Cat owners know that these little animals are not always willing to rest in their arms. Sometimes they just try to pick up their pets from the ground and they end up with the kitty's legs marked on their arms and face. The problem lies in the position in which they lift it. But you don't need to get those scratches. Carrying a cat can be simple and enjoyable, and Dr. Uri Burstyn , a veterinarian from Canada, shared how to do it correctly.
Postive world explains how to carry a cat, approved by a specialist in the field.
First, check if your pet is willing to be held
Whether it is because we want to show our love to our cat or because we must hold it to give it its medicine, carrying it may not cause any problems or scratches if we do it in the appropriate way. The trick is that the animal feels comfortable and safe while it is in our arms.
The Dr. Burstyn said there first to make sure that our pet agrees. We must approach with caution to give him the opportunity to sniff our fingers. If we are scared of being scratched, we can pull them up. We can stroke it on the cheeks or under the chin gently. If our cat behaves receptively, we can proceed to pick it up. If not, it is better to leave it alone.
Grip type 1: chest and abdomen grip
The vet points out that "the key to safely lifting a cat is to make it feel supported." We can achieve this by placing one hand on the cat's chest, the other on its abdomen, and then slowly lifting it up. That way it is not hanging from the armpits, it feels comfortable and we prevent it from kicking with its hind legs, which can cause scratches.
If we want to prevent him from fleeing, the secret is to pressure him. If we already have the cat loaded, it is advisable to bring it closer to our body and if we need it to be still to, for example, cut its nails, we can press it against the surface where it is. Do not be afraid, as the cat will not only feel pain, but will feel protected and safe.
Grip Type 2: Football Grip
Another way to hold a cat is what Dr. Burstyn calls the "soccer carry." It consists of taking the cat by the abdomen and its tail making sure that its head is under our arm. We can also crush him against us by exerting some pressure to make him feel safe and secure.
If we find ourselves in an emergency situation or in a scenario where we must act quickly, this grip is efficient and safe, since, with one of our hands on its tail, we can control its back legs and prevent it from scratching us.
Grip type 3: grip for a "cat fond of shoulders"
It is the type of fastening that requires less work from us. It consists of approaching the cat and letting it climb towards one of our shoulders. Once he begins to climb, we must place our hand on his butt to support him and, once again, with the other hand, gently press his back against us to give him security.
When our pet wants to go down, we just have to lean towards a nearby surface and he will turn and jump on his feet.
Grip type 4: "baby" grip
As its name describes it, this restraint simulates the way a person holds a baby. We simply lift the cat by placing a hand on its chest and our arm on its butt. Then we seat him on our arm placing the opposite hand on his chest.
If the cat has confidence in us and we know him well, it is possible to hold him in this way. If not, it is better not to try, as its claws can leave marks on our chest and our face.
How should we avoid charging it
Just as there are appropriate ways to hold a cat, there are some inappropriate ways. It is not advisable to hold a cat by the armpits between our index fingers and thumbs. Not only is it very uncomfortable for the animal, but it is also somewhat unsafe. The space that connects its front legs to its torso is a muscle and you could hurt it if you pick it up and it hangs there.
It is also not a good idea to carry it by the front legs, as it may be afraid of falling and will move its back legs in such a way that it could scratch us.
Does your pet like to be held? How does he show you his affection?