How to properly hold a cat in your arms so that it is pleasant for the owner and the pet? Why does a cat not like to sit in your arms and how to hold it correctly How to hold a cat correctly when taking medications or bathing

At what age should you start raising a kitten?

Raising a kitten should begin before two months from birth.
Usually during this period the baby is still in the nursery or with the breeder, as he needs his mother and milk feeding. The cat instills basic skills and rules of behavior. The breeder teaches the kitten to toilet, and the mother teaches other cat skills. With such a kitten there are fewer problems, it is easier to train them to the new requirements of the owners. The situation is much more complicated with kittens found on the street - these are ill-mannered cats that have not received the necessary skills for living with humans, but the situation can be corrected.

One of the main requirements is to let the kitten get stronger, get good health and immunity. Caring for an animal will give it good health and proper psyche

You need to start accustoming him to the tray from the very first days, but with caution, without using physical force in case of mistakes

At the age of 3-4 months, the kitten is very active, plays a lot, plays pranks and even misbehaves. During this period, it is worth showing rigor and patience. You need to demonstrate a firm tone, but without punishment or violence.

Is it possible to tame an adult cat to a new owner?

A cat tolerates a change of owner more easily than a dog. The exception is socially oriented breeds, for example, Oriental Siamese. They will gradually become affectionate with their new owners, but the first one is the only one for life.

The best way to train, even for a sexually mature individual, is not food, but play. First, an adult cat must get used to the territory. It is better to leave your pet to explore its new home on its own, and after a while offer some food from your hands. Just like a treat. At the same time, do not forget to talk measuredly, but not to stroke.

As soon as the cat gets used to it a little, you can:

lightly scratch a chair or furniture - so that the cat reacts to the sound near the owner;
roll a ball or ball of wool near you, inviting you to play;
“drive” a candy wrapper.

The cat quickly joins the game. After a while, you should again give a piece of food from your hand and praise it.

Why you can't drag a cat by the scruff of the neck

Thanks to the innate reflex, the kitten, when the mother cat drags it, grabbing it by the scruff of the neck, relaxes its body, and also tucks its hind legs and tail. Temporary paralysis is explained by pinching of a bundle of nerves located on the back of the neck. It is much easier for a cat to move a relaxed and non-resisting baby to a safe place. During carrying, the cat does not cause any harm or pain to its cub. The scruff of a cat's neck is considered the most painless part of the body. However, adult pets cannot be lifted or dragged by the scruff of the neck.

Cats drag kittens, biting the scruff of the neck with their teeth

Reasons are physiological

The ban on lifting an adult cat by the scruff of the neck is explained by physiology:

A mature animal's skin is rougher and less elastic than that of a small kitten. The skin does not stretch well and may even tear.
The neck muscles may become damaged (stretched or torn), since the pet is already quite heavy.
The rough skin becomes very tight and puts pressure on the throat, making it difficult for the cat to breathe.
A sharp grab by the scruff of the neck can even damage the spine (in rare cases).

You can't hit a cat!

Cats are not used to obeying, therefore, their owners often have difficulty raising their pets. The biggest mistake in raising wayward animals is the use of physical force. You can't hit cats. This method cannot solve the problem; you will only lose her trust. The animal will begin to associate you with pain.

If you punish a cat for bad behavior, the results will only be visible the first time. Over time, such “education” ceases to work completely.

Aggression for educational purposes on the part of the owner is assessed by the animal in its own way; the cat may lose its pride and you will no longer have a normal relationship with your pets.

Ways to train a kitten

Sometimes you can’t just calmly sit a kitten in your arms, because it gets scared and, even when it recognizes the person, continues to struggle. In order for a pet to be willingly given into the owner’s hands, it is necessary to accustom it to this, if it itself does not show a desire to actively make contact. As soon as the kitten realizes that communicating with the owner, when he takes him in his hands, brings him pleasure, the baby himself will strive to cuddle the person. Be sure to hold the kitten correctly, caress the pet and talk calmly to it. It’s very good if the cat starts playing while in your arms.

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The kitten will quickly stop being afraid to be handled if you use one of the training methods below.

Using the characteristics of animal physiology. After the kitten has eaten well, it begins to feel sleepy, since maximum energy is spent on digesting food. If the animal is warm and comfortable at this moment, it will begin to experience special pleasure. The owner may well provide the pet with the illusion that he is lying next to his mother if he picks up a well-fed, dozing kitten and cuddles him, but without squeezing. Gradually, the baby will get used to the fact that sitting in your arms is very pleasant and safe. Talk. Monotonous, affectionate conversation with the kitten gradually begins to relax it

At this moment, the owner has the opportunity to gently stroke the pet behind the ear or in the throat area. If the kitten reacted calmly to such affection, you need to place your palms on its sides

