A common question is whether it's safe to pick up a cat by the neck, also known as scruffing. In this guide, we'll discuss when scruffing is appropriate, the potential risks, and safer alternatives for lifting and handling your cat. As pet owners, we want to make sure that our cats feel comfortable and safe, whether it's for grooming, medical care, or other necessary handling.
What Is Scruffing?
Gripping the scruff—the loose skin on the back of a cat's neck—is referred to as scruffing. Mother cats adopt this natural method to carry their kittens because it causes a reaction that causes the kittens to go limp. There are important distinctions in how a mother cat scruffs her kittens and how people should treat adult cats, despite the belief held by some that scruffing can be used to manage adult cats.
When Is It Safe to Pick a Cat Up by the Scruff?
Kittens' small bodies and reflexes allow for quick, careful lifting, making scratching safe and natural. This technique is used by mother cats to safely move their young. Lifting adult cats by the scruff is dangerous since this response diminishes as cats get bigger and heavier.
Should You Pick an Adult Cat Up by the Neck?
It can cause pain or harm to lift an adult cat by the scruff. Adult cats have far more body weight than kittens, thus scruffing them can put stress on their necks. Scruffing is a temporary control method that can be applied in some circumstances, but it should never be used to raise an adult cat off the ground.
Safe Alternatives to Picking a Cat Up by the Scruff
Here are safer ways to lift or restrain your cat if necessary:
1. Assist the chest and the lower limbs:
With one hand supporting the cat's rear legs, place the other under their chest.
For security, keep the cat toward your body while you gently raise it.
2. Apply Restraint with a Towel:
The "burrito method" involves wrapping a towel around a cat that is angry or scared to keep them safe and stop them from biting or scratching.
3. Allow the cat to approach you:
To ease stress and facilitate handling, encourage the cat to climb onto a surface or into your lap.
When Might a Vet Scruff a Cat?
Scruffing is a final resort used by veterinarians and other qualified experts to restrain a cat when all other options have been exhausted. Even so, they typically use scruffing in conjunction with other methods to reduce discomfort and tension.
Inappropriate usage of scruffing can:
-Cause discomfort or agony
-Cause tension or fear, which may lead to protective aggressiveness.
-Undermine confidence and make the cat cautious with people
Although scruffing might be a natural way to transport babies, adult cats should only be temporarily restrained using this technique. Instead, for a more stable and pleasurable handling experience, employ safer lifting techniques that support the cat's body. Positive reinforcement can also be used to teach your cat to accept handling, which can lessen stress and improve future relationships.