I love cats but they don't seem to like being picked up. Is there anywhere you should aim for when you pick them up and how is it best to hold them?
2006-08-03 05:41:39 · 34 answers · asked by The Shadow 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
Do Not pick a full grown cat up by the scruff of its neck, its too heavy when it grows up for that, and they dont like it, put your hand under the chest, and scoop up its back legs, dont whisk it up into the air too fast, its unpleasant for the cat and they wont be comfortable with you picking them up, this is especially important with kittens, they can be put off bieng picked up for life if they are snatched up in the air too fast, its too much of a shock for them.
Also a lot of cats dont like bieng held like a baby, it exposes their stomachs, which makes them feel vulnerable, a vulnerable cat will scratch if it starts to panic, and struggle to get away, some cats dont mind if their owner does it, but its not a good idea if its not your cat.
2006-08-03 07:09:04 · answer #1 · answered by magpyre 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
it's important to allow yourself to be seen by him first, cats don't like surprises, so never try to pick a cat up from behind. Then cup your hands around the rib cage, never around the belly. Some cats like being draped over the shoulder or carried on their back like a baby. But there are cats that can't stand being picked up at all, like my previous cat.
2006-08-03 05:59:27 · answer #2 · answered by karkondrite 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is totally normal for a cat to not like being picked up. They are far too independent for that. Picking them up isn't all that hard. One arm around it's belly and as you lift up use the other arm to support the bum. It is sort of uncomfortable for cats to be held without support around the lower end. Of course once up in the air like that snuggle them into your body where they feel safe from falling.
2006-08-03 05:50:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
One hand under the cat, with one finger between the front legs so that it feels a bigger surface to lean on. While picking it up, with the other hand stroke it from behind the tail, and finish up under its back paws, again so it feels safe and firm.
Maybe it's only your cats that don't want to be picked up though :-) good luck
2006-08-03 06:03:28 · answer #4 · answered by Louise 79 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I pick my cat up under his body near his front paws, then I hold him close to my body and support his behind with my other arm. He loves it. He'll let you carry him around like a baby and he'll put his head on your shoulder. My other cat hates to be picked up so I don't pick him up unless its time to go in the carrrier for the vet visit.
2006-08-03 05:47:33 · answer #5 · answered by lena b 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some cats hate to be picked up - I have two and one loves it - I just grab him under his arms and then hold him kind of like a baby- same with the other but she doesn't like it and she always stares at the ground and gets tense. Cats have very different personalities, so you just have to let them come to you.
2006-08-03 05:49:15 · answer #6 · answered by Fortune Favors the Brave 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have 4 adult male cats, who just ADORE the time spent in my arms and shoulders. I pick them up under the arms, quickly bring them up to my chest level when i stand, and then let them lay on my arm, kinda cradled like a baby would be. I have 2 cats that enjoy perching themselves on my shoulders, while my arm supports their feet. And when putting them down so they dont have to make that jump back down, I extend my leg out and let them go down the 'ramp'. Good Luck! Some cats just are into being held, but it never hurts to try and try again!
2006-08-03 05:48:56 · answer #7 · answered by dreamkillerkitten 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pick them up with one hand under their chest and one hand under their haunches. That's the most secure way. Most cats won't like it if you just pick 'em up by putting your hands under its stomach. (It's a very sensitive area and cats usually don't like it when you touch their stomachs.) And if they want out, then let them go. Cats don't like being forced to stay in one place.
If you know that the cat doesn't like being picked up- at all- then don't try it. I don't know why the cats you've encountered don't "seem to like being picked up;" most cats I've encountered usually don't mind.
2006-08-03 05:46:58 · answer #8 · answered by ATWolf 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I pick mine up like a baby and cradle her across my shoulder, but she's really used to me doing that. Most cats don't like to be picked up by strangers. You could pick them up by the scruff of their neck, which causes them to curl their feet up and then put it into your arms, (this is a reflex from being a kitten and having mom pick them up and carry them around).
2006-08-03 05:48:29 · answer #9 · answered by lilith4507 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've got to woo them, get some flowers and a tin of whiskas special, light the candles,soft music (Barry White maybe?) and talk in low purring noises.. you'll be sure to pick the cat up, maybe a few strays as well.
2006-08-03 05:51:40 · answer #10 · answered by bigscary_monster 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