If the baby does not break free here, he is carefully picked up. When the kitten tries to escape, you should not restrain it by force. Such sessions must be repeated several times a day, until the baby agrees to stay on the owner’s lap. Lure with a treat. This method is most suitable for kittens who are particularly freedom-loving and cannot combine being held in their arms with pleasant sensations. Using a treat, the owner lures the pet onto his lap. While the kitten is eating the treat, you need to stroke it on the back, but under no circumstances hold it by force. Gradually, the baby will get used to the fact that it is pleasant to be held and will actively seek the company of the owner. Overcoming the fear of heights. As strange as it may sound, some cats are terrified of heights. Because of this, when a kitten is picked up incorrectly and he perceives what is happening as floating in the air, he experiences a severe shock. This phenomenon can be prevented simply by starting to hold the baby correctly. Then his fear of hands will go away. You need to take the kitten with one hand under the armpits, and place the other under its hind legs. After this, the baby should be held close to you, but not squeezed. If the fear is panicky, then first you need to accustom the kitten to your hands while sitting on the floor. Training in the game. This method is suitable for active kittens who are not yet ready to exchange free time for affection. When playing with such a baby with a toy, you should gradually pull it onto your lap. After the kitten jumps into your arms, you need to let him catch the toy here and enjoy the catch. While the kitten is playing in your arms, you can pet it. Gradually, such games with jumping into hands will lead to the fact that the animal will not only completely get used to the hands, but will not be able to do without affection and close contact with a person. With this nature of the pet, you should often allow the cat to sit in your arms while playing with the owner.

The choice of method depends on the individual characteristics of the kitten, and each owner must evaluate for himself which method is optimal in his case. In principle, accustoming a kitten to affection cannot fail, you just don’t need to stubbornly follow a method that is not suitable, but need to be creative in your approach.

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Why do cats like to sit in their owner's arms?

Why do cats climb into their owners' arms? It turns out that in addition to the desire to refresh themselves, they may have many more reasons.

The cat feels protected in the owner's arms

Cats have been living with people since ancient times, people take care of them and are touched by the behavior of their pets. To this day, these wayward animals have not fully opened up to their owners. Cats generally get used to the place, and not to the owner, and they show affection only when they want to achieve what they want.

Being in the arms of the owner can be a habit from birth

Cat in the hands of a child

As a rule, cats react negatively when they are picked up by a child. Why? There are several reasons:

children do not know how to recognize a pet’s reactions and let him go in time;
children do not know how or are physically unable to hold a cat correctly, causing it pain and inconvenience;
children can chase the animal to catch it.

The result of such communication often becomes stress and trauma for the cat and child.

Therefore, it is important to tell your child how to interact with an animal correctly.

Vasya, you definitely don’t want to be held in your arms

Step 1. Do not allow “unsupervised” contact between the child and the cat. Explain to the baby all the pet’s reactions, tell them how to establish contact correctly.

Step 2. Show how to properly pick up and hold a cat in your arms. It is better not to lift a cat for a child under 5-6 years old - he simply will not be able to hold it correctly.

Step 3: Explain how to tell if your cat is unhappy and wants to be let go.

Explain to your child how to understand that the cat is unhappy

Step 4. Show how to properly release the cat without dropping it on the floor.

Step 5. Tell us what not to do with a cat (chase, pull the tail, catch, hold by force, hit).

Video - how to hold a cat correctly

In order for your cat to enjoy sitting in your arms, it is important to carefully monitor her reactions, understand them and respond flexibly. Then your relationship with your pet will be mutually pleasant and useful

Basic methods

The most important thing is to support the cat's torso. Place at least one hand under your pet's chest so that the hand rests on his body and not on his shoulder joints.

In the picture on the left, the main load falls on the animal's armpits. “It’s not very comfortable for the cat and it’s not particularly safe,” says Dr. Birstyn.

Angelica Alzona / lifehacker.com

In the other two cases shown in the picture, the cat's chest and stomach are supported by your hands. This will not cause discomfort to your pet, and it will be easier for you to carry it. You can place your palm under the front legs or let them hang down. But in general, cats prefer to be held under the chest or belly and brought closer to the body.

Even if you hold your cat correctly, he may scratch you with his hind claws if he is nervous. To avoid this, orient the animal's back perpendicular to your body, as shown in the third picture. Hold your pet's chest with one hand and press his back to your body with the other.

How to train a British cat to sit in your arms

The British woman doesn’t want to be held, she shows it all with her behavior

Otherwise, the cat will be wary of such attempts, and it will be difficult to establish the same contact with it.

You can try to accustom your kitten to holding hands. The sooner you do this, the sooner he will get used to it. However, if something doesn’t go well during the learning process, and the kitten stubbornly refuses physical contact, you should not insist. Moreover, under no circumstances should force be used. In this case, the animal will stop trusting the person and begin to hide from him.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=-CzXr-9zQ_c

When training a cat, you need to act gradually and not force things.

It is important to carefully observe the kitten, understand when it is most inclined to contact and use this in further training

Only affection, attention to the pet and observation of the owners can bear fruit. A skillful approach to the learning process and the desire to understand the character traits of your pet will help turn an independent, selfish Briton into a devoted friend.

How to properly hold a cat in your arms?

The animal should be near the chest. Never squeeze it, just press it lightly towards you. Make sure that the animal's body remains almost straight. Do not allow it to sag or be placed upside down. If your pet feels discomfort, it will try to escape from your hands. Sharp claws and teeth can be used to achieve this goal. The cat's head should be slightly higher than the body.

You cannot lift an animal by the scruff of the neck, despite the prevalence of this technique. If cats drag kittens in this way, this does not mean that this method of movement is also suitable for adults. After 3 months, the cat is large, so lifting it by the withers will cause it severe pain and risk muscle injury.

How and in what cases should you not pick up a cat?

In order for the cat to sit calmly in your arms and not try to run away at the first opportunity, you need to choose the right moment for contact. Firstly, you should not pick up your cat while playing. Excited and playful, she may inadvertently scratch, and calm communication at this moment is unlikely to be achieved.

