2007-10-30 12:48:14 · 13 answers · asked by openupfresh 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
No, that's the right way...that's how their mothers carry them when they're young.
2007-10-30 12:55:45 · answer #1 · answered by Mizz SJG 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It's called the 'scruff' of the neck. It's not abusive at all. It is a natural carrying point on their bodies. That is how their mothers carried them as kittens.
However, for a full grown and/or heavy cat, I would recommend giving some bottom support with your other hand to relieve some of the body weight. This will reasonably guarantee the cat is completely comfortable while being carried by the scruff (-:
2007-10-30 20:02:13 · answer #2 · answered by lmn78744 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can restrain your cat by holding there, but picking up a full grown cat by the scruff will compress all their weight against their windpipe and cut off their air. Don't do it.
We have hands, use them to support the cat's chest and hind quarters. Mom cats pick up kittens by the scruff because that is the only way they can move them. Kittens have less weight so it doesn't hurt their neck or breathing. We don't have that excuse--use both hands and support the cat comfortably.
2007-10-30 20:48:41 · answer #3 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Actually, no.
This is a natural thing for a cat (as this is how its mother would have picked it up and moved it when it was a kitten). However, dangling it for more than 20 seconds or shaking it would border on abuse.
But if you are just picking it up to put it into your lap or somewhere safe, then no you are not being abusive...
2007-10-30 19:57:18 · answer #4 · answered by Mr Unknowable 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. It's actually a safe way to pick the cat up.
The skin there is very loose and it does not harm the cat. It's called the scruff.
When the mother cat picks up and moves her kittens, that is how she picks them up.
2007-10-30 20:04:32 · answer #5 · answered by Akatsuki 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think it is...mother cats pick up kittens like that to carry them around. However they are lighter in weight at that age. I would think it would hurt an adult cat if someone did that to them because they are much heavier as an adult as compared to when they were kittens. I wouldn't do it.
2007-10-30 19:56:48 · answer #6 · answered by Angelia 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When they are kittens they have plenty of skin to grow into and they are not very heavy. When they are older they are the complete opposite so it would hurt! Only a kittens parent should do this as humans can pick them up by their hands so there is no need for us to!
2007-10-30 19:55:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Picking up a cat or dog by the scruff of their necks is natural and not abusive. It's the way their mamas pick them up.
2007-10-30 19:55:34 · answer #8 · answered by Ginger R 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
The weight of an adult cat is too much for it to be picked up comfortably in that manner. I would leave that technique to mother cats and their kittens. It is better to scoop that cat up with both arms, supporting it's front legs and hindquarters.
2007-10-30 19:55:35 · answer #9 · answered by Critter Queen 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it is wrong.
It is true that mom picks them up that was but
a) she knows exactly where to lift them
b)they respond by going still
c) they are kittens and weigh nothing when she does this.
When they get older and heavier it is too much weight and they need to be supported
2007-10-31 00:32:03 · answer #10 · answered by shedahudda 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's the way the vets pick them up. I don't think they can really even feel it. It's probably like the skin on the back of your elbow.
2007-10-30 19:56:57 · answer #11 · answered by Grick 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