Pet Talk: Picking up a cat

DEAR PET TALK: How do you pick up a cat?

— Anthony, Reingold Elementary School, Fitchburg

DEAR ANTHONY: The first question is — how do you know a cat wants to be picked up?

If you are sitting and a cat approaches, and rises up on hind legs he may want to be on your lap.

If you are standing, and a cat is moving away from you, that is probably a cat who does not wish to be picked up.

Now, we’ve seen mama cats pick up their kittens by the scruff of their neck to move them, but that is not a maneuver we humans should ever do.

We found a superstar in the pet care world to provide some insights. Dr. Kathryn Dench (MA VetMB), chief scientific advisor at Paw Origins (paworigins.com) explains that handling a cat is “a trust-building moment. In practice, I see a clear pattern: cats that are consistently handled well tend to be more cooperative during exams, while those with poor early handling often become defensive, making even routine care more stressful for both the animal and the owner.”

Dr. Dench notes that “the key principle is full-body support. One hand should support the chest just behind the front legs, while the other supports the hindquarters. The cat should be lifted smoothly and held close to your body, which provides stability and reduces the feeling of being suspended or unsafe.”

A cat’s temperament should also guide you as to how to handle him properly. “A confident, relaxed cat may tolerate brief lifting, while a more anxious cat may prefer minimal handling or alternative approaches, such as guiding them into a carrier rather than lifting them directly.”

Older cats must be handled with greater care — their joints may ache from arthritis or another ailment. Dr. Dench notes that in her experience more than 60 percent of clinical populations of older felines “have some degree of joint disease, even if it’s not obvious to the owner. Supporting the hindquarters becomes essential in these cases.”

Cats do not like being grabbed, and this approach can increase their fear and anxiety. However, “cats that are handled in a way that feels predictable and supportive tend to remain more relaxed and cooperative. It’s a small adjustment in technique that has a disproportionate impact on long-term behavior and welfare. In short, picking up a cat is less about the lift itself and more about how safe the cat feels in your hands. When done correctly, it reinforces trust; when done poorly, it can erode it surprisingly quickly.”

Thank you for a unique and important — question. Yes, cats are adorable and fuzzy and seem to invite picking up and hugging, but be respectful at all times.

Sally Cragin is the director of Be PAWSitive: Therapy Pets and Community Education. Visit us on Facebook and text questions to 978-320-1335.