You should not distract your pet from his nap or wake him up if he is sleeping - a disrupted rest will not add to his complacency.

There is no point in trying to pick up a hunting pet, even if it is hunting a fly.

Hunting is an important activity for a pet.

The biggest mistake an owner makes is trying to grab their cat out of a fight with their hands. Instead of your beloved pet, you will find an angry fury in your arms, which can not only scratch, but also bite the owner.

You cannot lift an adult by the scruff, tail, paws or turn the animal upside down.

In order not to lose the trust of your pet, you should not hold him in your arms by force. If your pet begins to struggle, becomes nervous, or meows, you should immediately release it. You cannot throw a cat from a height or let it go abruptly and unexpectedly - the surprise can damage its paws. The best option would be to carefully place the animal on its paws, holding it under its belly. If the animal does not show aggression and does not run away immediately, then it is recommended to pat it on the back several times. Let the pet remember the positive experience of being in the arms of its owner.

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How to pick up and hold a kitten

It is generally not recommended to pick up small newborn kittens, since their muscular, skeletal and nervous systems are not yet fully formed. In addition, some cats may refuse a kitten if they smell someone else's scent.

It is not only possible to pick up an older, more independent kitten, but even necessary. Kittens that have been in close contact with people since childhood are more trusting, tame and calm. To pick up a kitten, you need to support it under its tummy with one hand and under its butt with the other, pressing its tail between its hind legs.

Second phase

The first stage of acquaintance requires caution, since the cat can attack a person and scratch him. Check in first, demonstrating friendliness and respect

To find out the cat's mood, place a palm above its head. If he nuzzles or purrs, he allows himself to be petted.

If the cat rubs against his legs and purrs, then perhaps he is bored and wants attention. Unconditional trust is evidenced by the fact that the animal sits comfortably on the person's lap.

A cat rubbing against its legs is a good sign

Next, they ensure that the cat climbs onto her lap on her own.

Then they carefully teach her to limit her movements and lift her into her arms. At first, to avoid injuries in the form of scratches and bites, wear long sleeves and do not walk with bare legs or bare feet.

You can't look a cat in the eyes

When the cat begins to calmly perceive the presence of the new owner, you can spend some time with her - for example, 30-60 minutes, for example, reading a book. And the cat is offered toys that are sold in a pet store.

Choosing a toy for a cat

Fear of touch takes a long time to heal, but the new owner must be patient. At first, the cat is not picked up and contact is not required if the animal seeks privacy. Light touches are only possible if the pet itself approaches the person.

Nervous excitement should always be a signal to stop contact. And it manifests itself like this:

the tail trembles;
ears drooped towards the head;
shoulders and limbs tense;
pupils are dilated.

Full pupils and pinched ears are a sign of tension

You should not immediately try to pick up the cat, as this will most likely result in injuries - bites and scratches.

How to calm a cat in your arms

The cat that was purring while clinging to you five minutes ago suddenly became nervous? This is a common occurrence that bewilders the owners - how can it be, everything was just fine!

I loved and hated...

Animal psychologists explained this feature of cat behavior. The paradox is that the animal simultaneously likes and does not like the caresses of its owner. At the genetic level, she perceives such close contact as a sign of danger. As long as the cat can, it tolerates touching, but as soon as its patience is full and the sensation becomes unpleasant, it tries to run away, bites, scratches, and nervously licks itself.

Pay close attention to the behavior of your pet sitting in your arms. If the cat actively moves, fidgets, meows, or tries to escape, it means that it is experiencing discomfort. Under no circumstances should you hold your pet against his will, otherwise contact will become a source of fear, anxiety and uncertainty for him.

Cat aggression doesn't just happen.

What to do if a cat breaks out? Place it on the floor and let it “go crazy” - having relieved tension, the cat will relax and, perhaps, come back to be petted. If the level of aggression is too high, lock the animal in a separate room with a minimum of traumatic objects. To avoid such situations in public places, keep your cat in a carrier. You can also give your cat a sedative before the trip.

If you still have the cat in your hands, there is no carrier, and you are in a public place, go to a place where there are fewer people and other irritating factors. Allow the cat to hide its face in the crook of your elbow or the folds of your clothing. Talk to her quietly and affectionately while scratching behind the ear or stroking her cheeks. Don't shout or punish - this will only make things worse.

Adviсe

If there is no other way out and you need to take the cat by the scruff of the neck, this must be done very carefully so as not to cause any inconvenience to the animal. It is worth monitoring his reaction; movements should be confident, skillful, and not clumsy, because cats are very sensitive to the movements and actions of their owner and other people around them. Wariness, fear, and concern for the cat should be left for the future, when the job is done. If the cat senses this in the owner, it will begin to wriggle out and try to escape, thereby hurting itself. You need to take your pet correctly. To begin with, you should feel for a good fold on the back of the neck so that it is convenient to grab it. Next, slowly lift the cat, but only a little, to look at the reaction. At this moment, the cat's paws should still touch the ground.

If the animal is frozen and does not show aggression, you can slowly continue to raise it. It is very important to grab only a good, large fold, since if the hand grabs little skin, the cat may slip out.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=aursPvtW5b8

How to properly hold a cat in your arms

When holding your cat close to your chest, be guided by its habits and reactions. Every pet and owner is unique, and so will your relationship. However, there are a number of universal recommendations that will help you and your cat understand each other and enjoy communication.

