Gently pick the cat up if it appears to have calmed down. Using your fingers, lightly grasp its front legs. Raise the cat slowly upwards, and press it gently against your body. Gently hold its chin with your other hand. Stop immediately and let the cat go if it begins to act aggressively again.
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.
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.
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.
Providing a safe place for a cat to release their aggression can help calm an angry cat. A scratching post can act as a great alternative to your furniture and cat towers or condos are perfect places for your cat to hide, sleep or have some privacy.
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.
Recognizing aggression and startling an aggressive cat without physical contact is usually effective. Avoid situations that you know make a cat aggressive. Separate cats that act aggressively toward each other and reintroduce slowly with positive reinforcement, as described in the Territorial Aggression section.
It involves holding a cat in a position of his own choosing and allowing him to move his head, body, and limbs. Sometimes towel-wrapping and even just wearing heavy gloves can do the trick when holding a cat who is feeling a loss of control. These methods are certainly more respectful of the cat's feelings.
Avoid loud noises and abrupt movements that might startle your cat. Refrain from looming over him, since it makes you appear larger and potentially threatening. Instead sit down on the floor to put yourself at his level. Try inviting your cat into your space instead of moving into his space.
Does picking cats up by the scruff hurt them? A. 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.
Yelling, clapping your hands, or shaking a can full of coins may halt a dog's unwanted behavior, but loud noises will only frighten your cat and teach her not to trust you. Instead of doling out punishment, consider what your cat's behavior might mean. Scratching the furniture could indicate boredom.
When you pick your cat up for a hug, pay close attention to what they do with their head. If they actively turn their head away from you and avoid eye contact then this is a sign that they feel uncomfortable and would prefer for you to put them back down.
Many reasons for this exist. The way the cat is approached before being picked up and how she is held often contributes to a cat having an unpleasant association with the experience. Cats need to be approached in a way that doesn't surprise or scare them and they also need to feel safe while being held.
Clingy or needy cats may need you for comfort or support. For example, a clingy cat may not eat unless you're near. They may spend their day as your quiet shadow and cry out when they're scared or need your help. Clingy or needy cats may have little confidence, whereas demanding cats may have too much confidence.
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.
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.