Cat Owner's Manual › Chapter 2: Bringing Your Cat Home › How to Hold a Cat ›

How to Hold a Cat

Most cats do not object to being lifted, provided that you make your intentions clear and handle the cat gently. Abrupt grabbing or lunging may cause the cat to flee beneath the nearest sofa.

  1. Support the cat's weight from underneath with one hand. Most cats will prefer to be right-side-up.
  2. Use the other hand to hold the cat to your chest.
  3. If the cat is especially large, lift it by placing one arm under its body from the back, with your hand extended through its front legs. Support its weight with your other hand. Hold the cat firmly to prevent it from freeing itself.

expert tipEXPERT TIP: If your cat bites you or deploys its claws to latch onto an extremity, do not try to pull away. This movement mimics that of struggling prey and will make the feline grip/bite harder. Instead, keep the extremity still. Without feedback, the feline's prey drive will shut down, and it will release you.

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Chapter 2: Bringing Your Cat Home

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Quirk BooksThe Cat Owner's Manual is a basic guide to cat care.
The book was written by a celebrated veterinarian and an acclaimed author. It provides cat owners with well-researched and helpful information presented in a lighthearted manner. The creators chose to write the book in a style similar to what you'd find in "operating instructions" for a car or computer. Of course they--and we--respect the fact that our beloved pets are not products or machines!