4. Feb 22, 2024 · Approaching a cat correctly is crucial for setting a positive tone for the picking-up process. To start, make sure the cat is relaxed and happy to be handled. When you first pick a cat up, always do so slowly and calmly. She needs to feel supported under her rear end especially. A fully grown cat can range in weight from 4kg to 8kg and picking up by the scruff without providing additional support is going to place enormous strain on the spine and muscles. Grabbing your cat by the neck is often referred to as “scruffing. to/315BjslHow to pick-up and hold a Cat is something that not everyone knows how to d Only ever pick a cat up by the scruff if they are caught in a situation they need to get out of quickly and are starting to panic or get scared. Once you have a firm grip on your dog’s scruff, you can start shaking it gently. Jun 23, 2023 · These injuries ranged from mild bruising to severe damage to the muscles, ligaments, and spinal cord. If too much pressure is applied to the scruff, it can cause damage to the vertebrae in their neck, leading to pain and discomfort for your cat. #3: If your rabbit is still too far away, feel free to gently grasp them on the scruff. The cat may resist this or not like it right away, so you should move along and use that second hand soon afterwards. Sep 30, 2019 · Avoid picking up your cat by the scruff of the neck. If you are scruffing an adult cat, be sure that you support the hind end as well with your free hand. Instead of the classic scruff hold, the ASPCA recommends another safer and more comfortable style for picking up cats. “Scruffing” is the term used to refer to taking a firm hold on the loose skin around the neck of the cat, and either using this to restrain them or lift them up. Proper handling can go a long way to strengthening your bond with your cat. Grabbing a dog’s scruff is an indication of dominance. Reasons Why Cats Cry When Picked Up. This actually triggers an anxiety reflex in cats, which also causes them to lock up in a defensive posture. Animals & Pets. It is important to handle dogs with care and respect their physical and emotional boundaries. Reason: The extra skin connecting kitty's front legs to its torso is actually muscle, and by holding your cat up by his/her armpits can hurt your poor kitty. It’s only bad if you’re just picking him up by the scruff. • 21 March 2022. Keep the cat close to your chest and make sure the hind quarters are then . ) 1 Then put your other arm around his back legs, supporting his rump. Position yourself slightly behind or next to your cat. Can increase fear anxiety, and stress: There is always a reason for behavior. Pull the cat toward your body so they feel secure. Humans don’t. Jul 7, 2018 · Many people have responded to my video on how to pick up cats with questions about picking up a cat by the back of the neck (scuffing). Mothers will also grab their pups by the scruff and gently shake when they are bad. As you lift them up, place your other hand under their hind legs. Scruffing is a way that mother cats pick up their kittens, so people mistakenly believe that this is an appropriate way to pick up the cat. Jul 8, 2023 · Grabbing the Scruff for Training. Method 1. By using this method, you can mimic the behavior of a mother hamster and make your pet feel secure. Grip the scruff of your ferret’s neck with your thumb and index finger. Jan 4, 2024 · 3. Once you lift her up, immediately bring her close to your body, against your chest or stomach. The scruff is the loose skin at the back of the cat’s neck and it may seem logical to carry a cat this way, after all, this is how mother cats carry her kittens around. Find alternative methods of handling adult dogs that are more comfortable and safe for them. Sep 26, 2019 · She may hesitate before allowing you to pick her up. You might tighten it by accident. Grabbing/pinching the scruff to get them to stop struggling does appear to be safe, though I would be nervous about applying that pressure point too often or too long. Here's the best way to pick up your cat without scruffing it: Step 1. Once the cat is Why You Shouldn't Pick Up Your Cat By The Scruff Of The Neck. While bending down next to them, stroke your hand down the top of their back and then move it to under their chest, behind their front legs. If a cat is overweight or has 3. Gently scoop up their back legs with the other hand and lift the cat evenly with both hands. Gain the cat’s trust by giving it some attention such as gentle stroking down its back or rubbing behind its ears. Position your hands to provide proper support. Sep 25, 2017 · *NEVER pick up a feral or stray cat unless it is an extreme emergency because you can be injured severely. Never pick up a full-grown adult cat by the scruff of the neck and hold him away from your body without support. Don't pick your cat up by the armpits. Hold The Rabbit’s Hind Legs Securely. <a class Mar 21, 2022 · Cats. This helps to strengthen the bond between the mother and her offspring. Use both hands. That is not the case as this is painful for