can you hold an adult cat by the scruff of their neck
2006-12-09 12:53:25 · 16 answers · asked by mellow_violet 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
I don't think it's a good idea. It's ok for kittens because they are so light, but I think it hurts bigger cats. My reason for thinking this is because a kitten or very small cat will often go limp when you pick them up like that. Sometimes the bigger cats try very hard to scratch and get away. If it didn't hurt or at least cause some discomfort, the cat would just go limp like a kitten does. A cat does not try to scratch when it is happy and comfortable.
2006-12-09 13:02:56 · answer #1 · answered by Gypsy Girl 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In this situation it is far better to do a quick scruff to the back of the neck than letting her get cold if she goes outside. I have a big 14lb cat and we have to do the occasional scruff to him in certain situations. It does not hurt him and he never seems to mind. As long as you don't keep him dangling in a scruff for a long time. Maybe 5 to 10 seconds maximum if his whole body is off the ground. Sometimes with an agressive cat it is the only quick way as they immediately go completely passive when scruffed. It is a reflex action from when they were carried about by their mothers. My vet says it is okay and sometimes we have to do it at the vets so that the vet can get a good look at him.
2016-05-23 00:04:14 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes - but only for restraint - not to carry by holding only by the scruff of the neck (they are no longer kittens and will be too heavy for that). When I move my adult cat from one table at the vet's to another, I always place his head over my shoulder, support his feet with my arm and one hand while restraining him by holding him by the scruff of his neck with the other hand. This does not hurt at all.
2006-12-09 13:20:53 · answer #3 · answered by Phoebhart 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Had to do this several times - if you've ever picked her/him up by the scruff of her/his neck at a kitten stage, then you'll be fine. sometimes picking them up that way when they've never been picked up that way will cause a reaction you don't want. But the cat will be fine if you do, just don't HOLD her/him too long. Do it to either move them or restrain them for a short time. Holding them TOOO long will hurt them.
2006-12-09 13:04:46 · answer #4 · answered by Nicci 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have to hold my cat by the scruff when he gets a bath. It is the best way to calm and control him in the sink. So, yes you can, but if holding in the air- support the body with other hand.
2006-12-09 13:33:52 · answer #5 · answered by rottymom02 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. As long as there is enough extra skin and you are not gripping their necks instead of their scruff, it's a perfect way to diciplen them, and teach a i-think-i'm-dominate cat who's the boss.
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2006-12-09 12:59:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can restrain an adult cat that way at any time. An adult cat should not be carried around like that. You need to support their whole body for that.
2006-12-09 13:03:06 · answer #7 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
That method is used for kittens or young cats but you should not use it in an adult their necks are more delicate.
2006-12-09 14:37:49 · answer #8 · answered by shantadeva94 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No because it is an adult and it will hurt the cat and maybe if you do it too long it may choke so my recommendation TOTALLY NO!!
2006-12-09 14:32:20 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes.
2006-12-09 13:04:53 · answer #10 · answered by Mike D. 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