Cats have loose skin on their necks. Picking up a cat by the scruff should be done properly and only when necessary. This is an effective method of restraint, even if it may seem uncomfortable and even painful for the cat. There is a right and wrong way to take a cat by the scruff of the neck. Learn and practice this method to become more skilled at restraining cats safely.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Safely Picking Up a Cat by the Neck
Step 1. Remove odors that cats don't like from your body
Strong-smelling perfume or cologne may irritate the cat. In addition, cats hate the smell of dogs.
Step 2. Let the cat feel comfortable with you before being picked up
Gently pet the cat until it feels relaxed. You may need to spend more time on this step, depending on your cat's calm and temperament.
Step 3. Remove the cat collar (if applicable)
Cats with collars can be picked up by the scruff of the neck, but this is not recommended unless you have experience with this. While the cat's nape is quite flexible, the collar is not, and you could accidentally strangle the cat.
Step 4. Place the cat on a suitable surface
Use a sturdy, flat surface (such as on a table) so that the cat can be picked up easily. You can also use the floor, if the cat is more comfortable on it.
Step 5. Grab the nape of the cat while it is awake and relax
Rest your hand on the back of your cat's neck and gently grip the loose skin. As much as possible hold it close to the ear so that the cat does not struggle too much and bite you.
- The cat's ears should be pulled back slightly when the skin behind the ear is grasped. This way, you can find out the correct gripping location.
- When tightening the grip, the skin should still feel a little loose in the hands. If it feels tight, slightly loosen your grip. Your cat will struggle if the skin is gripped too hard.
- Do not pinch the skin too little because your cat could be in pain. Adjust the grip so that more skin can be taken.
- Your cat will appear undisturbed when the skin is gripped, unless your cat is very aggressive. Sometimes, this step alone is enough to stop the cat's unwanted behavior or calm the cat down while trimming the cat's nails or administering medication.
Step 6. Lift the cat's nape
Before lifting the cat's nape, don't forget that cats (especially older ones) usually don't need to be held this way. Cats are generally not picked up by the scruff of the neck, except when the mother cat is carrying her kittens.
If you need to pick up a cat by the scruff of the neck, keep in mind that kittens are easier to lift because they are light
Step 7. Be careful if the cat to be lifted is quite heavy
This will put extra pressure on the cat's heavy neck muscles and skin, making it uncomfortable and painful. To prevent this, support the cat's weight if needed.
- After gripping the cat's heavy nape, support the cat's back with the other hand. Depending on your cat's size, you may need to wrap your arms around the cat's hindquarters and hindquarters.
- Take a cat only if you support its back firmly
Step 8. Hold the cat by the nape only as long as necessary
While it's not painful if done correctly, your cat will feel uncomfortable if you hold it for too long. Also, don't forget that even the most patient cat will get bored if you hold it and then struggle, or swing, or kick to get out.
- It's important to remember that your cat's trust in you is being tested. If the cat feels you are too rude or agitated, the next time the cat will not want to be picked up without a fight.
- Even if it feels like it's being attacked, the cat just hangs up and looks at you, waiting to be put down. Some cats will meow softly, as if to say "Hey, I don't really like this, so hurry up and finish."
Step 9. Release your grip
Once the cat has been picked up, release your grip by gently placing the cat back on the surface.
- Provide positive support in exchange for good behavior. Rewards can be given in the form of caresses, compliments, and snacks.
- Do not release the handle by dropping the cat. While a healthy cat won't hurt you if you drop it, your cat may find you too rude and won't comply when you pick it up later.
Part 2 of 2: Knowing When and Reasons to Take a Cat by the Neck
Step 1. Understand why cats are easier to control when held at the nape of the neck
The mother cat carries and controls her kittens with a firm grip/bite on the nape of her kittens. If you see a kitten being carried by its mother, notice how the kitten automatically stops and pulls all four legs close to the body. Many cats continue to do this as adults.
