Old-generation cat parents and parents used scruffing a lot, but today the practice is outdated and frowned upon. In this article, I, Ivana Crnec, DVM, will explain everything you need to know about scruffing cats.
Content:
- What Is Scruffing a Cat
- Does Scruffing Hurt Cats
- Kittens vs Adult Cats: When Scruffing Happens
- Conclusion
What Is Scruffing a Cat
Scruffing a cat is a term used to describe a restraint technique in which the cat is held firmly by gripping the loose skin on its back. It can be accompanied by lifting the cat or by other restraint methods.
“Scruffing is physically uncomfortable for adult cats and increases distress,” warns a Reddit user.
However, let's delve deeper into the topic and examine the science behind the technique.
In nature, cats practice scruffing in three situations. First, the transportation of young kittens. Second, restraint during copulation activities. Third, to express dominance during a fight.
Therefore, it is safe to assume that scruffing is not a stress-free handling technique for adult cats. Observe your cat’s body language and use the Petcube Fountain to ensure ongoing hydration.
Does Scruffing Hurt Cats
Yes, scruffing hurts cats. The negative aspects of scruffing an adult cat can be categorized into three groups:
- Pain and Injuries: Scruffing and lifting a cat by the neck’s skin is painful and can result in bruising or other types of soft tissue damage.
- Increased Stress & Anxiety: Studies show that cats respond negatively to scruffing as a restraint method. Instead of inducing relaxation, it adds to the stress and fear.
- Medical Risks: Scruffing increases the blood pressure, which can cause eye problems in brachycephalic (flat-faced) cat breeds, such as Persians and Exotic Shorthairs.
Kittens vs Adult Cats: When Scruffing Happens
“In general, scruffing tends to be more effective in young versus adult animals, but individual responses vary regardless of age,” says Jennifer Coates, DVM, in an article for PetMD.
A 2022 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that the “efficacy of pinch-induced behavioral inhibition,” which includes scruffing, “declines with age.”
This is because, as young kittens age, they outgrow the so-called “limp reflex,” which makes scruffing efficient.
Kittens have a “flexor reflex” - when the loose skin on the back of their necks is grasped firmly, they go limp. Going limp allows the mother cat to move the kittens without them struggling, which can lead to injuries and distractions.
In adult cats, scruffing causes stress and fear. For the untrained eye, a scruffed cat may appear calm, but that is not true. What is usually mistaken for calmness is actually a behavioral shutdown or learned helplessness. In both cases, the cat is experiencing extreme stress and fear.
The best way to understand your cat’s behavior is learning its body language. Get and install the Petcube camera and monitor the cat carefully in different situations. That way, you will know its responses when necessary.
Conclusion
While a popular restraint technique in the past, scruffing a cat is now considered unacceptable. Scruffing severely harms the cat’s welfare and, according to International Cat Care, must not be used in everyday situations.
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