How to Hold a Cat by the Scruff

Scruffing a cat may appear cruel to many owners, but it is one of the most effective and least harmful ways to control a cat while giving medications or performing routine maintenance tasks. It is important to understand the proper method of scruffing a cat before attempting to perform the maneuver. Doing it correctly will prevent injury to you and your cat.

Things You'll Need

  • Sturdy countertop or tabletop
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the cat on a study, waist-high surface. Wrestling with your cat on the floor gives your cat an unfair advantage when it comes to trying to scruff him. Gently lift your cat and place him onto a sturdy countertop or tabletop surface so that you can properly position him for scruffing.

    • 2

      Locate the extra skin behind the nape of the neck. Cats of all sizes and ages retain a pocket of loose skin between the nape of the neck and the shoulder blades. This is the skin that you will use to scruff your cat.

    • 3

      Gently close your hand into a fist with the extra skin inside your fingers. Do not squeeze unnecessarily; however, apply enough pressure to secure this skin fold in your hand. You are not trying to pinch your cat or cause it any discomfort, only to control his head. If you have performed this step properly, most cats will go still though some will cry out. Keep your cat supported by tucking his body under your arm leaving his feet and weight on the counter or tabletop. This will ensure that your cat feels secure and reduce the chance that he will fight you.

    • 4

      Perform the necessary function and release him. Give your cat plenty of time to recover from the insult because he is likely to be agitated. Some cats will prefer to hide while others will look to you for comfort. Address your cat's needs so that he will continue to trust you.