Anyone else kinda nervous about picking up their cat?

Cats Forum
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So I’ve had my cat for a few weeks now and still kinda nervous about picking her up :sweat_smile:. I keep thinking I’m gonna mess it up and get scratched lol. I’ve seen people carry cats all sorts of ways and IDK which is actually right. Anyone got tips on how to do it without stressing them out or getting clawed?

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Totally feel this :joy:. I learned you gotta support their whole body—like one hand near the back legs and one up front. Makes them feel safer.

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Palmer said:
Totally feel this :joy:. I learned you gotta support their whole body—like one hand near the back legs and one up front. Makes them feel safer.

Yeah that’s the trick. If their legs are dangling they start freaking out lol. Holding them close to your chest helps a lot too.

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@Vance
Wait, so like wrap your arms around them or just hold them to your chest?

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Noel said:
@Vance
Wait, so like wrap your arms around them or just hold them to your chest?

Kinda both! Just make sure they’re snug against you so they don’t feel like they’re falling.

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FYI if your cat’s not in the mood, nothing you do will work lol. Just back off and try later. Learned that the hard way :skull:

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Blakeley said:
FYI if your cat’s not in the mood, nothing you do will work lol. Just back off and try later. Learned that the hard way :skull:

Lmao same. One time she gave me the meanest meow and just bounced. So body language is key huh?

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@Jude
Yup! If they’re rubbing or purring, it’s a green light. Bushy tail or growling = abort mission :joy:

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When I first got my kitten, I’d let her sniff my hand first and then pat her head a bit. If she stayed chill, I’d go in for the pickup slowly.

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Robin said:
When I first got my kitten, I’d let her sniff my hand first and then pat her head a bit. If she stayed chill, I’d go in for the pickup slowly.

Same here! Gotta let them get to know you first. Rushing it never ends well.

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Robin said:
When I first got my kitten, I’d let her sniff my hand first and then pat her head a bit. If she stayed chill, I’d go in for the pickup slowly.

Does this work for older cats too?

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@Casey
Yeah, but older or adopted cats might take longer. Just be patient and gentle with them.

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Big no-no: don’t let them just jump off your arms :grimacing:. Bring them close to a surface like a couch so they can hop off safely.

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Flynn said:
Big no-no: don’t let them just jump off your arms :grimacing:. Bring them close to a surface like a couch so they can hop off safely.

Oof I’ve been doing that :grimacing:. Didn’t know it could mess with their trust.

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@Jude
Yeah they’re agile but still, it’s better to make them feel secure. Plus injuries aren’t worth the risk.

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Whatever you do, don’t scruff them unless it’s like an emergency. It stresses them out big time :grimacing:

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Jin said:
Whatever you do, don’t scruff them unless it’s like an emergency. It stresses them out big time :grimacing:

What’s scruffing?

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Jules said:

Jin said:
Whatever you do, don’t scruff them unless it’s like an emergency. It stresses them out big time :grimacing:

What’s scruffing?

It’s when you grab the loose skin at the back of their neck. People think it’s okay cuz mama cats do it, but it’s not cool for adult cats.