adult cats as the full weight of their body is suspended from one piece of skin at the back of their necks. Lastly, holding a cat by the scruff can cause emotional distress and damage Jun 24, 2024 · Pick up the cat by the scruff of the neck if it is frightened. Picking up a cat the wrong way can cause the animal discomfort or even injury. Then, place the cat inside together with the towel. Pick the cat up under the chest with one arm and use the other to support their butt. Pull the cat against your chest to provide more support and to help him feel more secure. It was used by vets, groomers, and cat owners as a safe and gentle way to restrain cats. “A firm grasp of skin at the base of the neck is undoubtedly uncomfortable for cats,” says Dr. 10. Jul 9, 2024 · The scruff is an area with loosely hanging skin, which allows for this type of handling without causing harm to puppies. As you’re scooping, ask one of your family members to get the carrier ready. It’s not actual paralysis, but a behavioral instinct. It triggers a reflex that causes the dog to become still and docile. His mom will use his scruff to carry him around. You should never pick up a rabbit by the scruff of the neck. Unveiling the mysteries of your cat’s behavior can bring you closer to understanding your pet and fostering a Apr 28, 2022 · BTW-If your cat has a collar on, take it off before you pick it up by its scruff. To carry a cat you should be lifting from underneath its chest and supporting its weight, not using its skin to take the weight. Kitten Instinct. I've see my vet use this on my cats when they were freaked out and about to bolt. With your arms straight, reach down under the cat’s belly and scope him up. Jul 20, 2021 · How to Carry a Large Dog. This position enables you to keep the rabbit steady and secure without having to grip it tightly. Reach around your cat's chest with the flat of your hand. Hold them upside down. Sep 15, 2023 · Always use two hands to pick up your cat or kitten. The helpful Vancouver vet explains why picking up a cat by the back of the neck (scuffing) is not a nice Cats freeze when grabbed by the neck as a way to react to stress. When you and your rabbit are ready, it is best to settle next to your rabbit, either behind or to their side. It involves grabbing the kitten by the scruff of its neck, which triggers a response that causes the kitten to go limp. When picking the rabbit up you will want one hand under the front armpits and one behind the rump holding the rear and rear legs. When training your cat, using fear and punishment is not recommended for a variety of reasons. The larger the cat is, the more scruffing hurts them. 1. As stated above, mother cats do not scruff kittens to punish them, and it causes fear and stress. No, a kitten or cat should not be picked up by the scruff of the neck. Move slowly so as not to frighten them. This is because, with scruffing, you are supporting their whole body weight using the loose skin of their neck. Jun 14, 2024 · Conclusion. Practice placing your palm gently under the rabbit’s chest and lifting its front legs from the ground. When an owner grabs a dog’s scruff, it shows that the owner is the alpha. It helps to keep the young hamsters secure and prevent them from escaping or falling. Cradle the cat like a baby. If possible, push the towel slightly under to make sure the cat is held well in place. Jun 17, 2023 · Scruffing a dog does not work to prevent unwanted behavior, make them respect your leadership, or give you safe physical control over their movement. Have you ever wondered if it's safe to pick up a cat by the scruff? While commonly seen in movies or cartoons, this controversial topic has sparked debates among cat lovers and experts. Use the loose skin behind your rabbit’s neck to gently hold onto its scruff. Well, this is not a Aug 25, 2023 · Use the syringe to place a small amount of water in between the cats lips to encourage the pill to go down the throat. Julie Liu , an Elite Fear Free Certified Professional and Cat The only time an adult cat should be scruffed is at the vet when necessary for them to run tests/examination. Kittens relax when the mama cat carries them by the scruff and this is attributed to a reflex which makes them relax and go limp if picked up by the Nov 25, 2019 · It is a common myth to use scruffing to discourage bad behavior in your cats. Improper scruffing can cause physical and emotional damage to your Feb 22, 2024 · Pick them up. This doesn’t hurt the kittens; they have Jun 24, 2024 · 4. Lack of Socialization. The skin there is very fragile and can be very painful for the rabbit Jan 24, 2024 · Image Credit: Wanwajee Weeraphukdee, Shutterstock. While this all might seem confusing at first, you will learn in this article why it’s The scruff reflex is a vital part of mother cat behavior. Luckily, dogs are resilient. Yes, this is now mother cats pick up and move her kittens, but they are small and light. For pups, the scruff is a signal to relax and go limp, to help their mother when she is carrying them around. 