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Sometimes it’s hard to resist scooping up your cat for a snuggle, but it’s important to do so correctly—and only when you have an open invitation. To pick up a cat the right way, wait for when your cat wants attention to approach them, make yourself less intimidating, and extend your hand out before gently scooping them up. Cats are sensitive creatures, and most prefer to interact with humans on their own terms. Learning how to pick up a cat properly will help you foster trust and avoid injury.
Even if your cat prefers to keep four paws on the floor, there will be times when you have to pick them up—whether it’s for a vet visit, to administer medication, or to get them out of harm’s way. These situations can be stressful, making it all the more important to hold your cat in a way that makes them comfortable.
Since we all want to maintain our pet’s trust and avoid stress, we asked two veterinarians how to properly pick up a cat. They shed light on some best practices as well as mistakes to avoid. We’ll also cover how to get a cat used to being picked up and tips for reading your cat’s body language.
How To Pick Up a Cat Properly
According to Dr. Wendy Hauser, founder of Peak Veterinary Consulting and Special Advisor to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, holding a cat the right way starts before you even pick them up. “Ideally, cats are picked up when they want affection,” she says. “Cats signal that they want attention by initiating the encounter and approaching the human.”
Dr. Hauser recommends watching for signs of interest and relaxation, such as an upright body posture, perky ears, and eye contact. You can invite more interaction by extending a relaxed hand toward your cat, avoiding any sudden or unpredictable movements.
If your cat appears interested, you can follow these steps as laid out by Dr. Neus Torrent, DVM with Outdoor Bengal:
- Approach the cat calmly and slowly. Sudden movements might startle the cat.
- Get down to the cat’s level if possible. Crouch or kneel to make yourself less intimidating.
- Extend your hand towards the cat, allowing them to sniff you if they’re comfortable.
- Slide one hand under the cat’s chest, just behind their front legs. Use your other hand to support their hindquarters.
- Lift the cat slowly and smoothly, using both hands to support their weight evenly.
- Hold the cat securely but gently against your chest.
- When putting the cat back down, lower them slowly and gently onto a stable surface.
It’s important that your cat doesn’t feel confined or trapped in your arms. Hold them gently and loosely but close enough to your body to make them feel secure. Dr. Torrent adds that all cats, whether big or small, should be held with two hands.
If your cat seems unhappy with being held, Dr. Hauser advises placing them gently on the floor or a piece of furniture. Unless circumstances require it (e.g., a cat is in danger or at the vet), you should never hold a cat against their will.
Infographic by Rover
How Not To Pick Up a Cat
There are also incorrect ways to pick up a cat. The most common mistakes are forcing a cat to be held or not supporting their body in a way that makes them feel comfortable and safe.
According to our experts, cat parents should avoid:
- Picking up a cat by the scruff of the neck. Some people might think that it’s safe to pick up a cat by the loose skin at the back of their neck, as this is how mother cats pick up their kittens. But humans are not mother cats, and kittens lose scruff as they grow older. Picking up a cat by the scruff can actually cause trauma, pain, and muscle damage.
- Failing to support the cat’s hindquarters. This can make a cat feel insecure or put painful pressure on their joints.
- Picking them up by surprise. Before you pick up your cat, you should reassure them and make sure they’re ready. Dr. Torrent points out that approaching too quickly or aggressively can make a cat feel threatened.
- Ignoring a cat’s body language. Even if you’re one of your cat’s favorite people, reading their body language will offer clues about their preferences—and whether or not they want to be picked up at all. “When people don’t read cats’ body language, it can often end poorly, with scratches, bites, or a cat who develops avoidance behaviors toward the human,” says Dr. Hauser.
- Forcing a cat to be held for too long. This can lead to stress or anxiety.
- Setting the cat down on an unstable surface. Always place cats on a steady surface to avoid a fall or injury.
Infographic by Rover
When To Leave Your Cat Alone
“As a general rule, cats must not be disrupted when they are eating, sleeping, or resting in a refuge or elevated area,” says Dr. Torrent. “It’s essential to respect the cat’s boundaries and allow them to initiate interaction on their terms.”
Cats demonstrate stress and fear through body language. If your cat displays any of these signs, it’s best to avoid picking them up:
- Wide, dilated eyes (a sign of high alert)
- Puffy or twitching tail
- Ears flat and facing forward
- Unhappy vocalizations (growls and hisses)
- Stiff or tense body
- Attempting to move away or hide
- Ignoring your presence
Remember, cats are easily overstimulated by touch. Ignoring you or seeking privacy is their way of saying “no.”
