myKotty Kitty is weaving around your legs, nudging you, asking for attention, and you’re just itching to scoop them up? We know that temptation all too well, fabCat. But is it worth giving in? If you do, you might be surprised: one wrong move, and kitty will add you to their blacklist. Let’s explore the secret art of picking up cats together and find out when you have their permission and when it’s better to keep those crazy ideas in check. Stick around—your cat will thank you.
Do Cats Like Being Picked Up?
This is the most important question of the day! And the answer? Not straightforward. Alongside furry friends who stretch their paws up at the sight of a human, you’ll meet cats ready to scratch your eyes out if the ground beneath them disappears. It all depends on personality, circumstances, why you’re trying to pick them up, and even the cat’s mood at that moment.
What do you need to remember? Cats are predators and like to feel confident in every situation. Losing the ground beneath them can be traumatic—especially if it happens suddenly. Think about it: one moment you’re the ruler of the house, the next you have no control over your surroundings. That’s just not how a cat’s mind works.
How to Tell If Your Cat Doesn’t Like Being Picked Up
They’ll let you know! Some cats give in meekly, while others will fight for their lives. Even if their beloved human is right there, it might not matter.
A cat resisting being picked up may:
- Struggle, squirm, or try to escape
- Meow or hiss
- Lash their tail side to side
- Freeze in fear and act like they “give up”
If your cat curls into a ball, has dilated pupils, and starts purring loudly, it’s not contentment—it’s fear. Reading cat body language is crucial. If you’re not familiar with all the warning signs, check out our article here → https://blog.mykotty.pl/en/2022/04/25/when-the-cat-says-no-cat-warning-signs/
It Has to be Done: How to Safely Pick Up a Cat?
Considering how stressful it can be for a cat to be picked up, the logical conclusion is: don’t do it unnecessarily. And that’s right—if your cat doesn’t enjoy being picked up during play, it’s best to respect their boundaries.
But what if the situation calls for it? It could be a vet visit, rescuing a cat from danger, or simply getting them ready for a nail trim. How do you pick up a cat in those moments without losing their trust, fabCat?
Safe Cat Lifting: Step by Step
- Crouch or sit nearby. Being at the cat’s eye level reduces distance and prevents panic.
- Place your leading hand on the chest. Just below the armpits, but don’t put all their weight there.
- Support the hindquarters with your other hand. This stabilizes their lower body and back legs.
- Hold the cat close. Being snug gives them a sense of security.
Always act calmly, gently, and make sure your cat can see what you’re doing. Never scoop them up by surprise. Remember: for both your safety and your cat’s, it’s not just the method of lifting that matters, but also the circumstances in which you do it.
Don’t pick up your cat just to introduce them to guests, another cat, or a dog. Avoid doing it in public places (for example, a vet’s waiting room) if your cat isn’t on a leash and might bolt. Unless it’s a critical situation that absolutely requires picking up your cat, only lift them when they feel comfortable and safe. This is the foundation of building trust.
PS: When putting your cat down, stay calm as well. Crouch and gently place your cat on the floor, a chair, or a sofa. If you let your cat jump out chaotically because they’re struggling, you’re teaching them that this is the best way to escape.
Mistakes to Avoid: The Most Common Errors When Picking Up Cats
You already know what to do. But which steps should you definitely avoid? Unless it’s about your cat’s health or safety, avoid grabbing your cat by surprise, sudden or jerky movements, holding them against their will (even if they panic), or picking them up by the scruff of the neck. This is a fast track to losing their trust. As with most cats: nothing by force, and everyone will be happier.
Why You Shouldn’t Pick Up a Cat by the Scruff
This method is well-known and was often recommended in the past—after all, mother cats carry their kittens this way. But for an adult cat, it’s completely the wrong approach. In the wild, outside of kittenhood, cats only use the scruff during mating or fighting.
So when we humans grab a cat this way, we take away their sense of confidence and control. The cat will feel threatened and try to escape, and because of the weight of their body (and often an inexperienced human grip), they could hurt themselves. In a state of helplessness, the cat might even freeze—but do we really need them to panic that badly?
You Can Do It, fabCat!
You don’t need extensive training to pick up cats—just know the basics and use plenty of common sense. And, of course, only do this with a cat that enjoys being lifted—otherwise, let them decide if they want to hop onto your lap. Our team cats handle being picked up and carried without issues when necessary. How about your cats, fabCats? Share your stories in the comments or on our myKotty Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/myKottypl/
