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.
Some cats are happy when you lift them from underneath, with your arms linked together to form a cradle of sorts, while others prefer to have their chest held against your torso, with their front paws resting on your shoulders or chest and their hind legs held securely under their back end.
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.
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.
Place your outer arm underneath the cat's chest (and belly) and the other hand in front of the cat–on his chest (to control his front legs). Pick up your cat so that he is parallel to the ground. Keep him facing away from you and in the direction you are bringing him.
The longer you hold a squirmy, unhappy cat, the more she'll hate being held the next time. If your cat hates being picked up and held, slow down and just focus on being able to put one hand on her side and then releasing. Work up to placing a hand on each side and then letting go.
Respect Your Cat's Space
Although it might make you feel better, resist the urge to pick up or cuddle a frightened cat.
According to the ASPCA, both the front and back legs should be supported. 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.”
Cats hiss at people because they feel intimidated or don't recognize the person's smells. They might even pick up the smell of another animal on your friend! If this happens, tell your friend not to approach your cat or try to pet her. The best action is to ignore your cat.
Make sure to put their same familiar things in the new room (a small bit of food, water, toys, bed, and litter box), so that they have comforting scents around them. Scatter some treats around the room to encourage them to explore while they're in there.
Lifting a cat or suspending its body weight by its scruff (the skin on the back of its neck) is unnecessary and potentially painful. And it's certainly not the most respectful or appropriate way to pick up or handle your cat.
Being picked up and held can make some cats nervous, as they are being restrained in your arms. This limits their options for escape if anything were to startle them. Cats are independent creatures, and although they often like to be up high, they like to choose their own perch and not be restrained whilst doing so.
Over handling of cats
Cats can enjoy being stroked, but every cat is different. Some like being stroked a lot. For others it will be strictly on their terms only! Being stroked or picked up when it's not wanted or enjoyed is stressful for them.
Cats can vary significantly in their comfort level at being carried. Some cats won't let you hold them at all, others might allow it but glare at you with quiet scorn, while still others might absolutely love it, even seeking out a person's arms or shoulders as their preferred perch.
No, when used correctly, cat backpacks are not cruel. In fact, once they get used to it, many kitties enjoy riding in a backpack. Then again, cat backpacks may not work for every kitty. Some felines hate carriers of any kind, and if that's the case with your cat, you may have a hard time getting him into a backpack.
THE FIRST NIGHT AT HOME
Set up one small room in your home with a litter tray, food, water and a cat bed. Take your cat into the room and place them in the litter tray so they know where it is. Close the door but stay in the room. Spend some time in the room with them to observe how they are acting.
Most cats will adjust within one to two weeks. If you have a multiple-animal household, it may take several months for everyone to fully adjust.
This is usually about 4 weeks, but could be longer for some shy and timid cats. Whilst your cat is settling in, they may exhibit behaviours including: Hiding.