Hold your pet lightly against your chest, with its head and neck raised up - this is how the animal is most comfortable.
The cat should sit on one of your hands, and it is best to support it under the chest with the other hand. If she doesn’t like it that way, she will take a comfortable position herself - the main thing is not to interfere with her initiative.
Never lift your pet by the scruff of the neck! A mother cat carries her kittens this way, but this is only possible due to the small weight of the kitten. An adult animal weighs much more, so it will be painful and uncomfortable.

It is better not to handle newborn kittens at all - there is a risk of skeletal deformation. In addition, some cats are capable of abandoning their cubs due to the foreign smell.

Kittens should not be picked up too early

When not to pick up a cat:

with an unstable emotional state;

while playing or hunting;
during naps and sleep;
during a fight.

In all these cases, the animal can react unpredictably aggressively. You should also not hold the cat with its paws up - in this position it feels trapped and in danger, and is able to wriggle out, scratching your face. Wash the affected area with soap and water, then treat with a topical antibiotic. For bites or deep scratches, consult a doctor.

How to let go of a cat? Do not throw it on the floor - an unsuccessful landing may cause injury. Gently place him on his paws as soon as he begins to show signs of displeasure.

We take the cat in our arms correctly

Contents hide

We continue the series of publications addressed to beginning cat owners. After reading the title, some of our readers will exclaim: “And it was necessary to devote a separate article to this trivial issue? It’s just that the author is paid for the amount of text he writes.” We immediately answer our potential critics: your cat is far from indifferent to how and with what techniques you want to pick her up. We emphasize: purrs do not tolerate rude and unceremonious treatment of them. Let's say more - some cats categorically object to being picked up and cuddled. They have the right to this: no one likes it when their personal space is rudely violated.

For your attention, dear beginning cat owners, here are some simple and accessible tips and recommendations.

First. Cats always put their personal safety first. Just imagine how their world collapses when someone sneaks up from behind, picks them up and carries them somewhere up. Before you do such things, try to understand what kind of temperament your pet has. He is timid, fearful, anxious - there is no need to pick him up at all. The cat shows its displeasure, breaks out and even scratches - leave it alone. Pay attention to accompanying signs: dilated pupils, tense body, folded ears, hissing and displeased rumbling. If you don’t want to put your pet into a stressful situation or get a painful bite, it’s better to put such “experiments” aside. The main advice is this: if you want to adopt a cat, do it as safely as possible for her.

Second. Cats also have different moods. In most cases, the purr caresses itself and makes contact. Some animals, which are distinguished by their friendliness, themselves jump on their knees or make other signs to be caressed and stroked. Try to respect such a request, if possible. On the contrary: the pet has retired, wants to be alone, calmly puts itself in order - do not disturb its plans.

Third. Do you disagree with the previous advice? Hmm, this is your chance to show that you are the boss here. Show your pet his favorite toys or treats, and then go to the place that you have chosen in advance. If you want, you can call out to your pet. If he was not “tempted” and continued to do his own thing, then you lost this round.

Fourth. There are various kinds of force majeure situations when there is simply no time for “politeness” and “tenderness”. For example, there is an urgent trip ahead, and the cat needs to be quickly placed in a carrier bag. In this case, change tactics. Do not step on the animal from the front (alternatively, with a fierce expression on your face), do not drive it into a corner. Such actions will be regarded as a threat. It is better to take the pet as quietly as possible, either from behind, or approach it from an angle. Ideally, you need to practice a little and make sure that the purr gets used to trips and is not afraid of them.

Fifth. Always take the cat with both hands: one hand gently and carefully clasps it, and the other supports the chest in front. It is highly undesirable to allow an animal to fall. A cat is able to survive a fall from the fifth floor, but a jump from the level of its owner’s chest is quite dangerous.

Sixth. There is no need to turn your furry pet into a circus tightrope walker or a trapeze artist. Do not toss it in the air, dangle it, or shake it.

Seventh. Do not smother a cat in your arms, even with the best and kindest intentions. A cat will not understand such tenderness; on the contrary, she will decide that her life is in serious danger.

Eighth. Don't grab your pet by the scruff of the neck. You may know that this is how a mother cat carries her kittens in the first few weeks of their lives. But this method of movement is not suitable for adult “heavy” cats with rounded barrels; it simply becomes painful for them. The minimum is uncomfortable.

Ninth. Try to observe your pet more, its body language, and signals. Soon you will figure it out for yourself and understand what the purr likes quite well, and which of your actions she does not like at all. Remember: no two cats are alike.

Tenth. Cats have a rather sensitive sense of smell. Some odors irritate them greatly, such as perfume or menthol. Don't be surprised and understand your pet correctly!

Original : How to Pet & Handle Cats. Picking Up Cats. Authors : Dr. Isabelle Farly, Dr. Ilona Rodan. Source: catfriendly.com Photo: pixabay.com

How to tame a wild kitten

First you need to determine how scared or aggressive the kitten is:

The most difficult cases are considered to be when an animal hisses at a person or even tries to attack him - such feral cats probably did not receive affection from people for a long time or were born on the street;
If a kitten meows and does not run away at the sight of a person, then it was probably recently kicked out into the street.

In the first case, you need to be more careful, since the kitten can respond to any wrong action with aggression and run away.

