

 It’s always amazing to see the “before” and “after” with an animal who’s been traumatized. In Spider’s case the change was dramatic. Did I expect Spider to run to greet me the next time I came?  No. But she didn’t spend 20 minutes under the bed before she was ready for her next session.