How To Get a Cat Used to Being Picked Up
All cat parents will encounter times when picking up their cat is unavoidable. Maybe it’s time for a trip to the vet, or perhaps you’ve smashed a glass and don’t want them to hurt their paws. If your cat is wary of being held, then you should dedicate time to helping them tolerate it.
To that end, both of our experts recommend training with positive reinforcement.
“The main goal of this technique is to create positive associations with being handled,” explains Dr. Torrent. She advises keeping a supply of your cat’s favorite treats on hand during training sessions. “Whenever your cat allows you to touch them or pick them up without showing signs of discomfort, immediately reward them with treats.”
Use a gentle, calm voice to talk to your kitty as you follow these steps.
- Before you start training, make sure your cat is in a quiet, familiar environment.
- Pick up your cat and put them in your lap. Give them a treat.
- Touch your cat’s shoulders. Give them a treat.
- Touch their chest and treat.
- Touch their hind legs and treat.
- Repeat these steps until your cat shows no sign of stress or anxiety about being touched.
- Pick up your cat for short durations and treat them while holding them.
Dr. Torrent adds that you can gradually increase the criteria for earning rewards as your cat becomes more comfortable with being picked up.
It might be a slow process, but keep at it, and don’t get frustrated if your cat isn’t learning as quickly as you’d like. Remember to always be sensitive to your cat’s needs and ask your vet for advice if you’re having trouble.
Infographic by Rover
Additional Tips for Picking Up Your Cat
Now you have a better handle on how most cats prefer to be held—but what about a cat who won’t let you near them without scratching? Or what if you come across a stray or feral cat—can you pick them up? Below, we explain how to approach a few different scenarios you might encounter.
How can I safely pick up a pregnant cat?
To pick up a pregnant cat, use two hands and support both the chest and the hind quarters. You’ll want to be extra gentle and take special care around the abdomen, says Dr. Torrent. Avoid putting pressure on a pregnant cat’s belly.
How should I pick up a cat who’s been recently spayed?
Dr. Torrent instructs cat parents to proceed cautiously and gently. Your vet will provide specific recommendations, but you should avoid placing pressure on the suture site and support your cat by their chest and rear.
Can I pick up a feral cat?
Unless you have special training, Dr. Torrent recommends against picking up a feral cat. These cats are not domesticated or accustomed to humans. If you’re unsure whether you’ve found a lost cat, stray, or feral cat, aim to confine them safely and call your local vet or shelter.
“If care is needed, using a humane trap like a Havahart will be the lower stress method,” adds Dr. Hauser.
How can I pick a cat that won’t let me without scratching?
If you have an aggressive cat, it’s better to avoid picking them up unless absolutely necessary. When you do need to handle them (for health or emergency reasons), approach quietly and calmly. Then, you can scoop them up with a large bath towel. Consider wearing protective gloves to avoid getting clawed.
Can I hold my cat like a baby?
Of course, all cats will have different preferences for how they like to be held. Some might enjoy being on their back, cradled in the crook of your arm like a baby. They might even like having their belly rubbed. But you should only hold your cat like a baby if they do not have any spinal injuries.
Always pay attention to your cat’s behavior so you can learn what they like—and what they don’t! If your cat shows any sign of struggle, put them down gently. If you are sitting down, you can open up your arms so that your cat has the choice of walking away or readjusting.
Do some cat breeds like being picked up more than others?
Yes, says Dr. Torrent, some breeds are more likely to enjoy being held—or at least be more tolerant of it. Breeds that are generally characterized as gentle and affectionate include:
- Maine Coons
- Siamese Cats
- Ragdolls
- Burmese Cats
- Scottish Fold Cats
- Sphynx Cats
Breeds that are less likely to enjoy being picked up include:
- Egyptian Maus Cats
- Bengals
- Somali Cats
However, you can’t go by breed alone when assessing a cat’s preference for handling. “It’s essential to remember that individual cats within any breed can have their own preferences and personality traits,” points out Dr. Torrent. “Some cats may enjoy being picked up regardless of their breed, while others may not be as fond of it.”
At the end of the day, if your cat doesn’t always want to be picked up, that’s okay! There are lots of ways you can show your cat affection and build a loving relationship with your furry friend. Whether they like cuddles, playing with toys, or just spending time with you, having a cat in your life is always worth it.
Got a dog too? Read our tips on how to pick up a dog, based on their age, size, and mobility needs.
