Although long believed to be a harmless way to provide restraint and mimic how a mother cat picks up her kittens, scruffing is actually not a secure way to restrain a cat, and it's also a forceful technique that induces fear and anxiety in most pets.
Cat scruffing takes away their sense of control: This increases their fear and stress, potentially leading to aggression. Scruffing is uncomfortable and may even be painful for the cat. Scruffing could also damage your relationship with your cat.
Species appropriate punishment such as “hissing” or the use of punishment devices such as a water sprayer, can of compressed air, or hand held alarm are better than using any physical techniques since they are less likely to lead to fear and retaliation.
Why does scruffing a cat paralyze them? It's an instinctive reaction. When somebody has themby the scruff of their neck, its kind of like us being held up by our throats, only a lot less painful. That's how their caretaker would pick them up as kittens, either to carry them around, or stop them from doing something.
It seems to be common knowledge that scruffing a kitten will temporarily calm them as it is the way their mothers pick them up to move them around, HOWEVER... scruffing a cat past 8 months of age isn't a good idea. The heavier they get the more problems this can cause.
Don't use your hands to pin the cat down or wrestle with her. In addition to the danger of you ending up injured, it changes the tone from play to battle where the cat views you as an opponent. Cats don't wrestle their prey to the ground and they don't want to be wrestled to the ground by an adult human.
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.
In adult cats, scruffing triggers fear and stress rather than relaxation. The only time an adult cat is held by the scruff is during mating—if a female in estrus, or “heat”—or when under attack by a predator.
Most cats enjoy having the sides of their chin rubbed and scratched. They also rub their chin vertical surfaces - door frames, table and chair legs, etc. In addition to feeling good, this action also deposits pheromones on the rubbed-on surface.
About 0.055 seconds. But seriously… you should never pick an adult cat up by its scruff. The loose skin at the back of a cat's neck is not meant to support an adult cat's full body weight; the tissues can tear, injuring your cat.
Cats are very sensitive creatures and will become overstimulated by too much petting, regardless of how much they enjoy it. Some cats are overstimulated much more easily than others and may even react violently if touched in the wrong way.
Place your forefinger and middle finger on top of the cat's head and your thumb and ring finger under the jaw. This hold is a great alternative to scruffing calm cats, while allowing you access to scruff the cat if absolutely necessary.
As a general guide, most friendly cats will enjoy being touched around the regions where their facial glands are located, including the base of their ears, under their chin, and around their cheeks. These places are usually preferred over areas such as their tummy, back and base of their tail.
Headbutting is a way for cats to mark you with pheromones and bond with you. However, sometimes headbutting can be a way for cats to seek attention. As a general rule, cats like to be scratched under the chin and on the head, so a cat may just be presenting their head to you for some attention and good scratches.
In addition to being petted, do cats like to be held? Sometimes. Most cats love to snuggle, and they're typically responsive to being held if you introduce them to it gradually. The best way to approach your cat for a hug is to start with a few soft pets, then carefully pick them up.
In most cases, cats will purr when they are in a relaxed environment, sending out waves of calmness. This may also occur when you stroke them, and if this is the case, your feline friend is feeling happy or sociable. However, cats purr to communicate other emotions and needs, too.
When cats feel threatened, they usually respond in three ways to the object, person or situation they perceive as a threat: fight, flee or freeze. Some cats become so frightened they lose control of their bladder or bowels and eliminate right where they are.
As a general rule, cats are sensitive when it comes to smells, but there are a few scents they hate that might just surprise you. They can't stand citrus and as much as you might love the smell of fresh herbs, cats hate rosemary and thyme. Banana and mustard are a big no-no too, as well as lavender and eucalyptus.