Is It OK To Pick My Adult Cat Up By The Scruff of The Neck?

Picking up an adult cat by the scruff of its neck, or “scruffing,” is a topic that has garnered significant attention among pet owners and animal experts.

While this method of handling is commonly used by mother cats to carry their kittens, it’s generally considered inappropriate and potentially harmful for adult cats.

Key Takeaway

• It is not recommended to pick up an adult cat by the scruff of its neck as it can cause them unnecessary pain and stress.
• When picking up a cat, you should approach it gently, pet it first to ensure it’s comfortable, then place one hand under its chest between the front legs and your other hand under its hindquarters, lifting it gently and holding it securely against your body.

What Is Scruffing a Cat?

Scruffing a cat refers to the act of grabbing the loose skin at the back of a cat’s neck, known as the scruff.

This is often seen in mother cats who use their mouths to move their kittens. However, while it may seem like a natural and safe way to handle your pet, it’s generally not recommended, especially for adult cats.

In adult cats, instead of causing relaxation, scruffing can trigger fear and stress.

The only time an adult cat is usually held by the scruff is during mating or in aggressive encounters, which are not positive or calming situations.

Therefore, it’s better to find alternative, less stressful ways to handle or restrain a cat if necessary.

Is It OK To Pick My Adult Cat Up By The Scruff of The Neck?

No. The scruff of the neck is not designed to support the full weight of an adult cat and can cause pain and stress if you pick them up.

From a behavioral perspective, it can trigger fear and stress in them.

This is because cats are only grabbed by the scruff on their neck in limited circumstances, none of which are helpful to mimic in a home setting.

Therefore, it’s crucial to find better ways to handle cats, especially when they’re stressed or upset.

Why Does Scruffing a Cat Paralyze Them?

Scruffing a cat, or holding the loose skin at the back of a cat’s neck, triggers an instinctive reaction that can cause the cat to go limp or “paralyzed.”

This response simulates the way mother cats carry their kittens and allows for safe transportation.

The scruff area is highly sensitive and rich in nerve endings, and when it’s held, gentle pressure can induce this state of temporary paralysis.

However, this doesn’t mean it’s comfortable or stress-free for the cat, especially adult cats.

Scruffing eliminates a cat’s ability to control their environment and movement, which can cause fear and anxiety, and even result in defensive behavior.

Does Grabbing Cats By The Scruff of Their Neck Hurt?

Yes, grabbing cats by the scruff of their neck can cause them pain and discomfort.

While the scruff, or loose skin at the back of a cat’s neck, is used by mother cats to carry their kittens, it’s not designed to support the full weight of an adult cat.

Lifting or suspending an adult cat by its scruff can be not only uncomfortable but also potentially harmful.

The act of scruffing can trigger fear and stress in adult cats. They typically experience scruffing in negative situations like aggressive encounters or mating.

Do Cats Get Mad When You Scruff Them?

Yes, cats can get upset when you scruff them. Scruffing, or grabbing the loose skin at the back of a cat’s neck, can trigger fear and stress in adult cats.

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not a calming or disciplinary method for adult cats.

In fact, the only time an adult cat is usually held by the scruff is during negative situations like aggressive encounters or mating. Therefore, scruffing can lead to fear, anxiety, and even anger in cats.

How Should You Pick Up a Cat?

Picking up a cat properly involves several steps to ensure their comfort and safety:

1. Approach Gently: Approach the cat slowly and calmly, speaking softly to reassure them. Never sneak up on a cat or try to pick them up when they’re visibly agitated.
2. Pet First: Begin by petting the cat, especially in areas they enjoy, such as behind the ears or under the chin. This helps them feel comfortable and relaxed.
3. Support Their Body: Place one hand under the cat’s chest, between the front legs. This provides support for the upper body.
4. Lift Gently: With your other hand, scoop up the cat’s hindquarters, supporting the rear end. Make sure you’re supporting the cat’s full weight with both hands.
5. Hold Securely: Bring the cat close to your body to make them feel secure. Avoid holding them too tightly, as this can cause distress.
6. Put Down Carefully: When it’s time to put the cat down, lower them gently onto all four paws. Always make sure they are ready to be put down before releasing them.

FAQs

Q: Can I use scruffing to restrain my cat?

A: Scruffing should not be used as a method to restrain your cat, especially as they get older. There are safer and more effective ways to handle and restrain a cat, such as gentle holding or using a towel or blanket.

Q: When is it okay to pick a cat up by the scruff?

A: It is generally only appropriate to pick up a cat by the scruff when they are young kittens. Mother cats naturally pick their kittens up by the scruff of the neck during the first few weeks of life to move them. However, as cats grow older, they become too heavy for this method to be safe or comfortable.

Q: Why shouldn’t I pick up my adult cat by the scruff?

A: Picking up an adult cat by scruff can cause unnecessary stress, fear, and discomfort. It may also lead to injuries such as tearing of the skin or even dislocation of the neck. It is best to find alternative and safer methods to handle your adult cat.

Q: What are the risks of scruffing an adult cat?

A: Scruffing an adult cat can cause physical discomfort, fear, and stress. It can also damage the delicate structures of the neck and spine, leading to serious injuries. It is important to seek alternative methods for handling and restraining adult cats.

Q: How should I safely pick up my adult cat?

A: To pick up an adult cat safely, you should support their body with one hand under their front legs and the other hand under their hind legs. This provides better support and minimizes the risk of injury. Avoid pulling on the neck or scruff.

Q: Can scruffing be used to discourage bad behavior in cats?

A: Scruffing should not be used as a method to discipline or discourage bad behavior in cats. It is not an effective or humane way to train cats. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement techniques and redirection to encourage desired behaviors.

Q: What should I do if my cat goes limp when I scruff them?

A: If your cat goes limp when you scruff them, it is a reflex response called “going limp.” This reflex is often seen in kittens and is a natural response to being picked up by the scruff. However, it is still not recommended to pick up adult cats this way.

Q: Why do mother cats carry their kittens by the scruff of the neck?

A: Mother cats naturally carry their kittens by the scruff of the neck as a way to move them. It allows the mother to carry multiple kittens at once and provides a sense of control while keeping the kittens safe.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, picking up an adult cat by the scruff of its neck is generally discouraged.

While mother cats use this method to transport their kittens, it’s not suitable or comfortable for adult cats.