Try to pick up the kitten carefully, without grabbing its paws or tail. Carrying is also acceptable

The new resident should be allowed to get comfortable in the house on their own. This will help him feel more comfortable. Gradually, the kitten needs to be shown where the food and toilet are. Don't yell at the cat, and especially don't hit him. If the pet sees that it is not in danger, then, having satisfied its hunger, it will look for a place to sleep. After this, you can proceed directly to taming your pet.

You shouldn’t expect a wild cat to get used to the house in a couple of hours; give it a few days and don’t disturb it with unnerving procedures.

When the kitten remembers where his food is and stops hiding from you, try giving him a treat from your hand

If he accepts it, you can try to gently stroke his head and back. Next, there are two options for the development of events:

if the kitten runs away from you, then you need to leave it alone, but repeat the steps of feeding it with treats three times a day or more often;
If the kitten reacts normally to stroking, making it clear that it likes it, you should try placing it on your lap.

It is better to sit on the floor. This way you won’t have to lift your pet too high, and he won’t be frightened by a sudden change in position. If after this the kitten immediately wants to jump to the floor, do not stop it or hold it by force. It is better to repeat the steps after some time. This will let your animal know that he can feel comfortable with you.

Is it possible to tame an adult cat?

Adult animals can also be tamed and taught to accept affection, but this is more difficult to do. This is due to the fact that they have already formed their character and developed certain habits. In addition, wild animals may remember being hurt by other people.

Otherwise, the methods for taming adult animals are similar to those used for kittens. A calm atmosphere, delicious food, gentle touches and the absence of stressful situations will help turn a wild furry into an affectionate and grateful friend.

Before accustoming your cat to handling, feed him well. A sleepy animal that does not feel hungry will become more docile and will be more willing to be handled. But at the same time, you should not overdo it with food; do not feed your pet just to hold it on your lap.

It is believed that adult cats, unlike kittens, pay attention to the owner’s voice and intonation. Talk to your cat while you feed him, and continue to talk while you pet him, scratch behind the ears, etc.

p. After some time, the cat will develop an associative connection, and he will perceive your voice as a signal for something pleasant. Listening to him, the cat will sit in your arms without experiencing the same discomfort.

In extreme cases, you can purchase cat sprays with pheromones at pet stores, but you should not abuse them.

If your pet has a playful nature, then you can try to lure him onto your lap using his favorite mouse or bow. Let the cat jump on your legs and catch the “prey”, and then release the toy. This way, your pet will unconsciously get used to the fact that it is safe to be on your lap.

Be prepared for the fact that during such games the cat may scratch you; do not scold him for this so as not to scare him away.

How to properly pick up and hold a cat in your arms so as not to cause inconvenience to the animal?

How many cat owners, when picking them up, think about the fact that their inept actions could cause them discomfort, and in some cases, harm? Meanwhile, you need to be able to do it correctly.

To ensure that the pet does not break free, calmly walks into the owner’s arms and gladly receives affection from him, you need to take into account several nuances.

Each owner of such a pet is recommended to know not only how to properly hold a cat in his arms, but also how he should be picked up from the floor and what actions should be avoided.

How to pick up a cat?

It would seem that what is so difficult about picking up a pet? However, not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance. If you pick up a cat from the floor incorrectly, it can become very nervous and break free, injuring its owner. Following the following sequence of actions will help you do this correctly:

Approach the animal calmly and slowly. At the same time, you should not make sudden movements so as not to scare the cat. It is also recommended to make sure that the pet is in a good mood and is ready for close contact with the owner.
Affectionately call the cat by name.
Pet the cat, scratch him behind the ear.

Place one hand under the animal's body behind the front legs, take the other hand, holding it by the hind legs, and carefully lift it. It is recommended to do this only after the pet relaxes during the petting process and purrs, showing pleasure from gentle words addressed to itself. It is generally not recommended to handle kittens under 1 month of age. Pets aged 1 to 6 months are picked up, holding one palm under the belly and the other under the butt. The tail must be carefully placed between the hind legs.
Carefully hold the cat close to you so that he feels the warmth emanating from the owner and understands that he is completely safe.

Is it possible to lift an adult animal by the withers?

It is not recommended to lift your pet by the skin between the shoulder blades.

If mother cats move their cubs from place to place in this way, this does not mean that this method of movement is also suitable for adults.

It is forbidden to pick up and hold representatives of the cat family by the withers, because after 3 months of age they become quite large and heavy, and such an action can lead to a neck injury.

How should you keep your pet?

You also need to know how to hold your pet correctly. It is recommended to follow the following rules:

Place the animal near the chest so that its head is slightly higher than the level of the body.
Gently hold the cat close to you, avoiding too much squeezing. Excessive pressure will not only cause her discomfort, but can also cause pain, and in some cases lead to injury, especially if we are talking about a kitten whose skeletal system has not yet fully strengthened.
Make sure your pet's body is straight. It is not recommended to allow the animal's body to sag and place it upside down. An uncomfortable position will cause the cat, experiencing discomfort, to begin to violently break free from your hands. If you don't let her go right away, she can bite and scratch her owner.

How to release an animal?

Typically, cats do not like to be in the arms of the owner for a long time, and even if you correctly pick up and hold the pet in your arms, after some time he will want to be free.

This does not mean that the animal dislikes its owner.

This behavior is caused by animal instincts, which dictate to representatives of the cat family the desire for the most free existence.

If your cat starts to get restless and fidget, it's time to put her down on the floor. It is not recommended to hold your pet by force. It is also forbidden to try to do this by shouting.

