How do you hold a cat?

Question

What is the correct way to hold your cat?

Answer 1

One hand under the chest near the front legs; other hand supporting the back feet. However, a few cats like to be held on their backs (not many), and some like to put their front feet up on your shoulder. Don't be upset if your cat doesn't like to be held at all -- many don't.

Answer 2

Any way that you and the cat enjoy is the right way.

With a cat I don't know I would usually scoop it up reaching under it with one arm and letting it rest on its stomach on your arm, or pressing it against you from the side. That lets the cat extend its legs down, and its tail out, so it feels the security of knowing it can land safely if it drops or squirms out. One hand under the chest with fingers wrapped near its neck or front legs helps hold the cat so it's secure and can't get out, and it's also hard for the cat to scratch or bite you.

When you get to know a cat they're pretty good at telling you what they like and they don't. Some cats are just fine with being held upside down like a baby. Others can even ride on your shoulder like a bird. Some don't like to be held. You don't go to them, they come to you.

Answer 3

Against your chest, the arm of your dominant hand around the side of their body, and your less dominant hand under their bottom.

For example, I'm right handed. When I am standing up and holding my cat close to me, I have him placed against my chest, with my right arm around the side of their body, and my left hand securely supporting their backside. This is a very comfortable holding position for a cat.

Also, you might want to ask your vet to show you how to hold your cat or do a Google search on the subject; something like, "cat" +"holding techniques". Even better, do a Google image search so that you can actually see for yourself the proper way to hold your cat.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

One hand under the midsection, towards the front of the cat's body (kind of under the armpits), and the other hand supporting the backside.

DON'T put a cat on its back ("hold it like a baby") unless you're both really comfortable with each other. Many cats HATE having their bellies exposed.

Answer 5

Our cats...and we've had many...have always preferred being put over our shoulder, i.e., chest and forelegs hang down the back while we support the butt with the same arm whose shoulder they are resting on. The opposite arm is used for petting the cat as well as providing security so they don't suddenly twist away and fall.

Answer 6

One hand on chest, the other on the hindquarters.
My cat likes me to hold him like a baby, so I just obey.

Answer 7

Support your cat by putting the forelegs and head on one arm, and putting your other arm or hand under its back legs. It's kind of like holding a baby - maybe that's why we women like them so much??? :-)

Answer 8

when you lift him, place one hand on his chest just under his arms (so the the crook of your hand rests where his armpits would be) then scoop up his back feet so that his legs aren't hanging down and making his weight hang on your first hand - it would be very uncomfortable for him. then just left him sit on your hip like you would a child (legs not either side of your body, they not meant to go that way), put your second hand underneath him so he has plenty of room to sit, and hold him steady with your other hand on this shoulders/back. this way doesn't put any strain on his muscles at all. if you cats bigger this is definitely the best way as if their bodies hang down in any waym, you'll cause them pain and possible damage, and he definitely won't want to cuddle you any more!
xx

Answer 9

Depends whether they have claws. If they don't you can hold 'em by one or two feet, or a foot and the tail. If they still have claws (its best to assume they do, that's from experience) you should hold 'em by the tail unless you have gloves. Then you have to be more careful or they can slip out and get away.

Answer 10

you definently want to have the cat held in both of your arms and being completly supported. meaning dont have half his body hanging down and he isnt comfortable. to be honest tho, most cats dont like to be held and they will whine to get down. so dont force him