How to properly hold a cat in your arms

Why doesn't a cat like to be held?

Animal psychologists say that if domestic cats could choose, most would prefer to never be picked up or picked up. Even if a pet trusts a person, he still feels complete comfort only by standing with all four paws on the ground. So you shouldn’t be surprised if your pet protests against “handles” - such behavior for cats is more the norm than a deviation.

Reasons why a cat does not want to be held:

Distraction. If a cat sees something interesting - a bird outside the window or a moving shadow - it will want to explore what it saw and will jump from your hands.
Strong smell. A cat’s sense of smell is 14 times more sensitive than a human’s: a person’s brain has 5-20 million cells responsible for sensing and recognizing odors, while a cat has 60-80 million. The animal does not like any strong aromas, especially spices, citrus fruits, perfumes, washing powder , alcohol. You can learn more about what smell cats don’t like in our separate article.
A cat's nose is many times more sensitive than a human's
Fright. Frightened by screams, sudden movements or sounds, or strangers, the cat will try to hide in a secluded place, so it will not let itself into your hands or will try to escape.
Fear of heights. As already mentioned, a cat is completely calm only when standing on a hard, level surface. Raised above the ground, she may be afraid of losing her balance and falling.
Street past. If you pick up a pet on the street, it has not grown up accustomed to affection, and attempts to touch it may be perceived as a threat to its own safety.
The street cat sees danger everywhere
Resentment. Cats have long memories. If you or the previous owner beat the cat or shouted at it, the animal will refuse to come into your arms because of past grievances.
Strangers or children. The animal may not trust strangers, and may be afraid of children.
Features of the breed. Short-haired British cats and fold-eared cats especially do not like to be handled; their breed is characterized by independence and restraint. Maine Coons can also refuse contact from their owners. The most sociable are mongrel pets who have no street history.
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system. A cat that suffers from arthritis, for example, is not always comfortable in a person's arms.
How to recognize arthritis in cats

Of course, the character traits of a particular animal can also determine its love or dislike of close tactile contact.

Don't you dare squeeze my majesty!

There are closed, self-sufficient or fearful cats that from birth cannot tolerate physical contact and do not like to communicate and play. It also happens that the animal simply does not show the initiative, but does not mind if it is picked up and stroked. And sometimes a cat simply does not accept a family member or guest, and this “brutal verdict” is not subject to appeal. If you wish, you can tame an animal and instill a sense of trust in it, but you will have to spend a lot of time and labor. The most important thing is not to force the cat into affection and physical contact.

How to explain to a child why you should not hit an animal

Some children at a certain age exhibit some aggressive behavior towards our little brothers. This in no way indicates that the child is depraved or has a bad character. It’s just that a period of personal development has come in his life. He is trying to prove to himself and others that he has some weight in the world. And this proof is most often expressed in tangibly changing something in him through his actions. Throwing cups and plates off the table quickly gets boring, the little man moves on to animate objects.

Subconsciously, the child chooses for his experiments creatures that are weaker and cannot, in his understanding, respond well. So poor cats come across the path of these brats, forced to endure the domination of a person who has just come out of diapers. Parents are required to take some measures and explain to their child why cats should not be hit. After all, this self-affirmation can turn into a habit and, over time, spread to people. And on the other hand, not every cat will tolerate beating. Even well-deserved ones, let alone just like that.

The best lesson for a child, of course, would be some response from the offended animal. But cats, unfortunately, do not know how to lightly spank. If they scratch or bite, it is with all their might. And here the task of parents is to explain why they should not touch animals, not so much for humane reasons as for fear for the well-being of their own children. Probably not all mothers know that cats aim to scratch specifically in the eye. In their opinion, this is the most vulnerable place.

There are several options to influence a child's behavior. Which one to choose depends on each specific case. For some children, it is enough to explain how painful the cat is, that she is crying and offended. That she might die if she thought the child didn't love her. For three-year-old children, who have not yet experienced our cruel world, this option is very effective. They are compassionate and kind by nature.

If the child is too aggressive and sometimes received punishment for mischief, then in this case there is nothing left but to intimidate with the most suitable argument from the parents’ point of view. If a schoolboy beats animals, then talking here is useless. Most likely, he is simulating the behavioral algorithm adopted in his family. And you can’t do it without a child psychologist.

Man by nature is obliged to be humane towards weaker creatures. And the question of why cats should not be beaten is not even worth raising. One popular wisdom says: anyone can offend the weak, but only the weak can want to offend the weak. And we in our world should not be weak. Otherwise, there will always be someone weaker who will offend us.

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. 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. Gently lift your pet, holding him lightly against 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!

