Most cats want to be supported under the chest so they can rest their front paws on your arm. This is the typical way many cat parents carry their cats in safe environments.
Some cats like to perch their legs on your arm and look back over your shoulder so they can enjoy the view. Others like to be held on their backs like a human baby. Nigbur says as you explore, pet her and talk to her to make her feel more comfortable and secure.
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.
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. Be sure to secure all four of their legs so that they don't dangle.
Some people might think that it's safe to pick up a cat by the scruff of their neck as this is how mother cats pick up their kittens. But humans are not mother cats and kittens lose scruff as they grow older. Picking up a cat by the scruff can actually cause trauma, pain and muscle damage.
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.
Cats receive and respond to baby talk.
This tendency, termed “pet-directed speech,” has been found to capture the attention of dogs and horses, and is also thought to capture the attention of kitties given their demonstrated ability to pick up on human cues.
Not only is scruffing a cat a counterproductive way of attempting to restrain or immobilize them, but it can also lead to a lack of trust between you and your feline. "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.
Turns out, it depends on the cat. Some cats are socialized as kittens to be held and kissed, while others haven't had that exposure and might be put off by a kiss as an expression of love. So, some cats like it and some cats don't—but there are ways of detecting the category into which your feline friend falls.
"Cat owners should not force attention on cats. Though cats enjoy human attention, they like it in smaller doses than dogs, and on their own terms. Owners should respect this basic need of their feline friends and never force attention on them, such as holding them against their will," said Hauser.
Sleeping with you provides them with security and an extra defense if a predator should launch a nighttime attack. They sleep with you because they trust you, they know you're not a danger and you can also provide an extra layer of defense if needed.
One of the most common ways that cats sleep, your furkid lying on her side, with legs outstretched usually means she trusts you enough to leave her belly exposed. This is a comfortable position for cats, similar to the belly up position.
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.
Cats may be more relaxed and less stressed when covered by a blanket, which can help them get better sleep. Blankets also carry their owners' scent, which cats recognize as part of their home and family.
Scruffing could also be painful and harmful to the cat. Since the pet is lifted off the ground or table entirely by the skin off her neck, it could be extremely uncomfortable for the feline, causing her to act out due to stress and fear. This could lead to injuries.
Does purring mean your cat is happy? 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.
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.
Using “baby talk” could effectively grab your cat's attention, a small study finds.
Ditch the catnip and try baby talk instead. Yes, you read that right: A recent study revealed that getting your pet's attention is as simple as speaking with a high-pitched tone and extended vowels, just like how you'd communicate with a human baby.
Cats don't cry tears when they're sad or in pain. But Halls says whether your cat is experiencing emotional or physical pain, they'll exhibit behavioral changes that could include vocal crying. The sound of a cat crying is typically longer in duration and lower in frequency than day-to-day cat chatter.
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.
Cats can become very anxious or frightened when they're not in control and have a limited ability to escape, so don't try to hold one against its will. Some cats may feel unstable when they're held, while others may associate being picked up with being taken to the vet.