How to properly hold a cat, cat and kitten

How to properly pick up a cat

When picking up a pet, it is important to ensure its comfort and prevent injury. Don’t you see anything difficult in picking up a cat? Do you think that any method of contact is comfortable for him? Your pet disagrees with you 99% of the time. Knowing exactly how to hold a cat and how to handle it while you have it in your arms is a useful skill.

Signs your pet is ready for such contact: the cat purrs, rubs against you, is affectionate or calm, and does not show signs of fear or pain.

The cat cuddles at your feet

If these signs are present, you can move closer. Here's what the step-by-step correct way to lift and hold a cat looks like:

Step 1 . Calm the cat down. To prevent your cat from becoming nervous or frightened, approach her so that she can see you. To do this, you need to stay in her field of vision, speaking softly and affectionately to her. Approaching a cat from behind is not a good idea; the animal can become frightened and panic. Ideally, approach from a slightly sideways angle, because a head-on approach can be perceived as a threat.

Important! You shouldn't pick up outdoor cats, even if they don't seem to mind the contact. The animal may become frightened while already in your arms and scratch you severely. The exception is “familiar” street cats. Often people decide to take home a cat they like from the street. However, this is associated with everyday and psychological problems. Adaptation can take a lot of time and effort. Find out how to tame a cat in our separate article.

street cat

Step 2 . Be friendly. Even if your pet has been living with you for many years, he simply may not be in the mood for “hugs” at this very moment. Therefore, it is important to let your cat know that you want to please her. Say hello to the animal. Like his relatives. Cats often rub their faces when they meet, you can also stroke your pet on the forehead and cheeks, scratch behind the ear or on the chin. This is a kind of preparation that calms the cat and makes it clear that you intend to pick him up.

Stroking is a good way to build trust

Step 3 . Make sure that the cat also wants to be held. Does the animal move away, hiss, flatten its ears, look unhappy, try to bite or hit with its paw? You should not approach him right now; you can try later.

This guy doesn't mind hugs!

Step 4 . Place your palm under the animal's body behind the front paws, and with the other palm, grab the cat under the hind paws so that it feels securely supported. This grip seems to create a comfortable cradle for the cat.

This is how to hold a cat

Step 5. Carefully lift your pet, pressing it lightly to your chest - this will help him feel safe. Raise it so that the cat's head is “looking” up.

Black handsome man feels confident

Some cats like to put their paws on their owner's shoulders - take a closer look at your pet and determine its preferences and habits.

Important : lifting your pet head down is prohibited!

Advanced methods

The above options for cat retention are not all possible ones. There are more sophisticated ones that can be used if the pet is calm.

The picture on the left shows the same way that babies are usually held. Dr. Birstyn demonstrates it in one of his YouTube videos. This is quite convenient and safe if you and your cat get along well.

But Birstyn warns: "I wouldn't hold an animal I don't trust like that." By positioning the cat like a child, you open yourself up to his front paws, which he can use to scratch you. Therefore, if the pet resists, carefully place it on the ground and run away, try to pick it up in the usual way from the section above.

Angelica Alzona / lifehacker.com

The next grip, shown in the middle picture, is a football grip. Dr. Birstyn recommends keeping anxious cats this way. Taking the animal, point its muzzle towards your stomach, supporting the chest with one hand and the hind legs with the other. This way you will reduce the likelihood of your pet escaping and prevent him from scratching you again. Dr Birstyn recommends holding your cat tightly: “It won't hurt him. In fact, cats feel safer if they are held tightly.”

And finally, there is a third grip - the shoulder grip. It can also be recommended to people who have a good relationship with their cat. Place your pet on a surface, such as a table, at waist level. Then lean towards him and let him climb onto your shoulder (be careful, you risk getting a little scratched). When the cat is in place, support his back with your hand.

If the animal feels comfortable, it may try to lean over your neck and occupy both shoulders, like a fur collar. You can allow this (although you again risk getting scratched) or stop the attempt by pressing the cat’s back to your shoulder with your free hand.

