Some cats enjoy being stroked or fussed over in general, but many can find it rather overwhelming and it can cause them unnecessary stress. Always read a cat’s signals before moving in to pick them up. Cats will show signs of discomfort, and these are easy to look out for.
Dr. Carozza says in her article Understanding the Cat: “While cats are considered domesticated, they are still creatures of prey and predation and constantly on guard, especially in a new environment.”
Content:
- How to Approach and Pick Up a Cat Safely
- How to Hold and Carry a Cat Comfortably
- Do Cats Like Being Picked Up
- Conclusion
How to Approach and Pick Up a Cat Safely
It is very important to take note of your cat’s body language. You always want to give them the option to remove themselves if they are uncomfortable, this means giving them enough room to leave if they want to. Rather do not pick your cat up if he/she is showing any of the following signs:
- Ears pulled back or to the side
- Tail twitching
- Puffed up fur
- Hissing or growling
- Excessive lip licking
- Swatting at you with ears pulled back (not playing!)
- Slow and wary movement
- Running away from people or other animals
Always approach any cat slowly and calmly with a gentle tone of voice explaining that you will be picking them up either for a cuddle or for whatever reason it may be. Always handle your cat gently and respectfully.
A tracking collar is the handiest thing you can get for your cat that does not live solely indoors. If your cat has a tracker, you can pinpoint exactly where they are hiding outside when you want to bring them back inside. If they are catching a nap in some bushes nearby and you make a lot of noise trying to find them then it may stress them out and cause them to bolt.
How to Hold and Carry a Cat Comfortably
Often you see children lifting cats solely underneath the arms, this is not the correct way to carry your cat. When picking a cat up use one hand to support the bum and the other to support the chest in between the front legs. Hold your cat close to your chest, but with room to move or jump away if they do not want to be cuddled and carried.
Adult cats do not like to be scruffed, avoid using this method on your cat unless it is an emergency that you need to remove them quickly. Scruffing is something that your veterinarian may do when necessary to give medical attention, but only as a last resort and it is not something you should be doing routinely at home.
Do Cats Like Being Picked Up
Just like you get cuddly people, you get cuddly and not so cuddly cats. Some breeds of cats have been bred specifically for their relaxed nature and enjoyment of being handled and carried around, such as Ragdolls and Birmans.
Other cats have been bred for their independence and agility, and generally do not enjoy being picked up and carried – such as Bengals. There is of course an exception to every rule. Many cats do not enjoy being picked up and carried around; this can even result in a stressed bladder if they are constantly being picked up against their will.
When cats are stressed, they can develop stress bladders. This in turn can lead to minimal water intake, which is very important for overall and bladder health. Luckily cats do love drinking from running water. Every home that has a cat should have a water fountain to encourage more water consumption, which in turn promotes bladder health. A stressed cat tends to have a stressed bladder.
“Because of the huge discrepancy between the ancestral environment of the domestic cat and its modern-day lifestyle as a pet, a wide range of potential stressors may give rise to poor welfare in this species (Casey & Bradshaw, 2005).”
Conclusion
If your cat shows any signs of stress or not wanting to be handled, then for their health (and reduced vet visits) listen to them. It is important to teach children the signs to look out for when the family cat does not want to play or be stroked, for their own safety and your cat's stress levels.
Was this article helpful?
Help us make our articles even better