Step 2. Be aware of situations where you won't be able to take your cat by the scruff of the neck
Avoid picking up the cat by the scruff of the neck in situations that make the cat agitated or pose a risk of injury to you and the cat.
- When the cat sleeps. All creatures do not want to be disturbed while sleeping. You will startle the cat if you pick it up while sleeping
- When the cat eats Let the cat finish its food before picking it up by the scruff of the neck.
- When not calm or excited. Cats are difficult to calm down when they're excited, putting you at risk of being scratched or bitten.
- If your cat has arthritis or is obese. Picking up a cat that has arthritis or obesity on the nape will be very painful for the cat.
- If the cat doesn't have a lot of scruff to pick up. Some cats don't have a flexible nape. You will be able to feel it when you touch the skin of the cat's nape. Do not practice this method on such cats.
- If your cat is old, adult cats may feel humiliated if they are picked up by the scruff of the neck.
Step 3. Grab the cat by the scruff of the neck while grooming her nails
Even if they don't like having their nails trimmed, they will stay still when picked up on the nape of the neck so they can trim their nails quickly without risking them getting scratched or bitten.
- Trim the nails when the cat is calm and relaxed. Don't trim your cat's nails when stressed or excited.
- It's best if the cat is lying on a firm surface (such as a table) while its nails are being trimmed. Thus, the nail cutting process will take place more comfortably. This step may require two people.
- If you trim your cat's nails or give your cat medicine, you don't need to lift the cat after you've grabbed the cat by the scruff. Instead, gently push the cat's head toward the table and use your other hand to support the cat's back.
Step 4. Grasp the cat's nape to smooth out the tangled fur
Cats don't really like it when their fur is combed (may even feel pain). Therefore, you need to hold the cat while you are about to be combed because the cat will struggle and move a lot.
- Just like trimming nails, place the cat on a sturdy surface before being held by the nape to brush the fur
- Use a wide-toothed comb.
- Hold the cat's fur as close to the skin as possible with your free hand, and comb from the bottom to the top (as you would smoothing out a tangle of hair).
Step 5. Hold the cat by the neck while administering the medication
The cat will be fussy if it will be given medication. Cats need to be left alone so that treatment can run smoothly.
- Place the cat on a sturdy surface.
- If you want to give the pill a pill, tilt the cat's head slightly upwards while holding the nape so that the pill can be put into the cat's mouth.
- For injectable drugs, it is safer to give it to your vet or assistant than to do it yourself at home.
Step 6. Use this technique to discipline the cat
This method should not be used often, because sometimes it can actually make the problem worse.
- If this technique must be used when disciplining a cat, do it while saying 'no' so the cat knows it has misbehaved.
- In addition, the nape should be taken gently. If you are too rough, the cat will get agitated.
Tips
- This technique is usually most effective when applied to calm-tempered animals. A naughty or naughty cat will not like this treatment.
- The cat will tell you if it hurts when being picked up. Cats can struggle, hiss and fight. On the other hand, cats can also suddenly become quiet, quiet or make a little noise, as an instinct to avoid being preyed on in the wild. If the cat exhibits these behaviors, be aware that you may hurt the cat.
- If you're not comfortable with picking up the cat by the scruff, ask your veterinarian for direction.
- Although this technique is a method of restraint, it should only be used when other methods don't work.
Warning
- Do not pick up other animals by the scruff of the neck. Some animals will turn around and bite you. some will feel uncomfortable or even injured.
- Be aware that the cat can still turn around when the nape is pinched. Therefore, hold it as close to the cat's ear as possible.
- If not done properly, this technique can cause serious injury to the neck muscles and the skin around the neck. If you're not sure you can do it right, let the vet do it.
- Do not practice this technique on a cat who is clearly agitated or difficult to control. Only a professional, such as a veterinarian, should take a cat with this temperament by the scruff of the neck.