It will begin to escape from your hands, and if claws and teeth are used, it is unlikely that you will be able to avoid injury.

Moreover, the animal may lose trust in its owner and subsequently begin to reject any attempts to pick it up.

It is forbidden to throw the cat or let go too abruptly. In the first case, the animal, especially a kitten, can be injured. When a cat is suddenly released, it can release its claws, leaving deep wounds on the owner’s hands.

When should you not pick up a cat?

It is not always possible to pick up a pet. To do this, it is recommended to seize a convenient moment. You should not try to hug a cat when she:

Too busy. It is not recommended to distract your pet from playing or watching birds outside the window. An excited or enthusiastic animal is unlikely to want to be distracted from an interesting activity. If you try to pick it up, it will squirm furiously, using its claws and teeth.
Dozing or sleeping. A pet, torn from Morpheus's embrace, is unlikely to appreciate attempts to embrace him.
Hunts. Hunting for representatives of the cat family is considered an extremely important activity, and even if its object is a sunbeam or a fly, the animal should not be distracted.

Fights with brothers or other domestic or street animals. Trying to snatch a cat from a fight is a huge mistake on the part of its owner. Instead of a cute pet, you will find an angry creature in your arms, which, in its enraged state, is capable of causing serious injuries to its owner.
Eating or washing. Just like hunting, cats treat food intake and hygiene procedures with special trepidation. You can pick up your pet only after he has finished eating and washing himself.

Kittens need to be accustomed to such close contact from an early age. To do this you need:

encourage your four-legged baby with a treat after he is in your arms;
stroke and caress your pet as often as possible in order to develop in him an understanding that the owner’s hands are not fraught with danger;
teach a kitten to fall asleep in a hug - close contact with a person will be associated with comfort, calm and safety;
Don’t shoo the baby away when he asks to be held; it’s usually enough to spend a few minutes with him.

Source: https://MurKoshka.ru/uhod/kak-pravilno-brat-kota-na-ruki.html

How to explain to a child why you should not hit an animal

Some children at a certain age exhibit some aggressive behavior towards our little brothers. This in no way indicates that the child is depraved or has a bad character. It’s just that a period of personal development has come in his life. He is trying to prove to himself and others that he has some weight in the world. And this proof is most often expressed in tangibly changing something in him through his actions. Throwing cups and plates off the table quickly gets boring, the little man moves on to animate objects.

Subconsciously, the child chooses for his experiments creatures that are weaker and cannot, in his understanding, respond well. So poor cats come across the path of these brats, forced to endure the domination of a person who has just come out of diapers. Parents are required to take some measures and explain to their child why cats should not be hit. After all, this self-affirmation can turn into a habit and, over time, spread to people. And on the other hand, not every cat will tolerate beating. Even well-deserved ones, let alone just like that.

The best lesson for a child, of course, would be some response from the offended animal. But cats, unfortunately, do not know how to lightly spank. If they scratch or bite, it is with all their might. And here the task of parents is to explain why they should not touch animals, not so much for humane reasons as for fear for the well-being of their own children. Probably not all mothers know that cats aim to scratch specifically in the eye. In their opinion, this is the most vulnerable place.

There are several options to influence a child's behavior. Which one to choose depends on each specific case. For some children, it is enough to explain how painful the cat is, that she is crying and offended. That she might die if she thought the child didn't love her. For three-year-old children, who have not yet experienced our cruel world, this option is very effective. They are compassionate and kind by nature.

If the child is too aggressive and sometimes received punishment for mischief, then in this case there is nothing left but to intimidate with the most suitable argument from the parents’ point of view. If a schoolboy beats animals, then talking here is useless. Most likely, he is simulating the behavioral algorithm adopted in his family. And you can’t do it without a child psychologist.

Man by nature is obliged to be humane towards weaker creatures. And the question of why cats should not be beaten is not even worth raising. One popular wisdom says: anyone can offend the weak, but only the weak can want to offend the weak. And we in our world should not be weak. Otherwise, there will always be someone weaker who will offend us.

Why doesn't a cat like to be held?

Animal psychologists say that if domestic cats could choose, most would prefer to never be picked up or picked up. Even if a pet trusts a person, he still feels complete comfort only by standing with all four paws on the ground. So you shouldn’t be surprised if your pet protests against “handles” - such behavior for cats is more the norm than a deviation.

How to properly hold a cat in your arms

Reasons why a cat does not want to be held:

Distraction. If a cat sees something interesting - a bird outside the window or a moving shadow - it will want to explore what it saw and will jump from your hands.
Strong smell. A cat’s sense of smell is 14 times more sensitive than a human’s: a person’s brain has 5-20 million cells responsible for sensing and recognizing odors, while a cat has 60-80 million. The animal does not like any strong aromas, especially spices, citrus fruits, perfumes, washing powder , alcohol. You can learn more about what smell cats don’t like in our separate article.

A cat's nose is many times more sensitive than a human's

The street cat sees danger everywhere

How to recognize arthritis in cats

Of course, the character traits of a particular animal can also determine its love or dislike of close tactile contact.

Don't you dare squeeze my majesty!

There are closed, self-sufficient or fearful cats that from birth cannot tolerate physical contact and do not like to communicate and play. It also happens that the animal simply does not show the initiative, but does not mind if it is picked up and stroked. And sometimes a cat simply does not accept a family member or guest, and this “brutal verdict” is not subject to appeal. If you wish, you can tame an animal and instill a sense of trust in it, but you will have to spend a lot of time and labor. The most important thing is not to force the cat into affection and physical contact.

