Before we even hope to pick up a cat who really doesn\u2019t want to be picked up, we must first understand why they don\u2019t want to be swept off their feet in the first place.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
For one, getting picked up and held tight by an animal much bigger than yourself is honestly terrifying.\u00a0 To add to that, cats really don\u2019t like feeling restrained.\u00a0 Cats are like water — if given the chance, they\u2019d prefer to escape. \u00a0If your cat was formerly a stray, then they would definitely appreciate freedom more than cuddles.\u00a0 Another reason why your cat may be distressed when picked up is that it may be a trigger for a past trauma.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you don\u2019t know the kind of life your cat led before you adopted them, they may have had a history of abuse, thus leaving them too fearful and distrusting to be picked up.\u00a0 It is advised that you take your cat to a vet to see if there are any underlying medical reasons as to why your cat isn\u2019t comfortable being picked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If it is not any of the above, your cat not liking being picked up could simply be because it\u2019s unnatural to them. Cats have a totally different language than us. Picking up is as foreign to cats as them putting their bums towards our faces is to us. Your cat may also eel a bit disrespected when picked up. After all, cats are incredibly proud creatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, to answer the main question of this article, there is a way for you to pick up your cat in preparation for the times when you will actually need to pick them up. The big secret is to help them tolerate being held. Little by little, start from simply petting them, to holding them on their sides, to lifting them a little bit, to finally being able to pick them up. Don\u2019t forget to respect your cat\u2019s comfort at every stage. Once they\u2019ve reached their limit, don\u2019t push it. Try again tomorrow. Of course, praise and give them treats throughout this whole training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But what if you need to pick up your cat RIGHT NOW? You must do it carefully. Don\u2019t just pick them up from behind where they can\u2019t see you. You don\u2019t want to startle your cat \u2013 you want to keep on their good side the whole time. If your cat is a grown cat, and not a tiny kitten, do not pick them up by the scruff of their neck as this can be potentially painful and dangerous for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure your cat knows your intentions when you go for the pick-up.\u00a0 Lift them up gently but securely.\u00a0 You want them to feel fully supported.\u00a0 When your cat struggles, contain the urge to hold them closer and tighter.\u00a0 Remember, cats don\u2019t like feeling restrained.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t carry your cat like a baby.\u00a0 Keep your hand under their belly as you\u2019re placing your cat against your chest.\u00a0 Do not let their legs dangle \u2013 help them feel secured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When it\u2019s time for you to let your cat go, they will probably try to run away, so make sure all of the doors and windows are closed. Do give them their space to cool off, and try not to attempt any physical interaction before your cat is fully ready again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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