As a cat owner, one cannot resist picking up their furry balls. However, it is crucial to know that not every cat likes to be held. It depends on whether the cats want to be picked up. Therefore, do not abruptly pick the cat as it may scare the cat, she might react awkwardly, and it may cause unwanted injury. Keep the inner wildness of cats in mind, and be cautious about your cats and your safety while picking up a cat.

Picking up a cat isn’t difficult at all if you keep points in mind before doing so. You should observe your feline’s body language, introduce yourself, let her be comfortable with you and then appropriately pick the cat up.

Gently approach the cat

It can be challenging to pick up a cat if you don’t have the right approach. You cannot grab a cat from behind or swing her without willingness. The abrupt method of scooping the cat can be petrifying for her. Hence, the key is first to introduce yourself to the feline. Speak in a soft and soothing voice to her. To break the ice, allow the feline to sniff your hand and gently pet her back from head to tail as it relaxes the cat. Let the cat be familiar and comfortable with your smell, touch, and presence.

Observe the cat’s body language

If observed meticulously, a cat’s body language says about her current mood. Felines tell us through various signs whether they want to be picked up or not. While interacting with the cat, notice how she behaves when you lean your hand towards her. If a cat doesn’t sniff your hand and stares at you without looking for any further interaction, it indicates their disinterest. In such a situation, do not pick the cat. If a cat displays her interest in interacting by vocalizing loudly, approaching you, rubbing against your leg, responding to your petting, and doesn’t swat or seem irritated by the interaction – then these are signs your cat is trusting you to pick her up gently.

Follow these steps for picking up a cat correctly

1. Pet. Massage and communicate in a soft voice to make the cat comfortable
2. After comforting the cat, place one hand under the cat’s abdomen and another under her chest to gently lift the cat
3. Ensure to provide full support to the cat with both hands and then securely lift them

Steps for picking up a cat on the shoulder?

Some cats like to be held on the shoulders, and there’s a technique. Picking a cat on your shoulders is the easy and convenient way to lift a feline.

1. Lean down to pick up the cat and ensure that the cat is facing you.
2. When you lean down, the cat will scramble their way up to your shoulders if they want to be held.
3. Carefully hold your cat with both hands as they might run off from behind
4. Consider your cat’s desire to get down, and do not hold them till they feel agitated. Gently place the cat on an even surface, let all four paws land on the ground, and then release the cat with ease.

How to lift a cat during an emergency?

During emergencies, it is advisable to football carry the cat. Put your cat’s head under your arm, place their butt in your other hand and squish their body to pick them. This way of picking cats up during emergencies provides the cat extra support and helps avoid unwanted accidents.

Respect your cat’s willingness to be picked up. Do not force yourself on the cat as it can be injurious to both you and the cat. If kids are playing with cats, supervise their time as they sometimes might attempt to scoop the cat and scare them unintentionally.

Above all, be extremely gentle, calm, and considerate with cats’ preferences of being held because either in your arms on by your side, your furry friend will always love you unconditionally.