To remove the beast from your shoulder, do not remove it yourself and do not allow it to jump off. Go back to the table or sofa, bend over and let the cat get off on his own.

More details about the most popular ways to restrain a cat are in Dr. Birstyn's video (there are Russian subtitles).

How to properly hold a cat in your arms

When holding your cat close to your chest, be guided by its habits and reactions. Every pet and owner is unique, and so will your relationship. However, there are a number of universal recommendations that will help you and your cat understand each other and enjoy communication.

1. Hold your pet lightly against your chest, with its head and neck raised up - this is how the animal is most comfortable.

   

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   How to hold a cat

2. The cat should sit on one of your hands, and it is best to support it under the chest with the other hand. If she doesn’t like it that way, she will take a comfortable position herself - the main thing is not to interfere with her initiative.
3. Never lift your pet by the scruff of the neck! A mother cat carries her kittens this way, but this is only possible due to the small weight of the kitten. An adult animal weighs much more, so it will be painful and uncomfortable.

Important: you can only hold the cat by the scruff if you need to give it medicine or perform a procedure. But at the same time, she must have solid support under her paws. Both front paws can be held with your palm.

It is better not to handle newborn kittens at all - there is a risk of skeletal deformation. In addition, some cats are capable of abandoning their cubs due to the foreign smell.

Kittens should not be picked up too early

When not to pick up a cat:

• with an unstable emotional state;

Sudden attacks of rage in previously calm and affectionate pets often put owners into a stupor, leaving them with the question of the reasons for the cardinal change in the cat’s behavior. You can read more about aggression in cats in our separate article.

• while playing or hunting;
• during naps and sleep;
• during a fight.

  

  Kittens are fighting

In all these cases, the animal can react unpredictably aggressively. You should also not hold the cat with its paws up - in this position it feels trapped and in danger, and is able to wriggle out, scratching your face. Wash the affected area with soap and water, then treat with a topical antibiotic. For bites or deep scratches, consult a doctor.

How to let go of a cat? Do not throw it on the floor - an unsuccessful landing may cause injury. Gently place him on his paws as soon as he begins to show signs of displeasure.

Animal instincts

Not every four-legged pet enjoys the fact that its owner limits its movements. There are some cats that resist with all their might anyone who tries to pick them up. And once in the strong hands of the owner, they try to escape as quickly as possible.

Everyone is familiar with the phrase: “The cat walks on its own.” It is based on natural instincts that have been preserved in their genotype even after a large amount of time since their domestication. This is the main reason why pets don’t like being in their owner’s hands.

Cat owners strive to pick up and pet their pet as often as possible. To please both the person and the animal, you should examine in detail the question of how to properly hold a cat in your arms.

How to calm a cat in your arms

The cat that was purring while clinging to you five minutes ago suddenly became nervous? This is a common occurrence that bewilders the owners - how can it be, everything was just fine!

I loved and hated...

Animal psychologists explained this feature of cat behavior. The paradox is that the animal simultaneously likes and does not like the caresses of its owner. At the genetic level, she perceives such close contact as a sign of danger. As long as the cat can, it tolerates touching, but as soon as its patience is full and the sensation becomes unpleasant, it tries to run away, bites, scratches, and nervously licks itself.

Pay close attention to the behavior of your pet sitting in your arms. If the cat actively moves, fidgets, meows, or tries to escape, it means that it is experiencing discomfort. Under no circumstances should you hold your pet against his will, otherwise contact will become a source of fear, anxiety and uncertainty for him.

Cat aggression doesn't just happen.

What to do if a cat breaks out? Place it on the floor and let it “go crazy” - having relieved tension, the cat will relax and, perhaps, come back to be petted. If the level of aggression is too high, lock the animal in a separate room with a minimum of traumatic objects. To avoid such situations in public places, keep your cat in a carrier. You can also give your cat a sedative before the trip.

If you still have the cat in your hands, there is no carrier, and you are in a public place, go to a place where there are fewer people and other irritating factors. Allow the cat to hide its face in the crook of your elbow or the folds of your clothing. Talk to her quietly and affectionately while scratching behind the ear or stroking her cheeks. Don't shout or punish - this will only make things worse.

