Picking up a cat may seem simple, but doing it incorrectly can cause stress, fear, or injury—for both the cat and the owner. Cats value control and balance, and when they feel unsafe, they may scratch or bite. Learning the correct way to pick up and hold a cat helps build trust and ensures safer, more positive interactions.
When Is It Okay to Pick Up a Cat?
Not all cats enjoy being picked up, and that’s completely normal. Before lifting your cat, observe its mood and body language.
It’s usually safe to pick up a cat when it:
Appears calm and relaxed
Has ears facing forward
Shows no signs of hissing, growling, or tail flicking
Approaches you willingly
Avoid lifting a cat that is fearful, aggressive, sleeping deeply, or eating, as this can result in injury to you or stress for the cat.
Step-by-Step: How to Safely Pick Up a Cat
1. Approach Calmly
Move slowly and speak gently. Avoid sudden movements that could scare your cat or prompt it to act defensively.
2. Place One Hand Under the Chest
Slide one hand under your cat’s chest, just behind the front legs. This provides essential support and balance.
3. Support the Hind Legs
Use your other hand to support the cat’s back legs or rear end. Never let a cat’s hind legs dangle, as this can cause discomfort or panic.
4. Lift Smoothly and Confidently
Lift the cat close to your body with steady, controlled movements to help it feel secure.
How to Hold a Cat Properly
Once lifted, ensure your cat feels stable and comfortable in your arms.
Safe holding positions include:
Holding the cat close to your chest
Allowing the cat’s feet to rest against your body
Supporting both the front and back of the body
Avoid holding a cat away from your body or restraining it too tightly, as both can distress or injure the cat.
What to Avoid When Picking Up a Cat
Improper handling can quickly lead to stress or injury. Avoid:
Lifting a cat by the scruff
Holding only the front legs
Squeezing or restraining forcefully
Picking up a cat by surprise
These actions can damage trust, increase fear-based reactions, and may cause physical injury to your cat or yourself.
Signs Your Cat Wants to Be Put Down
Even a calm cat may want to be released after a short time. Pay attention to:
Squirming or stiffening
Tail swishing
Flattened ears
Low growling or vocalization
If you notice these signs, gently lower your cat back to the ground.
Teaching Cats to Tolerate Being Held
Short, positive experiences help cats feel more comfortable with handling. Practice gentle lifting for a few seconds at a time and reward calm behavior with praise or treats.
Kittens that are handled gently and regularly often grow into adults that tolerate handling better.
In such cases, professional veterinary handling is safer to avoid harming yourself or worsening the cat’s condition.
Final Thoughts
Safely picking up and holding a cat is about respect, patience, and support. When cats feel secure, they are more likely to trust and cooperate. Learning proper handling techniques protects both you and your cat while strengthening your bond.
This on-line company is such a good find. They provide quality products at a good price with delivering them efficiently. Definitely recommend purchasing from them.
Two sweet girlies decided to make our deck their home. Mosquitoes are a big problem where we live and we had to get them protected. This was the best bang for the buck. I’ve ordered from 79Pets several times and while delivery is not fast it is very consistent.
As a retired veterinary technician I was extremely happy to finally see a flea and heartworm medication that actually does tapeworms too!!!!!!! This is a 1st to my knowledge....I live in a tropical climate where fleas never die so this is heaven sent.
Great price, authentic quality and reliable shipping. Shipping takes a bit longer, since it is being shipped from abroad. But still a reliable service.
After Seresto collars failed to get rid of fleas, I didn't know where to turn. I saw a post on a page I follow (Kentucky Kitty Cats) saying that they use Nexgard Combo for the cats they shelter. I decided to try it and IT WORKS!
This is Lexi Marie! She was wondering why mom was so excited for buying flea medicine. I explained to her that we saved $100 and that she would understand some day when she grows up.
Last year, I made a visit to the vet. I told them that Kattie/cat had ear mites. They gave me an ointment costing $80canadian. I used it up and purchased another bottle. $160. total not including the cost of the vet visit. No results. The ear mites have been there for a long time. Canadian vets have control of what is sold in Pet stores and you cannot purchase off the shelf products not recognized by them.
I jumped at the chance to purchase your produce with a recommended 100% effectivity. I was willing to try, but was suspicions.
After a month there was still a little scratching but after 6 weeks, the mites are gone and the scratching is gone.
Thank you very much for this mite solution. I recommend it heartily. Harry
P.S. Do not tell the Canadian vets as they will outlaw your product.
