Whether large or small, all cats should be held with two hands, writes Cat Behavior Associates. To pick up your cat safely, behavior expert Marilyn Krieger tells Petcha, "Place one hand under her front legs and position your other hand so that it supports her back legs and hind quarters.
Never pick your cat up by the head or front legs only. “To pick up your cat, place one hand behind the front legs and another under the hindquarters. Lift gently.” Don't become a cat-napper: Hold your cat firmly, but not so tight that he feels like the star of a kitty crime drama.
But Liu says there are a few general guidelines, the first being to never grab, hold, or lift a cat by the scruff of their neck. “It can be painful, lead to significant fear and stress, and takes away their sense of control,” she says. Instead, when picking up a cat, use both hands to support them.
As a general rule, you should use both hands to pick up your cat. One hand should scoop up his behind while the other hand supports his front chest. Limit the amount of time your cat is dangling mid-air and provide your cat with as much body contact as possible to hold him securely.
For many cats, being picked up and lifted off the ground creates stress. If the cat is fearful or not used to being picked up, it can potentially create a situation in which someone may get scratched or bitten.
Use Positive Reinforcement Training
Teach your cat to remain calm when she's being held by using rewards and positive reinforcement. A verbal cue, like “hold,” can be used to prepare your cat to be touched and lifted; give the cue and gently touch your cat's side without lifting her at all.
You should use both hands, making sure not to leave their legs or body unsupported. One hand goes around or under the chest to hold the front end securely against you, and the other hand cups the back end and hindlegs. Try and hold them close against you for safety and so that they feel secure.
"People should never hold or restrain a cat by their scruff, as it could compromise their trust with the human handling them," say Dr. Miller. Overtime, your cat may associate the pain they feel from scruffing with you—which may cause them to fear you.
The best thing to do when a cat hisses is to back away and give them the space they're asking for. Rather than petting your cat or picking them up, talk in a low, soothing voice. Dr. Morici adds to check on your cat after they've had time to de-stress.
The Ragdoll breed is famous for their “Ragdoll flop” when they are picked up.
Cats typically don't like being petted on their tummy, legs/feet, or tail. Of course, there are always outliers—some cats will love every bit of affection, no matter where they're touched or who's doing it. But generally, you shouldn't pet a cat you don't know on their stomach or extremities.
You can position her so that her hind quarters are supported by the crook of your arm." She should end up securely cradled or sitting on one arm like a rabbit while your other arm makes a kitty seat-belt. A cat's legs should never dangle, as this can make her feel unsupported and unsafe.
However, the skin of the neck can only support a limited amount of weight and is not suited to support the body weight of an adult cat. You will certainly cause your cat pain and potentially injure it by literally picking it up by the scruff of the neck.
Respect Your Cat's Space
Although it might make you feel better, resist the urge to pick up or cuddle a frightened cat. “Forcing interactions on a nervous cat is never, ever a good idea,” says Nicole Larocco-Skeehan, a certified animal trainer and behavior consultant and owner of pet training facility Philly Unleashed.
Pick up the cat by the scruff of the neck if it is frightened. If the cat appears aggressive and scared, you can attempt to gently pick it up by the scruff of the neck, supporting its back feet with your other hand. This may calm the cat and allow you to control it.
Some cats hate to be held because it makes them feel restrained. Even the most loving hold is still a restraint. Cats are predators but they are also prey. That prey instinct tells them to be on the lookout and be ready to take off if need be.
They Feel Disrespected: For cats, being lifted up means you don't trust their ability to climb. Hence, they may want to jump up to prove their ability to do so. They Don't Like Feeling Restrained: Being cuddled can prevent cats from moving freely.
If your cat was a stray or someone else's cat before, they might have been treated badly which made them fearful of being held and restrained in any way. Sometimes, the fear can come from necessary situations such as being held at the vet while getting their shots or at the groomer while getting their nails trimmed.
Have your hands around his shoulders while he sits in your lap for five to ten seconds. Offer him a special treat and allow him to jump back on the floor. If your cat is comfortable with this step and can sit in your lap for brief periods, begin picking up his foot, letting go of the foot and offering him a treat.