1 answer. Jan 28, 2024 · Here’s how to pick up a cat safely and minimise the risk of getting scratched or bitten. Can humans scruff cats? No, you shouldn’t pick up a kitten or adult cat by the scruff. Before you pick up your cat, you should reassure them and make sure they’re ready. Okay, I can see you care about animals, but clearly not enough to do any actual research, the animals people pick up by the scruff are mammals, mostly dogs, cats, etc, in these and many other mammals, there is a part of the nape (back of the neck) called the scruff, this is an area of loose, non sensitive skin that is specifically evolved for Oct 19, 2023 · Many cats love to be petted under the chin or at the base of the ears. In wild dogs, or dogs that are fighting, the dominant one will grab the other dog’s scruff. When Cats Outgrow the Neck Grip. 7. This method of picking up a cat is how a queen lifts her kittens, by carrying them in her mouth when she needs to relocate them or stop them from Secondly, as cats age, the skin on the back of their neck loses its elasticity, making it more prone to tearing or bruising. When picking up a cat NEVER: Pick a cat up by the scruff. Koch. This can make a cat feel insecure or put painful pressure on their joints. Some argue that it mimics how a mother cat carries her kittens, while others claim it can cause harm and distress to the feline. Place your hand across your cat’s chest to support their front legs. If possible call animal control or use a humane t Jun 24, 2024 · The Best Way to Carry a Cat. Here are the step-by-step instructions for scruffing a cat. When you scruff them, they lose trust in you. So, how should you pick up a kitten to move it, then? You’ll want to pick them up similarly to how you would a baby—with a hand supporting their chest and the other supporting their rear. Jan 16, 2020 · CAT WAND TOYS! Click this link to buy my favorite wands! : https://amzn. If kitten was crying or wiggling, it could injure him or his mom. It is not just the physical act of being picked up that helps to build this bond, however. Here's 5 steps for how to approach a cat without scaring it: Approach slowly and calmly: Cats are cautious by nature, so approach your cat slowly and calmly. Jun 28, 2023 · When a dog is grabbed by the scruff, it can cause physical and psychological harm. Aug 30, 2023 · The Correct Way To Pick Up A Cat. While picking up cats may seem like a simple task, there are some common mistakes to avoid to keep your cat safe and comfortable. Lifting an adult cat by their scruff should be avoided; lift by gripping the body if at all possible. It is his instinct to go limp when his mother carries him. Do not shoot the water down the back of the throat, as the cat could inhale the water into it’s lungs. This behavior is reserved for their mother. The following are some common reasons why cats cry when picked up: 1. A cat’s skin in the scruff area is loose, so some cat owners tend to hold on to the scruff as a handle so they can pick up the cat easily. Scruffing is a common behavior done by some households to their cats. If your cat has a small scruff, don't pick it up. Yea the scruff of the neck isn't meant to hold an adult cats body weight so it hurts if you pick an adult cat up solely by the scruff of the neck. 5. Many cats like being cradled against a chest or shoulder. The scruff is a sensitive area and grabbing it can cause pain, discomfort, and even injury. Step 2: Lift the cat. If the cat appears aggressive and scared, you can attempt to gently pick it up by the scruff of the neck, supporting its back feet with your other hand. Apr 10, 2024 · One of the main reasons why cats carry their kittens by the neck is for transportation. In fact, after a few weeks of life, research shows that kittens lose the reflex to go completely limp during scruffing. Sep 9, 2022 · Once you're close, you need to place one of your hands under the cat's body and behind the front legs. If you need to pick up a large dog, remember to bend at your knees first rather than at your waist. His mother cat also grab may him by the scruff to get him to stop doing an undesirable behavior, like nipping or biting. To maintain your cat’s dignity and respect, it is important that you pick them up correctly if the need arises. Share. It’s an Ineffective Reprimand: People who scruff their cats often say they do it to teach a cat better behavior. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could spook them. Lack of socialization can be one of the reasons why cats cry when picked up. Dr. Never carry your cat by the scruff of their neck as this can cause them pain. The study concluded that picking up a cat by the scruff of its neck should be avoided to prevent injuries and improve the overall welfare of cats. Debi Matlack Veterinary Technician. In conclusion, picking up a cat by the scruff of its neck can cause injury and should be avoided. Shake The Scruff Gently. Jul 16, 2022 · It is not okay to carry a cat by scruff. Apr 23, 2016 · Narnia. Jul 12, 2012 · A. Place one hand under the cat's body, behind its front legs. You may have to talk to them or coax them with treats to get them to do this. You want them to hop in your direction. You can also speak to the cat in a calm, soothing voice. The other hand needs to support the back legs and hind quarters. Pick Up Your Rabbit. Moreover, suspending their weight by the nape of their neck can cause pain. Just think about it, cats carry around their kittens by the scruff of the neck, but rabbits don't carry their babies, they haven't evolved with thick skin on the back of their neck to be carried around by. The scruff is the loose bunch of skin on the back of your ferret’s neck, right below its head. Make sure that you grip the skin close to the ferret's head since this is how mother ferrets carry their young. The best way to pick up your cat under normal circumstances is to spread your hand under his chest, and as you lift Dec 9, 2020 · Carrying an adult cat by the scruff can cause more harm than good. Aug 5, 2011 · Dr. However, there’s one thing you should never do: picking them up by the scruff of the neck, or “scruffing” them, says Dr. Failing to support the cat’s hindquarters. It is often called “kitty roughening” and is often seen as punishment for misbehaving, disobedience, or when the cat has had its bell rung. The hand and forearm under your cat’s hind legs should make a platform to support your cat. Grab a cat around its waist. When a mother picks up her kitten by the scruff, he instinctively tucks up his legs and stays still. This process immobilizes the animal by lifting the skin and putting pressure on their lower jaw. Mar 25, 2022 · The best way to pick up a dog by the scruff is to grab it right behind their head. The scruff is a sensitive area for cats, and grabbing them there can cause discomfort and stress. Prolonged handling or dangling can be very painful and can potentially even rip their skin if they're heavy enough. 3. And, only as kittens, not as adults. The scruff is a very important area of dogs and is often used in communication and power struggles between dogs. Scruffing should only be done for brief periods to minimize distress. Serious internal damage can occur. This is an improper way to handle a full grown cat. Don’t pick her up by the scruff, under the arms, or in any other awkward way. Mar 25, 2021 · In a popular YouTube tutorial, Dr. Jun 24, 2024 · 1. Gently move your hand under the cat's body, just below its front legs, so you have the support you need when you begin to pick up the cat. If you’re a new cat parent, or need to pick up an unknown cat, or even if you’re having trouble and need a little refresher, here is the proper way to approach picking up your cat: Approach Calmly: Cats are sensitive to sudden movements and noises. When you grasp a cat’s scruff, it simulates the way mother cats carry their kittens, triggering a natural response that makes the cat go limp and passive. Wrap one of your arms across his front (supporting his chest in front of his front legs but below his throat. I was told one of the cats was ferocious and required sedation to examine. Even if you receive the go-ahead to grab your hamster by the scruff, it's crucial to follow the correct procedure. However, this is not the correct way for humans to carry puppies as it provides no support to their bodies and can cause permanent physical damage. Nov 8, 2023 · Scruffing a dog is a technique used to restrain it by grasping the loose skin on the back of its neck. Although scruffing may seem like an innocent gesture, it can actually be harmful to cats if not done correctly. If you’re more careful in the future when picking her up, your dog will warm up to you again. Burstyn explains the correct way to pick up a cat: Place one hand behind the cat's front legs and rest their chest on that arm. Never pick up a cat by the scruff, as it can cause them pain and discomfort. I don't recommend it unless it is the only way to break up a confrontation. The freezing is the cat shutting down due to fear and stress. Cats tense up and freeze when grabbed by the neck as a form of a stress reaction. This behavior mimics the way that a mother cat would carry her kittens in the wild, allowing the weight of the adult cat is too much for picking them up by the scruff. Step 3. Pixel-Shot / Shutterstock. Oct 7, 2021 · Scruffing is a way to pick up a cat and it can be done by grabbing the loose skin on the back of their neck. Picking them up by surprise. When scruffing you should support the lower body of the cat with your other hand to avoid any injury. Scruffing a cat means taking her by the skin on the back of the neck, aptly called scruff, and holding her. Once your hands are in the right place, you can lift your cat up so that you are standing up straight. Feb 11, 2024 · That means cats could move around and injure themselves (or you) if picked up by the scruff, and in adult cats, being scruffed can lead to anxiety and fear. Thought to mimic the way that a mother cat would pick up her kittens by the scruff, this restraint method has been used by vets, groomers, and pet Mar 19, 2021 · Cats can be temporarily