How To Hold A Cat Without Getting Scratched

Do you need to know how to safely hold a cat without getting scratched to shreds? Good news! You have come to the right place. Read on to find out how to save your hands and have a safe snuggle with your cat.

Most cat owners will be aware that there are certain places on our cats that we can and can’t touch. Cats are very sensitive creatures and they have strict rules about who they let touch them and where.

If you try to pick up a cat while touching somewhere they aren’t comfortable with, they will certainly let you know they aren’t happy. Usually, your cat will start with a warning swipe with those sharp claws of theirs. Cat scratches are very painful and can easily get infected so you want to avoid this cat behavior at all costs.

Some cats love being picked up and cuddled and carried about. Some of them absolutely despise this and will really object to any sort of human contact. You know your own cat better than anyone else. Sometimes there are scenarios where you have to hold your cat and it’s useful to know how to hold a cat without getting scratched.

Why Some Cats Dislike Being Picked Up

Cats take great comfort from having all four paws planted on the ground. For them, it means they can move in any direction very quickly and act on their feline instincts at the drop of a hat. Most pet cats have been handled by humans from a young age.

Usually, when cats are weaned from their mothers and move to their new home, this will involve lots of cuddles and them being picked up and carried about in various different ways.

Your cat will grow to learn that being picked up is a safe, usually fun activity where they come to no harm. If your new cat is a rescue from a shelter or a feral cat, they may not have ever been picked up before, so they don’t understand what you are trying to do when you manhandle them.

These cats may have not had the best pet care previously, had a very bad experience of being picked up, or possibly even been abused. Sadly, such cats will associate any physical contact with humans with trauma.

Your cat might have an injury or illness which means they experience pain when they are picked up. Things like a cat bite abscess from a fight with another cat may not be obvious or visible to us, but they will be extremely sore to touch. If you are at all concerned about your cat – seek advice from your veterinarian.

Also Read: Why Does My Cat Attack My Feet?

How To Get A Cat Used To Being Picked Up

Rest assured that even if your cat really hates being held, there are safe ways that you can hold a cat without getting scratched. The best thing to do is to slowly train them to allow you to hold them.

You can teach a cat that picking them up isn’t a scary or stressful activity. They need to be able to trust you.  If your cat really resists, it may take a little while longer – each individual cat is different.

Eventually though, with consistency and perseverance, your cat will learn that nothing bad happens to them when they are held and it is ok for you to do that to them. Below are some pointers to start with.

1. Get To Know Your Cat

Reach out your hand and let your cat sniff it. Let them rub their cheeks on your hand if possible. This is a common feline behavior, where they will rub their scent onto objects or creatures to mark them as safe. If your cat does this, it’s a good sign that you can try to hold them.

If your cat starts to meow softly or purr this is also a sign that they are comfortable in your presence. Move slowly and steadily around your cat – sudden movements will alarm and startle them. Over time you will get better at gauging how your cat feels.

Also Read: Do Cats Have A Good Sense Of Smell?

2. Pick The Right Time

Cats are very sensitive to stress in their environment. If they are already anxious or frightened they will not react well to you trying something new with them. Choose a moment when they are calm and relaxed and seem content before picking them up.

If they are purring or being playful with you, then this is a good opportunity. Take into account what has happened to them and between the two of you that day. If there have been lots of positive interactions and they seem content then it will be a good opportunity.

If your cat is stressed or scared then leave them alone and bide your time. Cat body language is a complicated science at times!

Also Read: 10 Proven Ways To Show Your Cat You Love Her

3. Get Your Cat Used To Touch

If you want to hold a cat without getting scratched, train your cat to become familiar with being touched and handled. Areas of touch that cats usually respond well to include the chest, tummy, and their front and back legs. You can start by just stroking or tickling them in these areas when they are content and relaxed near you.

Again, it’s very important to pick a time when your cat is calm as they will be more receptive then. If they are hungry, stressed, or tired they might not respond as well. Approach with caution and carefully gauge their reaction. If they seem distressed or angry, stop immediately.

If they do let you stroke them, you can reward your cat with gentle soothing verbal praise, treats, or a toy with some catnip. Try this over a period of a few weeks and gradually your cat should get used to you touching them without lashing out and scratching you.

Also Read: Why Do Cats Scratch?

4. Get Your Cat Used To Being Lifted

The next step, once your cat is allowing you to touch them on their chest and tummy, is to start gently lifting them up. You can start by just taking the weight off their front paws so they are standing on their hind legs. Do this for a few seconds to get them used to the sensation, then gently place them back down again.

Repeat this maneuver and gradually increase the length of time you hold your cat up. Remember to reward them with lots of verbal praise and treats too! Once they allow you to lift them up at the front happily, you can do exactly the same process but at the other end. Put your hand under their tummy and gently lift their hind legs off the floor for a few seconds.

They may not like their tummy being touched so a very soft approach is required here! If your cat looks uncomfortable or starts to panic, stop immediately and reassure them with lots of soothing words and treats.

Also Read: Cats And Kids – Rules For Safe Play

How To Pick Your Cat Up

So now that you have got your cat used to being touched and handled in the places you need to hold them, you can attempt to pick them up.

• Start by putting one hand under your cat’s chest, and the other hand over their back and under their belly.
• Now that you have picked them up, you need to change positions slightly as your cat will feel most secure when their hindlimbs are supported.
• Scoop your cat’s hindquarters so they are in the crook of your arm and hold your cat’s body close to yours.
• Keep your grip soft but firm; cats like to feel secure. If you are not confident or feel nervous, your cat will sense this.
• If your cat starts to struggle or show signs of discomfort, let them go. If they feel trapped they are way more likely to bite or scratch to protect themselves as their survival instinct will kick in.

Also Read: Why Does My Cat Lick Me Then Bite Me?

Conclusion

If your cat is the type to shy away from physical contact, there are still ways you can train them to allow you to pick them up safely. It will take time and effort but it will be worth it in the end. It is also very useful for any trips to the veterinary clinic. Be mindful that they may have had a past bad experience which makes them suspicious.

You will have to gain the trust of your cat. Treat each cat as an individual as they will all react differently. Over time, you will get to learn what your cat likes. If you are willing to put the hard work in, you will eventually have a cat that you will be able to scoop up and hold without them using you as a human scratching post!

Also Read: Do Cats Like Hugs?