Good Ways to Hold Kitties

It's important to know how to safely hold a kitty so that both the kitty and the person holding him are safe. Cuddling with your cat is one thing, but there are other reasons you may have to hold your kitty that has nothing to do with companionship. Knowing the different ways to hold your kitties also helps you provide optimal care and see to all of your kitties needs from playtime to bath time. To begin socializing your kitties, have as many people interact with your kitties as possible.

  1. Picking up the Kitties

    • Never hold a kitty against her will. When she is ready to leave your restraint, let her.

      When picking up a cat or kitten, place one hand under the chest and one hand under the hind quarters; with the front paws resting on your forearm, pull the cat close to your body and then sit the cat down onto your lap. If your kitty struggles while you are holding it, place the cat back on the floor. Keep working with your kitties until they learn that being held also means positive attention.

    Feeding Kitties

    • Cats are free spirits and should never be restrained against their will.

      During the spring, many people find kittens and want to take them in to raise. To hold a kitten while feeding, it is necessary to hold the kitten in a prone (face down) position while feeding a kitten a bottle or any type of food. The dangers of feeding kitties on their backs like a human baby is that the kitten can choke or contract pneumonia as a result of food and water getting into the lungs.

    The Scruff Hold

    • Do not attempt to scruff a cat unless you have been taught to do so by a veterinary professional.

      The scruff hold is only for the mother to use when transporting her kittens, or for trained veterinary professionals. It should never be used to hurt or injure a kitten or cat. People should only use scruffing in severe cases such as aggression toward humans or another cat. There is the possibility of serious injury to the cat's cervical vertebrae if you attempt to scruff a cat and hold too fast to her neck.

    Bathing Kitties

    • Kittens do not require a bath unless they become visibly covered in debris or dirt. On occasion, an adult cat requires a bath, depending on the breed and coat care requirements. If you do bathe your kitties, use a towel to wrap your kitten while you are spraying or wetting the coat. This will keep the kitty from squirming from the tub or scratching the bather.

    Holding Your Cat

    • Always support the bottom hindquarters of your cat's body, with both of her feet resting on your left hand, while your right hand supports the cat's chest. If you are seated, you will find it easier to hold your cat because she will feel more secure with you than if you are walking. If you are walking with your cat and she squirms and struggles, allow her to jump down or you will risk injury from a bite or scratch.