paralyzed by pinching the skin on the back of their neck. Depending on the size of your cat, you may need to wrap part of your other arm around his hindquarters. Burstyn and his feline friends demonstrate how to pick up a cat in a way that is comfortable for the cat and safe for you. This allows the mother to carry her young without causing any harm. It allows them to pick up and move their kittens easily, without causing them any harm. The reason why cats go limp when you pick them is not known but it may be an instinctive reaction that has its roots in the time the cat was a kitten and went limp when the mother cat picked it up. Lift your cat. Support your cat's bottom with your other hand. Then gently put your rabbit back down on the floor and reward them with a tasty treat. As they grow up, the scruff and neck continue to play a very important role. It can even be dangerous – for both of you. Place one hand under the cat’s ribcage (not belly). Use your other hand to support the cat’s hind legs. This may calm the cat and allow you to control it. Quickly bring them to your chest for additional support. Put your other hand behind their back legs. If the cat has not moved away and their body language is happy and relaxed, you can then try picking them up. I remember seeing their two cats for the first time. The closer to the ears you scruff, the more control you will have over your cat's head and any struggling or biting. When a cat resists a person’s touch Jun 27, 2018 · Science of Dogs Feeling Their Scruff. Scruff your cat only for only as long as necessary. The neck grip mechanism is a reflex that mother cats use to carry their kittens around. 9. Avoid grabbing the cat by the scruff: While it may be tempting to grab a biting cat by the scruff of their neck, this can actually be harmful and painful for the cat. Lifting a cat or suspending its body weight by its scruff (the skin on the back of its neck) is unnecessary and potentially painful. It is hard on the cat if you are only grabbing them by the scruff and not distributing the weight by holding them from somewhere else as well. When a mother cat picks up her kitten by the scruff, it triggers the scruff reflex, which causes the kitten to go limp and become passive. Here are six reasons why you should never scruff a cat. This is the part of the scruff that is attached to their spine, so it’s the strongest part. Proper Hand Placement. When a mother cat picks up her kitten by the neck, the kitten likely feels a sense of safety and security in being held securely by its mother. I finished examining the easier cat, gave him his shots and put Dec 5, 2023 · Answer: No, it is not safe to pick up adult dogs by the scruff. They don't like having their back legs hanging down. Jul 5, 2024 · According to veterinarians, the loose skin on the back of a cat’s neck is a sensitive and important part of a cat’s body. #2: Don’t reach for the rabbit at this point. The key is to ensure you have a full hold and control at which point you can gently and slowly lift. For years, scruffing a cat — grabbing the loose skin around the neck — has been touted as a safe and humane way to restrain your pet. Pick him up only when you are securely supporting his back end. Avoid jerking or sudden movements as it can frighten your cat. In fact, it can have quite the opposite effect, and cause a multitude of unintended consequences. Kittens can be, but older than about 6 months shouldn't be handled in that way. Always remember to support her body weight. Hold the cat close to your body. Feb 24, 2024 · They can also offer alternatives to scruff grabbing, such as using a cup or a tunnel to pick up and handle your hamster without causing them stress. Sep 29, 2021 · Scruffing Your Ferret. ”. You should not use this technique on an adult cat (over 6 months). I received this lovely message the other day from some clients who moved with their cats to Europe. You can scruff a cats neck to immobilize them for emergency situations but it shouldn't be an everyday occurance. Take extra care when picking up cats that are elderly, ill, or recovering from an injury, as they may be more sensitive. Grabbing your cat by the neck is also called scruffing and it can also be viewed as a behavioral shutdown. The last thing you want is for your cat to associate you with pain. If the cat is to be restrained for examination or administering Nov 17, 2022 · Scruffing is an outdated method that has no place during handling a cat. Lift the cat slowly and stand up. This is called "pinch-induced behavioral inhibition" (PIBI) or "scruffing" or "clipnosis" (a composition of clip and hypnosis, because clips are often used in veterinary or scientific settings to keep cats immobile). Christianne Schelling demonstrates how to safely scruff a cat. Instead, pick them up by supporting their front legs from underneath with one hand, and scooping up their back legs with the other. Additionally, this action can trigger fear and anxiety in dogs, leading to behavioral issues and distrust of humans. This allows for safe transportation. This