Shorthair exotic

Representatives of this breed will not get off their knees. Pets are distinguished by their tenderness and slowness. Any manifestation of kindness and affection from the owner will be a joy for the exotic cat. Sometimes they take quite a long time to get used to strangers, but once they trust, they will be loyal throughout their lives.

How to hand train a kitten

Teach your kitten to sit in your arms from childhood - from 4-6 weeks of age. Such early socialization will benefit the pet - it will be calmer and more trusting towards people.

How to accustom a cat to handling from “childhood”:

1. Reward with treats. Feed only after you pick up the kitten and stroke it. This is how a positive expectation of contact is developed and reinforced.
2. Iron more often. This behavior will develop in the animal an understanding: human hands, in addition to food, provide care and safety.

   

   Pet your kitten often

3. Gently stroke the kitten when it sleeps, teach it to fall asleep in your arms. Your pet will associate you with protection and shelter.
4. You can pet a sleepy kitten. Take him in your arms and try to make him perceive you as protection and refuge.
5. Your kitten may be irritated by your touch. Just like an adult cat. Do not force the owl's company on him - let the animal go for a walk.
6. If the kitten asks to be held, do not send it away. Respond to the affection, spending at least a couple of minutes to reinforce the conditioned reflex.

The stuffed animal is in good hands

You need to lift the kitten correctly: supporting it with one palm under the stomach, the other under the butt, while the tail is gently pressed between the legs. Movements should be smooth and careful. It is better not to pick up a kitten by the scruff of the neck - only the mother cat determines a safe place with 100% probability.

Table 1. When and how to pick up a cat.

You can accustom an adult animal to contact with the help of unique exercises. To begin, simply slowly place your palm on the cat’s side and remove it just as slowly, then treat your pet with a treat. After a few days, place your other hand on the cat's other side, continuing to reinforce the training with treats. As soon as the cat gets used to it and is no longer afraid of the touch, begin to lightly press the sides with your palms, as if you were going to lift the pet. Repeat the exercise until the animal begins to perceive your touch as something familiar.

How to let go of a cat?

If everything is done correctly, but after some time the cat begins to feel uncomfortable, then it’s time to let her go. You should not try to hold the cat by force, because it will begin to feel fear and panic. With each such case, the pet’s trust in the owner will begin to decrease and it will become more and more difficult to pick him up.

Place your pet on the ground so that he stands on all paws and remove your hands. Do not abandon your cat under any circumstances! Sometimes she can jump off on her own, so don't be afraid of this.

Now you know how to properly pick up a cat. The tips below will help avoid unpleasant feelings for the owner and pet as a result of communication:

• The cat should not be picked up with one hand, because this movement will cause discomfort for the cat. The animal will begin to resist and try to leave your company. Always lift your pet with both hands.
• Do not act against the cat's will, do not use force. Don't forget that some pets generally don't like being picked up. Take an animal only when it is really necessary: ​​a visit to the veterinarian, a trip to an exhibition or transportation to the country.
• You cannot shout at the animal or make sudden movements. Use a soft tone and gentle language when communicating.

When everything is done correctly and contact with the cat is established, then after some time she herself will begin to strive to find herself in your arms. The most important thing in answering the question of how to properly hold a cat in your arms is to create a feeling of security for him, the absence of physical and psychological discomfort. An affectionate and patient attitude is the key to achieving mutual understanding between a person and a pet.

Cats are one of the most popular pets. Due to its widespread distribution, many people have the impression that keeping an animal is very simple. This is not entirely true, because even experienced animal lovers sometimes make mistakes in their care. Future owners have many questions - about how to properly hold a cat in their arms, what to feed and how to care for it.

Better fresh products without chemical additives. Her digestive system is different from ours, so her diet needs to be unique. It is better to pour boiling water over or boil meat products before serving. From time to time, the menu includes dairy products, eggs, cereals and vegetables. You should not give your animal fried food, salt, spices or river fish.