Second phase

The first stage of acquaintance requires caution, since the cat can attack a person and scratch him. Check in first, demonstrating friendliness and respect

To find out the cat's mood, place a palm above its head. If he nuzzles or purrs, he allows himself to be petted.

If the cat rubs against his legs and purrs, then perhaps he is bored and wants attention. Unconditional trust is evidenced by the fact that the animal sits comfortably on the person's lap.

A cat rubbing against its legs is a good sign

Next, they ensure that the cat climbs onto her lap on her own.

Then they carefully teach her to limit her movements and lift her into her arms. At first, to avoid injuries in the form of scratches and bites, wear long sleeves and do not walk with bare legs or bare feet.

You can't look a cat in the eyes

When the cat begins to calmly perceive the presence of the new owner, you can spend some time with her - for example, 30-60 minutes, for example, reading a book. And the cat is offered toys that are sold in a pet store.

Choosing a toy for a cat

Fear of touch takes a long time to heal, but the new owner must be patient. At first, the cat is not picked up and contact is not required if the animal seeks privacy. Light touches are only possible if the pet itself approaches the person.

Nervous excitement should always be a signal to stop contact. And it manifests itself like this:

the tail trembles;
ears drooped towards the head;
shoulders and limbs tense;
pupils are dilated.

Full pupils and pinched ears are a sign of tension

You should not immediately try to pick up the cat, as this will most likely result in injuries - bites and scratches.

First, the cat is accustomed to your hand by placing it palm down on the floor; you can place the cat’s favorite toy nearby. You need to wait until the cat comes up and rubs itself on your arm or leg. In this way, she wants to make sure that the object present is not dangerous. If a person initiates contact, the animal may respond with an attack.

If the cat attacks, pick him up early

If the pet has given the go-ahead, the palm is slowly raised to eye level and held in this position for a while. Then they begin slow stroking. You need to stop before the cat gets tired of close contact with a person.

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.

Hold your pet lightly against your chest, with its head and neck raised up - this is how the animal is most comfortable.
Read also: What to feed homeless cats and dogs and which organization to turn to for help? Instructions for those who want to help homeless animals survive the cold
How to hold a cat
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.
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.

Why you can't drag a cat by the scruff of the neck

Thanks to the innate reflex, the kitten, when the mother cat drags it, grabbing it by the scruff of the neck, relaxes its body, and also tucks its hind legs and tail. Temporary paralysis is explained by pinching of a bundle of nerves located on the back of the neck. It is much easier for a cat to move a relaxed and non-resisting baby to a safe place. During carrying, the cat does not cause any harm or pain to its cub. The scruff of a cat's neck is considered the most painless part of the body. However, adult pets cannot be lifted or dragged by the scruff of the neck.

Cats drag kittens, biting the scruff of the neck with their teeth

Reasons are physiological

The ban on lifting an adult cat by the scruff of the neck is explained by physiology:

A mature animal's skin is rougher and less elastic than that of a small kitten. The skin does not stretch well and may even tear.
The neck muscles may become damaged (stretched or torn), since the pet is already quite heavy.
The rough skin becomes very tight and puts pressure on the throat, making it difficult for the cat to breathe.
A sharp grab by the scruff of the neck can even damage the spine (in rare cases).

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.

Adviсe

If there is no other way out and you need to take the cat by the scruff of the neck, this must be done very carefully so as not to cause any inconvenience to the animal. It is worth monitoring his reaction; movements should be confident, skillful, and not clumsy, because cats are very sensitive to the movements and actions of their owner and other people around them. Wariness, fear, and concern for the cat should be left for the future, when the job is done. If the cat senses this in the owner, it will begin to wriggle out and try to escape, thereby hurting itself. You need to take your pet correctly. To begin with, you should feel for a good fold on the back of the neck so that it is convenient to grab it. Next, slowly lift the cat, but only a little, to look at the reaction. At this moment, the cat's paws should still touch the ground.

If the animal is frozen and does not show aggression, you can slowly continue to raise it. It is very important to grab only a good, large fold, since if the hand grabs little skin, the cat may slip out.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=aursPvtW5b8

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”:

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.
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
Gently stroke the kitten when it sleeps, teach it to fall asleep in your arms. Your pet will associate you with protection and shelter.
You can pet a sleepy kitten. Take him in your arms and try to make him perceive you as protection and refuge.
Your kitten may be irritated by your touch. Just like an adult cat. Don’t force the owl’s company on him—let the animal go for a walk.
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.

