Perfect Cat Hug: How to Make Them Feel Comfortable

If you're a new cat owner, learning how to properly hold a cat is crucial, especially to prevent being scratched or bitten by your feline friend.

If you're hesitant to hold a cat or prefer not to risk being scratched or bitten, it's best not to attempt it.

Many new owners are scratched, often due to the cat's stressinduced reflexes that cause them to pull away, leading to accidental scratches. The more anxious you are, the more likely you are to be scratched or accidentally injured by your cat.

If your cat bites or scratches you, try to remain still to counteract the movement, and use slow, controlled movements to stop the behavior promptly.

Choosing the Right Moment

Cats are not always open to being held, so timing is key.

When Your Cat Initiates Affection

When your cat comes to you and seeks affection, it's a perfect opportunity to pick it up. Gently lift the cat onto your lap, and after some time, practice moving with the cat while holding it.

When Your Cat Is Calm

Avoid picking up a cat that is active, moving, or playing. If your cat rolls over and flails its paws in defense, it's a sign that it doesn't want to be held or touched. In such cases, it's best to stop and try again at a later time without forcing the interaction.

How to Pick Up a Cat

This section focuses on the moment when the cat is on the ground and being lifted off. Cats typically lie down rather than stand, so you can't simply wrap your arms around them. If you try to lift the cat's hind legs or hips, you may not find a stable support point. Instead, you need to lift or elevate the cat's center of gravity to create a stable lifting point.

How to Pick Up a Cat When It Allows It

If your cat is comfortable with being picked up and shows no resistance, here are two primary methods based on the cat's size and temperament:

Neck Lift

For small cats, cats of average size, or playful, biteprone cats, lifting from the neck is a good option. This method involves lifting the cat's body to provide support for the other hand to bear the cat's weight.

Underarm Hold

The underarm hold carries some risk and should only be done with cats that are familiar and gentle, not prone to biting. The steps include stroking the cat to relax it, inserting your hands under the cat's front limbs and armpits, lifting the cat, and supporting its weight with your arms. The right arm supports the cat's armpits, and the left hand supports the hind legs or hips.

Holding Positions

CrossChest Hold

Also known as the baby hold, princess hold, or cradle hold, this position involves holding the cat across your chest, with the cat lying on its back or side. This is a comfortable position for the cat, allowing you to walk or gently rock it.

Upright Hold

In the upright hold, one hand supports the cat's rump or hind legs, while the other hand can be used in two ways. The shoulder hold is suitable for cats that are not yet wellacquainted with you, where one hand gently strokes the cat's neck, and the other hand lifts the cat from the bottom, guiding it towards the left arm.

Hugging Hold

For cats that are wellbehaved and familiar with you, the hugging hold is a good choice. In this position, one hand supports the cat's rump, and the other arm wraps around the cat's front limbs under the armpits. The hand supporting the rump bears the majority of the cat's weight, but be cautious as the cat might bite your arm.

If your cat becomes restless, it's important to set it down immediately to avoid any injuries.