In extreme cases, you can use dry or canned food. Not all of them are healthy, so you should choose the highest quality food made from natural ingredients. Only they can provide complete and balanced nutrition for your pet.

A cat's coat needs care, especially for decorative breeds. They need to be brushed every day. Without this procedure, long-haired cats may experience problems with the digestive system, which becomes clogged with clumps of hair during licking. There are special medications that help remove hairballs from the stomach. It is recommended to brush cats with short hair once a week.

Pets are bathed twice a year. The procedure helps maintain healthy skin.

It would seem that it could be simpler - take the cat and hold it, pet it, enjoy it. But no! Not all cats like people to limit their freedom. Some are not easy to handle at all. This is their nature - “I’m a cat, and I walk on my own.” Remember?

And sometimes it happens that the cat screams even when you pick it up. You're probably making it awkward and causing her pain or discomfort. Although it seems that it is very easy to pick up an animal and hold it, in fact, it requires skill. Especially if the animal has some kind of disease and you can hurt it.

How to pick up a cat?

First of all, you need to take the animal correctly. But before that, make sure that it is not aggressive towards you, is not afraid of you, and in general, it is comfortable and calm. Without sudden movements, approach the cat, speak to it kindly, and say hello. It will probably take time for your cat or cat to get used to you. Stroke your cat's forehead, behind the ears and chin if he allows you to do so.

All these actions are necessary, especially if the animal is unfamiliar to you. This way, both you and the cat will have time to assess the situation and get to know each other a little. Once the cat feels that she is safe with you, she will relax, and you will see and feel it.

The cat gives a signal that it is ready to go into your arms - it begins to rub against your leg or arm, and looks into your eyes. If you see exactly this, and not her irritation and attempts to bite and scratch, then you have become friends with her, and you can proceed to the next stage.

Now place one of your hands under the cat's body just behind its front legs, and with your other hand, grab it under its hind legs and lift it up. Create contact between your body and the cat as soon as possible - this will make her feel completely safe.

How to properly hold a cat in your arms?

The hardest part is over, you are in close contact with the animal, it trusts you and expects affection and warmth from you. Hold it at the level of your chest, pressing lightly, but not pressing. The cat's position should be almost straight - not sagging or upside down. The cat will immediately try to stop any uncomfortable position, struggling and scratching you at the same time.

The cat's head, when you hold it, should be higher than the level of its body. Remember - you should never turn a cat upside down!

It is equally important to feel when the cat wants to leave your hands. She will begin to twitch, move, and try to free herself. Don't hold her against her will, otherwise she will feel discomfort, her anxiety and fear will increase, so that next time you will have to do everything from the very beginning to pick her up again.

Do not throw the cat, lower it onto its 4 paws and only then remove your hands. Of course, sometimes your cat may jump off of you on its own, so be prepared for this.

Cat in the hands of a child

As a rule, cats react negatively when they are picked up by a child. Why? There are several reasons:

• children do not know how to recognize a pet’s reactions and let him go in time;
• children do not know how or are physically unable to hold a cat correctly, causing it pain and inconvenience;
• children can chase the animal to catch it.

The result of such communication often becomes stress and trauma for the cat and the child. Therefore, it is important to tell your child how to interact with an animal correctly.

Vasya, you definitely don’t want to be held in your arms

Step 1 . Do not allow “unsupervised” contact between the child and the cat. Explain to the baby all the pet’s reactions, tell them how to establish contact correctly.

Step 2 . Show how to properly pick up and hold a cat in your arms. It is better not to lift a cat for a child under 5-6 years old - he simply will not be able to hold it correctly.

Step 3 . Explain how to understand that a cat is unhappy and wants to be released.

Explain to your child how to understand that the cat is unhappy

Step 4 . Show how to properly release a cat without dropping it on the floor.

Step 5 . Tell us what not to do with a cat (chase, pull the tail, catch, hold by force, hit).

Important! Teach your child not to use his hands as a toy when interacting with the cat, otherwise the animal will decide that biting and scratching is completely acceptable.