Instructions
Start showing affection toward the cat as soon as possible. Cats who have regular, positive experiences with humans as kittens are much more likely to enjoy being held when they are adults. Stroking and picking up young kittens help them learn to trust humans for the rest of their life. Cats must be handled every day from the time they are two weeks old.
Make the cat feel comfortable before you handle it. Stroking the cat down its back is one way to make the cat feel comfortable with you, however, if the cat was not stroked as a kitten, this is unnatural to him. If this fails to ease the cat, gently rub the behind her ears. She can not reach there with her tongue and the sensation will be similar to when her mother licked her.
Pick the cat up slowly once he is purring and relaxed. Place one hand flat against the cat's chest, just under his front legs. Place the other hand around the hindquarters of the cat. Ensure the cat's full weight is supported before bringing the cat up all the way.
Handle the cat in an upright fashion. Cats are not familiar with being cradled and are often fearful of being on their back as this makes them vulnerable. Give the cat a sense of control by allowing her to be upright and wrap an arm around her back and use your hand to support her legs. Stroke the cat's head gently with your other hand.
Continue to support the full weight of the cat the entire time you handle it. It is usually best to either sit or stand still as motion might frighten the cat.
How to Handle a Cat
Cats can be very affectionate animals, but are often uncomfortable being picked up and handled. It goes against their independent nature and their desire for cleanliness. However, with proper technique, over time cats can come to tolerate or even enjoy being handled by humans. This process is a lot easier if started with a young kitten, but not impossible if started on an older cat.