Holding a cat may seem easy, but there's actually a right way to do it. Make sure your cat feels safe and comfortable with you before picking him up. Some cats even need a more "gentle" approach than others, especially cats who are afraid of humans, or suffer from ailments such as arthritis. After you are greeted by the cat, carry it with proper support.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Calming the Cat
Step 1. Approach the cat
If you want to hold a cat, you have to approach him first so he can see you coming. Approach your cat by speaking softly, showing up, or letting him know you're approaching him.
- If you hold your cat from behind without her knowing it, she's likely to feel frightened, panicked, and insecure.
- Some experts recommend approaching a cat from the right or left side of its body, as approaching the cat from the front may make it feel threatened.
- Never try to pick up a cat you find on the street without paying attention to the cat and its behavior. Cats can be wild and dangerous. You're better off holding a cat you already know.
Step 2. Introduce yourself to the cat
Cats need time to accept you, and so does your cat. Once he notices you're approaching, be friendly and affectionate to the cat so he'll want you to carry him. Most cats introduce themselves to other cats by touching their faces, so it's a good idea to do the same, trying to gently rub the cat's cheeks, forehead, and the back of her ears, or even her chin if she feels comfortable around you.
- These gentle strokes can help your cat to feel safe and loved, so they want to be held.
- If your cat is feeling a little tense, this gentle stroke can also help calm her down. It may take a while for your cat to calm down.
Step 3. Make sure the cat wants to be picked up
Most cats are able to signal when they don't want to be held. While you can slowly calm and reassure a docile cat by rubbing its head, you shouldn't try to pick up a cat who seems angry or reluctant to be picked up. If the cat tries to move away, bites or scratched you, or even hits you, it's likely that you should try to pick him up another time.
These warning signs are very important to teach children who want to hold a cat. Children should only hold cats that are calm, comfortable and safe around them. Don't let your child get scratched by a cat who doesn't want to be held
Part 2 of 3: Carrying Cats Properly
Step 1. Place one hand under the cat's body, under the front paws, when you're sure the cat wants to be picked up
Gently place your hands under the cat's body, just under its front paws, so that you have good support while holding it. Your cat may reject your movement or not accept it right away, so you should use the other hand immediately afterward.
- You can use your right or left hand to support the cat from under its front or back paws; adjust to your convenience.
- Some people even fold the cat's front paws, then place their hands under the paws instead of between them.
Step 2. Place your other hand under the cat's waist
Now, place your other hand under the cat's hind paw, so it can support its hind paw and back. This movement is similar to holding a baby with one hand. Once your hands are in the correct position, you can start lifting the cat.
Step 3. Gently lift the cat
After holding the cat with both hands, you can lift it up to your chest. Try to bring the cat's body closer to yours as soon as you pick it up. This will make the cat feel more secure when it starts to be carried. If the cat is too heavy to lift off the floor, you may want to try lifting it off a table or higher place.
Step 4. Hold the cat in front of the chest
Once you've lifted the cat with your hands, bring it close to your chest, so that most of its body is touching yours. The back or sides of the cat's head can also be leaned against your chest.
- In general, your cat's posture should be straight with your chest, not arched with the head and neck hanging down. This curving position is uncomfortable for the cat, so he may fight and scratch you.
- You should always try to lift the cat with its head up. Never lift the cat's body upside down.
- Of course, some cats prefer to be held in a different way, especially a pet cat that you are more comfortable with. Some cats even like to be held like babies, while others like to put their hind legs on your shoulder.
Part 3 of 3: Bring Down the Cat
Step 1. Understand when your cat doesn't want to be held
When your cat begins to fidget, move, or even meow and try to escape from your carrier, it's time to put her down. Don't force her to hold her if she refuses, as the cat will feel uncomfortable and feel threatened.
Some cats don't like being held for too long, so if you feel like they're starting to get uncomfortable in your arms, let them go
Step 2. Gently lower the cat
Don't throw the cat when you feel he's getting uncomfortable; this could cause him to lose his balance or land in the wrong position. So, lower the cat's body so that all four of its legs can touch the floor before you release the carrier.
However, some cats may jump right out of your carrier, so be prepared for this movement
Step 3. Don't lift the cat's nape
Although the mother cat carries the kitten by the scruff of the neck, especially after it reaches about 3 months of age. After that, the cat's body gets bigger so lifting the nape will cause pain and muscle injury, because the cat's body is too heavy to lift from the nape.
While veterinarians must lift the cat's nape to allow the medicine to be swallowed or to trim its nails, veterinarians do not lift the cat's body off the examination table by grasping the nape of the neck
Step 4. Be sure to supervise the children as they hold the cat
Kids love to hold cats, but if they want to give it a try, you'll have to teach them step by step how to hold a cat. Most importantly, make sure your child is big enough to hold the cat comfortably. If your child is too small, it is better for him to try to hold the cat while sitting.
Once your child is able to hold the cat, be sure to keep an eye on him, so you can tell him when the cat needs to be released. This will prevent both your child and cat from getting injured
Tips
- Some cats don't like to be held. Don't force it. In this case, only carry your cat when necessary, such as when taking her to the vet, and maybe once a week so she doesn't link your carrier to a vet check.
- Gently hold the cat in your arms. Don't lift the cat with only one hand on its belly, as this position is uncomfortable for the cat and can cause it to fight back down.
- Approach the cat calmly and slowly. Don't suddenly approach him. After that, bend down slowly and let the cat observe and sniff you. If your cat thinks you're not a threat, it will approach you.
- Be sure to approach the cat calmly and not suddenly, or the cat may become frightened.
Warning
- Always remember that you may be bitten or scratched by a cat.
- Lifting the cat from the nape is not recommended. This position can injure your cat if you don't lift it from the right angle, and neither can you, because a cat raised like this is easy to move and can bite or scratch you.
- Don't hold your cat on her back like a baby, unless you know she likes it. This position can make the cat feel uncomfortable and trapped, so she may panic and even scratch you. A safer position is to hold the cat in a prone position close to your body.
- Never pick up a cat without approaching it first, and never hold a stray cat or a stray cat.
- If you get scratched by a cat, wash the wound with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment. If you are bitten by a cat, do the same treatment, and consult a doctor because cat bites can trigger a serious infection.