Animal instincts

Not every four-legged pet enjoys the fact that its owner limits its movements. There are some cats that resist with all their might anyone who tries to pick them up. And once in the strong hands of the owner, they try to escape as quickly as possible.

Everyone is familiar with the phrase: “The cat walks on its own.” It is based on natural instincts that have been preserved in their genotype even after a large amount of time since their domestication. This is the main reason why pets don’t like being in their owner’s hands.

Cat owners strive to pick up and pet their pet as often as possible. To please both the person and the animal, you should examine in detail the question of how to properly hold a cat in your arms.

How to properly hold a cat in your arms so that it is pleasant for the owner and the pet?

For many people, the question of how to properly hold a cat in your arms will seem strange. They don’t see any difficulty in this simple action: pick up a cat, pet it and enjoy it. In reality, everything turns out to be not so simple. There are many subtleties that need to be taken into account before taking a kitten into your arms.

Animal instincts

Cat owners strive to pick up and pet their pet as often as possible. To please both the person and the animal, you should examine in detail the question of how to properly hold a cat in your arms.

How to adopt a cat?

Before studying the question of how to properly lift and hold a cat, you need to remember a few simple rules for handling an animal:

Avoid putting too much pressure on your pet's body. He will remember your actions and next time he will try to avoid these unpleasant sensations. The cat will begin to associate pain with the person who caused it.
Don't keep your pet against its will. The first time you try to leave, let him go. Holding back a struggling animal with all your might will not lead to anything good.
The loud meowing that a pet makes when you try to pick it up is a signal that you have previously caused inconvenience or pain to it.

The following sequence of actions will tell you how to properly pick up a cat:

Make sure your pet is friendly, not active, and not afraid of you.
Slowly and without making sudden movements, approach him.
Treat your cat kindly or say something nice to her.
Pet the cat and scratch behind its ears.
A relaxed animal is a signal that it doesn’t mind being in your hands. You can also understand this by gentle meowing, purring and looking into the eyes.
Place one hand under the cat's body just behind the front legs. With the other, grab it by the hindquarters and carefully lift it up.
Hold the cat close to you so that it feels comfortable and safe.

The animal should be near the chest. Never squeeze it, just press it lightly towards you. Make sure that the animal's body remains almost straight.

Do not allow it to sag or be placed upside down. If your pet feels discomfort, it will try to escape from your hands. Sharp claws and teeth can be used to achieve this goal.

The cat's head should be slightly higher than the body.

How to let go of a cat?

If everything is done correctly, but after some time the cat begins to feel uncomfortable, then it’s time to let her go. You should not try to hold the cat by force, because it will begin to feel fear and panic. With each such case, the pet’s trust in the owner will begin to decrease and it will become more and more difficult to pick him up.

Place your pet on the ground so that he stands on all paws and remove your hands. Do not abandon your cat under any circumstances! Sometimes she can jump off on her own, so don't be afraid of this.

Recommendations

Now you know how to properly pick up a cat. The tips below will help avoid unpleasant feelings for the owner and pet as a result of communication:

The cat should not be picked up with one hand, because this movement will cause discomfort for the cat. The animal will begin to resist and try to leave your company. Always lift your pet with both hands.
Do not act against the cat's will, do not use force. Don't forget that some pets generally don't like being picked up. Take an animal only when it is really necessary: a visit to the veterinarian, a trip to an exhibition or transportation to the country.
You cannot shout at the animal or make sudden movements. Use a soft tone and gentle language when communicating.

When everything is done correctly and contact with the cat is established, then after some time she herself will begin to strive to find herself in your arms.

The most important thing in answering the question of how to properly hold a cat in your arms is to create a feeling of security for him, the absence of physical and psychological discomfort.

An affectionate and patient attitude is the key to achieving mutual understanding between a person and a pet.

cats

Cats are one of the most popular pets. Due to its widespread distribution, many people have the impression that keeping an animal is very simple.

This is not entirely true, because even experienced animal lovers sometimes make mistakes in their care.

Future owners have many questions - about how to properly hold a cat in their arms, what to feed and how to care for it.

It is better to feed your cat fresh food without chemical additives. Her digestive system is different from ours, so her diet needs to be unique. It is better to pour boiling water over or boil meat products before serving. From time to time, the menu includes dairy products, eggs, cereals and vegetables. You should not give your animal fried food, salt, spices or river fish.

In extreme cases, you can use dry or canned food. Not all of them are healthy, so you should choose the highest quality food made from natural ingredients. Only they can provide complete and balanced nutrition for your pet.

A cat's coat needs care, especially for decorative breeds. They need to be brushed every day.

Without this procedure, long-haired cats may experience problems with the digestive system, which becomes clogged with clumps of hair during licking.

There are special medications that help remove hairballs from the stomach. It is recommended to brush cats with short hair once a week.

Pets are bathed twice a year. The procedure helps maintain healthy skin.

Source: https://FB.ru/article/243642/kak-pravilno-derjat-kota-na-rukah-chtobyi-eto-byilo-priyatno-hozyainu-i-pitomtsu

How to pick up a cat and what you should absolutely not do

Sometimes objective circumstances require holding a cat, for example, performing medical procedures. Do not squeeze the animal too hard - it is painful and can injure the cat. Do not forcibly restrain your pet without reason. If the cat wants to leave, let it go. A signal that the cat is against it is a loud meow, as well as twitching and attempts to escape.

