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Picking up a cat may seem straightforward, but it's crucial to do it the right way so the cat feels comfortable and isn't harmed. Ensure that the cat feels safe and relaxed with your presence before you attempt to lift it. Some cats require a 'gentle' approach, especially those that are fearful of humans or suffering from conditions like arthritis. Once you have successfully approached the cat, you can pick it up while supporting its body properly.
Steps
Make the cat feel comfortable
Approach the cat. To pick up a cat, the first step is to approach it in a way that makes the cat aware you're coming. You can speak softly, let the cat see you, or signal your presence in another way.
- If you try to pick up a cat from behind without alerting it, it may become frightened, panicked, and uneasy.
- Some experts suggest approaching the cat from the left or right, as approaching from behind might startle it.
- Don't attempt to pick up a stray cat until you carefully observe its behavior. It could be a feral cat and may pose a danger. It's best to pick up a cat you are familiar with.
Let the cat get familiar with you. Cats need time to adjust to your presence, even if you're their owner. Once the cat recognizes you're approaching, be friendly and show affection to make it ready for you to pick it up. Most cats greet others by sniffing their faces, so you should do the same—gently focus on caressing their cheeks, forehead, behind the ears, or even under the chin if the cat feels comfortable with you.
Ensure that the cat wants to be picked up. Most cats give clear signals when they don’t want to be picked up. While you can slowly calm and earn your pet’s trust by gently petting its head, never attempt to pick it up if it seems irritable or unwelcoming. If the cat tries to run away, scratch, bite you, or starts attacking, wait for a more appropriate moment to lift it.
Properly pick up the cat
Slide one hand under the cat's body, just behind its front legs if the cat is okay with being picked up. Gently place your hand beneath the cat’s body, just under the front legs, to support it when lifting. Initially, the cat may resist or not enjoy this, so carefully move along its body and use your other hand afterward for additional support.
Place your hand under the body near the back legs. Now, slide your other hand beneath the back legs of the cat, supporting its legs and hips. This position is similar to carrying a baby with one hand. Once both hands are in place, you can lift the cat.
Gently lift the cat. Once you've securely held the cat with both hands, you can lift it towards your chest. You need to bring the cat close to your body when lifting it. This makes the cat feel safer while being held. If the cat is too heavy to lift, you should pick it up from a table or a raised surface.
Hold the cat in front of your chest. After lifting the cat and holding it firmly with both hands, you can bring it close to your chest so that your bodies make contact. The cat may rest its back or its face against your chest.
- Generally, cats prefer a more upright posture rather than being hunched closely against your chest with their head and neck drooping. This position can cause discomfort and may lead to resistance or scratching.
- Always ensure the cat’s head remains higher than its body. Avoid tilting the cat downward!
- Some cats enjoy being held in various ways, especially if it's their owner holding them. Some may even tolerate being held like a baby, while others prefer draping their back legs over your shoulder.
Set the cat down
Recognize when the cat no longer wants to be held. If the cat begins squirming, moving, meowing, or attempting to escape, it's time to put them down. Never force your pet, as this can cause them discomfort and make them feel threatened.
- Some cats don't enjoy being held for extended periods, so if you notice signs that the cat isn’t comfortable, it’s best to release them.
Gently lower the cat to the ground. Don’t just drop the cat when it becomes uncomfortable; this could cause them to lose balance or land awkwardly. Instead, lower the cat's body slowly until all four paws touch the ground, then gently release them.
- Some cats may immediately jump out of your arms, so be prepared for this.
Do not grab the cat by the scruff. While mother cats carry their kittens by the scruff of the neck, you should never do this to your pet, especially when they are older than three months. By this age, the cat has grown, and this action can cause them pain and muscle strain as they are unable to bear the weight.
- Although you or the veterinarian may need to hold the cat by the neck to administer medicine or trim its nails, they should never be picked up by the scruff and dropped onto the ground.
Supervise when children pick up cats. Children often love picking up cats, but if they want to do so, you must guide them on how to do it properly. It's important that the child is old enough to handle the cat. If the child is too young, they should hold the cat while seated.
- Once the child has picked up the cat, supervise them to know when the cat needs to be set down. This will ensure both the child and the cat remain safe.
Tips
- Some cats do not like being held. Therefore, you should never force them. Only pick them up when necessary, such as when taking them to the vet, and perhaps once a week so they can associate being held with a vet visit.
- Hold the cat gently with both hands. Never pick up the cat with one hand under its belly, as this could make them uncomfortable and cause them to resist.
- Approach the cat slowly without sudden movements. Then, crouch down gently so the cat can sniff or get familiar with you. If the cat senses that you're not a threat, it will approach you.
- Always approach the cat slowly and avoid sudden movements, as this could scare them.
- Place your hand behind the cat's front legs.
- Never pick up a cat if they are about to scratch or bite. However, if you absolutely must pick up the cat (e.g., for a vet visit), wear long-sleeved clothing to avoid scratches and bleeding. If the cat scratches or bites forcefully, it's advisable to wear gloves to protect your hands.
Warnings
- Never pick up a cat by the scruff of its neck. Cats can suffer serious injuries if not handled properly, and this position may lead the cat to turn and scratch or bite you.
- If scratched, clean the wound with soap and water, then apply an antibiotic ointment. If bitten, follow the same steps, then seek medical attention as cat bites can lead to severe infections.
- Avoid picking up a cat from behind unless you are certain they are comfortable with this position. This can make the cat feel trapped and anxious, causing it to panic and scratch you. Always pick up the cat close to your body in a vertical position to ensure their safety.
- Always be aware of the risks associated with bites and scratches.
- Never pick up a stray or feral cat without understanding their behavior, and never pick up a lost cat unless you are familiar with them.