behavior makes it easier for the mother cat to take care Jun 6, 2024 · How to Pick Up Your Cat. Holding a dog by the scruff without lifting him can be used as a way of getting his attention if he is doing something inappropriate, but to lift a dog without supporting his body can do harm. Scruffing is painful. It causes cats to become anxious as that is how a predator traps them or how a male cat mates with a female cat. As dogs grow older, the loose skin around their neck becomes less pronounced, and lifting them by the scruff can cause discomfort, pain, and potential injury. General. Jul 12, 2023 · The Short Answer. Mother cats also communicate with their Feb 27, 2024 · Causes Pain: Mother cats know by instinct how to scruff their kittens without causing pain. Remember the golden rule: one hand under the Apr 29, 2024 · Understand the purpose of the scruff method: The scruff method is a natural behavior that mother hamsters use to carry their offspring. This prevents the pill from irritating or sticking in the throat and damaging the tissues. A must watch for anyone with Oct 20, 2023 · By Paige Cerulli October 20, 2023. Cats can’t carry their kittens the same way that we carry our babies, so they carry them by picking them up by the scruff of their necks. Jan 5, 2024 · By using an alternative method, you will save yourself and your cat a lot of trouble. Any other time, do not scruff them. Step 2. After grasping the scruff of a heavy cat, fully support his back end with your other hand. Answered by. Scoop one hand under their chest, and another under their back legs or rump, drawing them into your lap or chest as you do so. Cat scruffing can be used as a method to safely transport your cat, to gain control when n Get down on their level, leaning as close to the ground as possible. It'll hurt them. Gently and firmly grasp the loose skin on the back of the kitty's neck as close to the ears as possible. Feb 25, 2015 · Myth 31: You can hold a cat by the scruff of the neck. In an emergency scenario, picking a frightened or agitated cat up by the scruff can also help prevent you getting caught in the scratching crossfire. It isn't as hard on kittens because they are lighter but once a cat is full grown it can cause damage. Pinch this bunch of skin and pull it Jun 13, 2020 · Place one hand and part of your arm under the cat’s front legs and the other underneath her back legs. Approach your cat calmly and speak softly to let him know You should not pick up a cat over a few months of age by the scruff of the neck. Choose the right moment: May 30, 2020 · Never pick up a cat by the scruff of the neck or by the front legs. Picking up a cat by the scruff can actually cause trauma, pain, and muscle damage. Even queens will stop carrying kittens by the scruff after a few weeks of life. Hold your cat close to your chest with one arm wrapped under their front legs and your other arm supporting their hind legs. It can be an effective way to restrain a dog for grooming, exams, or administering medication, but other Cats freeze when being grabbed by the neck because they feel helpless and scared. Here are some additional tips: Picking Up a Cat by the Scruff. If the cat is to be restrained for examination or administering Feb 14, 2022 · Step 3: Scoop the Cat. That said, you can scruff an adult cat as long as you don't lift it or pull it. This is not painful for the cat but for most cats it causes them to freeze. Scruffing is a frightening, potentially painful experience for cats. However, current research reveals that holding a cat by the scruff can be unnecessarily cruel. Place your outer arm beneath your cat’s chest and belly with the other hand in front of her on her chest so that you have control of the cat’s front legs. Picking up a cat and holding them in a way that they’ll appreciate is a skill you can learn at any time, whether you’re a new or experienced cat parent. When they are grabbed by the neck it triggers an anxiety reflex causing them to “freeze” and take a defensive posture. When a mother cat needs to move her kittens from one place to another, she will gently pick them up by the scruff of their necks and carry them to the new location. This style involves putting one hand securely below the hind legs and the other directly in back of the front ones. Cats that haven’t been properly socialized may feel anxious or uncomfortable when being handled. May 15, 2024 · Always pick up your cat with two hands for stability and support. This is because it can be painful and not expected by them. And it’s certainly not the most respectful or appropriate way to pick up or handle your cat. Now, lift the cat, keeping her parallel to the ground. You can see more in our article on how to pick up dogs correctly. Which it sounds like you did. You can tear the delicate tissue of the neck or cause other internal damage. To manage stress, cats freeze their limbs and it Jan 31, 2023 · Scruffing cats has been done for years, as it was believed to be an imitation of how a mama cat would pick up her kittens. eg ki fy fn om nq ja me pc qd