Can you pick an adult cat up from behind the neck or only on kittens?

Answer 1

Better not, only if there's absolutely no other chance. Sometimes I have to do it to my cat when he's in a really bad mood and that's the only way to pick him up, otherwise he shreds my hands. But immediately after lifting, you must support the cat's weight with the other arm.

Answer 2

Cats don't enjoy being picked up by the scruff of the neck, it appears!

Doing a search on the keywords: neck pick cats
you'll find plenty of sites advising against it.

Most seem to agree on the following:
Put one hand firmly under the armpits of the front legs, and lift. As soon as the hind legs start to leave the ground, scoop them up from beneath with your other hand, giving your cat a sense of reliable support.

Don't pick up a cat by the scruff of the neck. Only mother cats can do that safely with their kittens.

Answer 3

NEITHER. Support the cat using both hands.

Mother cats have no choice but to do it by the neck, but we have hands and should be doing it better than her.

An adult cat has too much weight to suspend by the neck skin, you could severely cut off his breathing by trying to pick him up that way. Support the chest and the rear when you lift. A vet may restrain by the scruff, but they don't pick them up that way.

Answer 4

Only kittens. Adult cats are too heavy to be supported only by the scruff. If needed, you can calm and/or restrain a cat by holding the scruff of the neck while supporting its full body weight with your other arm.

Answer 5

I have picked my cat up lick that when he was behind the bedside table where I couldnt reach him. I do not do it often but I have done it a few times. He never acts like he is hurt and he doesnt cry... But I still think it is mean so I try not to do it.

Answer 6

NO!!, only a kitten's skin is made to do that. As the cat gets older it loses its elasticity.

Answer 7

Both