Learning how to pick up and hold a cat in a way that they will appreciate is a valuable skill anyone can acquire, regardless of whether or not they are new to cat parenting. However, one crucial thing to avoid is picking a kitty up by the scruff of the neck.
Although young kittens are commonly picked up and carried by their mothers using the scruff of the neck, fully-grown cats can find this experience painful and frightening. As cats grow and become more independent, this method loses its suitability and should be avoided to prevent any distress or discomfort to the adult cat.
Be gentle while handling your furry baby; nevertheless, consider being equipped with kitten insurance NZ to deal with accidental injuries, sickness, and medical emergencies more effectively. If you haven’t bought a policy already, search cat insurance online, then request and compare pet insurance quote from several insurers to find a policy that suits your cat’s health needs and your budget.
Meanwhile, read this article to learn how to pick up and hold your furball correctly.
The first and most crucial rule is never to grab/hold/lift a kitty by scruffing. This act can cause pain, induce considerable fear and stress, and diminish its sense of control over the situation. It’s essential to handle cats with care and respect their comfort levels when it comes to physical interaction.
Instead of using the scruffing technique, opt for a more gentle approach when picking up and holding a cat by using both hands to support it. Avoid facing the cat directly, as this might come across as intimidating. Position yourself in the same direction as the cat to help it feel more at ease during the interaction. By respecting your cat and employing these methods, you can create a more positive and pleasant experience for both you and your feline companion.
To make it easy for you, we have broken it down into four easy steps –
- Approach your cat by crouching slowly beside it, ensuring you face the same direction all along.
- Start by gently touching the top of its shoulders and then move your hand along the body’s outer side, placing your hand under its chest with your fingertips facing your cat’s face.
- To support its hind end, position your elbow towards your cat’s back end and gently cradle it in your elbow’s crook, akin to holding a football.
- Use your other hand to provide extra support at the front of your cat’s chest to make it feel secure and comfortable.
The above steps can be adjusted to suit your preferences and your cat’s comfort to make picking up your furry precious a safe and enjoyable experience for both of you.
People occasionally lift and hold kitties aloft like stuffed toys, which can get scarier for cats, including kittens. Using both hands is essential to ensure stability and safety, even if the cat is small enough to fit in your single palm.
Let your cat get used to handling right from kittenhood, and consider being prepared with kitten insurance in NZ, just in case any accidental injuries and medical emergencies arise. Contemplate requesting and comparing pet insurance quote from various cat insurers to sign up for the best-fit policy for your fluffy companion.