Age	How to hold a cat
0-4 weeks	It is not recommended to pick up a cat at all
4-25 weeks	support with one palm under the stomach, the other under the butt, while the tail is gently pressed between the legs
from 25 weeks	one palm under the body behind the front legs, the second supports the hind legs so that the cat feels reliable support; animal gently pressed to human chest

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.

Ways to train a kitten

Sometimes you can’t just calmly sit a kitten in your arms, because it gets scared and, even when it recognizes the person, continues to struggle. In order for a pet to be willingly given into the owner’s hands, it is necessary to accustom it to this, if it itself does not show a desire to actively make contact. As soon as the kitten realizes that communicating with the owner, when he takes him in his hands, brings him pleasure, the baby himself will strive to cuddle the person. Be sure to hold the kitten correctly, caress the pet and talk calmly to it. It’s very good if the cat starts playing while in your arms.

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The kitten will quickly stop being afraid to be handled if you use one of the training methods below.

Using the characteristics of animal physiology. After the kitten has eaten well, it begins to feel sleepy, since maximum energy is spent on digesting food. If the animal is warm and comfortable at this moment, it will begin to experience special pleasure. The owner may well provide the pet with the illusion that he is lying next to his mother if he picks up a well-fed, dozing kitten and cuddles him, but without squeezing. Gradually, the baby will get used to the fact that sitting in your arms is very pleasant and safe. Talk. Monotonous, affectionate conversation with the kitten gradually begins to relax it

At this moment, the owner has the opportunity to gently stroke the pet behind the ear or in the throat area. If the kitten reacted calmly to such affection, you need to place your palms on its sides

If the baby does not break free here, he is carefully picked up. When the kitten tries to escape, you should not restrain it by force. Such sessions must be repeated several times a day, until the baby agrees to stay on the owner’s lap. Lure with a treat. This method is most suitable for kittens who are particularly freedom-loving and cannot combine being held in their arms with pleasant sensations. Using a treat, the owner lures the pet onto his lap. While the kitten is eating the treat, you need to stroke it on the back, but under no circumstances hold it by force. Gradually, the baby will get used to the fact that it is pleasant to be held and will actively seek the company of the owner. Overcoming the fear of heights. As strange as it may sound, some cats are terrified of heights. Because of this, when a kitten is picked up incorrectly and he perceives what is happening as floating in the air, he experiences a severe shock. This phenomenon can be prevented simply by starting to hold the baby correctly. Then his fear of hands will go away. You need to take the kitten with one hand under the armpits, and place the other under its hind legs. After this, the baby should be held close to you, but not squeezed. If the fear is panicky, then first you need to accustom the kitten to your hands while sitting on the floor. Training in the game. This method is suitable for active kittens who are not yet ready to exchange free time for affection. When playing with such a baby with a toy, you should gradually pull it onto your lap. After the kitten jumps into your arms, you need to let him catch the toy here and enjoy the catch. While the kitten is playing in your arms, you can pet it. Gradually, such games with jumping into hands will lead to the fact that the animal will not only completely get used to the hands, but will not be able to do without affection and close contact with a person. With this nature of the pet, you should often allow the cat to sit in your arms while playing with the owner.

The choice of method depends on the individual characteristics of the kitten, and each owner must evaluate for himself which method is optimal in his case. In principle, accustoming a kitten to affection cannot fail, you just don’t need to stubbornly follow a method that is not suitable, but need to be creative in your approach.

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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 tell if your cat is unhappy and wants to be let go.

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

Step 4. Show how to properly release the 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.

At what age should you start raising a kitten?

Raising a kitten should begin before two months from birth.
Usually during this period the baby is still in the nursery or with the breeder, as he needs his mother and milk feeding. The cat instills basic skills and rules of behavior. The breeder teaches the kitten to toilet, and the mother teaches other cat skills. With such a kitten there are fewer problems, it is easier to train them to the new requirements of the owners. The situation is much more complicated with kittens found on the street - these are ill-mannered cats that have not received the necessary skills for living with humans, but the situation can be corrected.

One of the main requirements is to let the kitten get stronger, get good health and immunity. Caring for an animal will give it good health and proper psyche

You need to start accustoming him to the tray from the very first days, but with caution, without using physical force in case of mistakes

At the age of 3-4 months, the kitten is very active, plays a lot, plays pranks and even misbehaves. During this period, it is worth showing rigor and patience. You need to demonstrate a firm tone, but without punishment or violence.

At approximately six months, puberty begins. This applies to both male and female cats. Under the influence of hormones, the pet's character changes, not always for the better, the animal becomes disobedient. But everything returns to normal around the age of one year, when the kitten becomes a young adult cat.

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.