My cat never approved of my initiative to pick her up. She was always tense in such situations and would jump off at the opportunity, but sometimes she could come and rub herself and jump onto her lap.

Rapprochement

Show your intentions to pick up a cat:

approach carefully so that she feels and sees you; talk to your pet.

Experts recommend approaching the cat from the right or left, but not from behind (it will be scared) and not from the front (the animal may think that you are attacking it).

Show your intentions to pick up the cat, for example, by talking to it

Greetings

Greeting helps to earn the cat's goodwill, and it will also give her extra time to get used to you. The animal already knows that you are nearby, and now you need to show it your friendliness. Cats usually rub their faces against each other during a friendly meeting. You can gently scratch your cat's cheek, forehead, or behind the ear. By these actions you will calm your pet, he will feel safe and will be prepared for further manipulations.

Cats usually rub their faces against each other during a peaceful meeting.

Obtaining consent

The cat, as a rule, makes it clear whether she wants to be held or not. If your previous actions did not calm her down, she is nervous or runs away, do not pick up your pet, wait for a more convenient moment.

Cats always make it clear by their behavior whether they want to be held

Teach children to only pick up a calm cat.

How to raise an animal

When consent is received, we begin the ascent:

Place your left hand under the cat's belly behind the front legs.
Quickly grab the pet with your free hand under the hind legs and under the butt to create a reliable support from below, like a cradle for a cat.
Gently lift the cat towards your chest so that skin-to-skin contact occurs. Then the cat will feel your protection.

How to hold a cat

Position the cat in an upright position, slightly pressed against your chest so that the back of its head is at the level of your chest or slightly higher. The animal's head and neck are not lowered. Turning cats over and holding them upside down is strictly not recommended. This is unpleasant for the animal, and in addition, prolonged stay in this state can lead to hemorrhage.

The pet should sit on one of your hands, while the other hand should support it under the chest. If he feels uncomfortable, he will adjust his position and take a comfortable position. Don't stop your cat from taking the initiative. Cats like other positions too. Some of them feel good with their paws on their owner's shoulders.

How to pick up a cat?

Approach the animal calmly and slowly. At the same time, you should not make sudden movements so as not to scare the cat. It is also recommended to make sure that the pet is in a good mood and is ready for close contact with the owner.
Affectionately call the cat by name.
Pet the cat, scratch him behind the ear.

Place one hand under the animal's body behind the front legs, take the other hand, holding it by the hind legs, and carefully lift it. It is recommended to do this only after the pet relaxes during the petting process and purrs, showing pleasure from gentle words addressed to itself. It is generally not recommended to handle kittens under 1 month of age. Pets aged 1 to 6 months are picked up, holding one palm under the belly and the other under the butt. The tail must be carefully placed between the hind legs.
Carefully hold the cat close to you so that he feels the warmth emanating from the owner and understands that he is completely safe.

Aggression towards another animal

A new owner may show aggression towards a pet that already lived in the house. In such cases, the cats are placed in different corners for a while, preventing their contact. This continues until the smell of the new pet becomes part of the atmosphere of the home. Then the cats are introduced again.

But even after establishing contact with the old-timer, care must be taken to ensure that the animals have different corners for resting and feeding. It is also necessary to buy trays for each four-legged “family member”. To avoid incidents of predatory aggression, it is necessary to provide an outlet for these instincts. To do this, it is advisable to also purchase a scratching post.

Foundlings can be aggressive towards old-timers and vice versa

Taming a cat is a rather difficult task and the undertaking does not always end in victory. It will take up to 6 weeks to domesticate a kitten, sometimes more. With older cats, the process can take years. Therefore, you should not grieve if you failed to tame the animal.

But having achieved success, it is important to remember: a wild cat will still spend most of its time alone

How to hand train a kitten

Teach your kitten to sit in your arms from childhood - from 4-6 weeks of age. Such early socialization will benefit the pet - it will be calmer and more trusting towards people.

How to accustom a cat to handling from “childhood”:

Reward with treats. Feed only after you pick up the kitten and stroke it. This is how a positive expectation of contact is developed and reinforced.
Iron more often. This behavior will develop in the animal an understanding: human hands, in addition to food, provide care and safety.

Pet your kitten often

The stuffed animal is in good hands

You need to lift the kitten correctly: supporting it with one palm under the stomach, the other under the butt, while the tail is gently pressed between the legs. Movements should be smooth and careful. It is better not to pick up a kitten by the scruff of the neck - only the mother cat determines a safe place with 100% probability.

Table 1. When and how to pick up a cat.

Age	How to hold a cat
0-4 weeks	It is not recommended to pick up a cat at all
4-25 weeks	support with one palm under the stomach, the other under the butt, while the tail is gently pressed between the legs
from 25 weeks	one palm under the body behind the front legs, the second supports the hind legs so that the cat feels reliable support; animal gently pressed to human chest

You can accustom an adult animal to contact with the help of unique exercises. To begin, simply slowly place your palm on the cat’s side and remove it just as slowly, then treat your pet with a treat. After a few days, place your other hand on the cat's other side, continuing to reinforce the training with treats. As soon as the cat gets used to it and is no longer afraid of the touch, begin to lightly press the sides with your palms, as if you were going to lift the pet. Repeat the exercise until the animal begins to perceive your touch as something familiar.