How to Hold a Cat So It Feels Comfortable

1 Overview

Do not just grab it under the armpits and dangle; some cats feel uneasy floating in air. When holding, arms and body should wrap the cat tightly. Be extra careful with kittens – their ribs are very soft and rough moves cause internal injury. Mother cats carry kittens by the scruff, but we should avoid this too; it causes no harm but the kitten resists, unless it is overly naughty or uncooperative. But when the cat is injured, especially with a fracture, this hold is absolutely not allowed.

So how to hold the kitten correctly?

Step 1: Soothe the cat before holding so it relaxes. Build a good bond first, calm it, then try to hold.

Step 2: Hold the upper body with one hand, stand the cat up, grab the two front paws and tuck them on its chest – this reassures it. Do not touch spots it hates, like belly and tail, or it will struggle and flee.

Step 3: With the other hand grab the two hind legs and palm the hips so the body presses close to yours, finding a stable position.

Step 4: Keep the cat close to your body, arms wrapping it, back and hips against your arms, no floating feel. If it struggles, hold the front paws and soothe it.

Another method: place one palm just behind the front legs at the chest, support the hips with the other hand, let the front paws rest on your shoulder, and sit the cat in your arm crook.