How to Safely Pick Up and Build Trust with Your Cat
Learn the correct way to pick up your cat and build trust in just 5 steps.
1. The Correct Pickup Technique
When picking up a cat, support their body with one hand under the chest and the other under the hindquarters. This keeps them stable and prevents injury. For a 10 lb cat, you'll need to use about 10 lbs of pressure to lift them gently.
Cats have a sensitive spine, so avoid twisting or bending their body. Keep the lift low and steady, and if they struggle, let them go. For a 6 lb cat, a low and steady lift is crucial to avoid injury.
For a 20 lb cat, you may need to crouch down and use both hands to support their weight. This ensures a safe and comfortable lift.
- Support the chest with one hand and the hindquarters with the other.
- Avoid twisting or bending the cat's body.
- Use a low and steady lift.
- Let go if the cat struggles.
2. Building Trust: A 5-Step Sequence
Start by sitting or lying down on the floor with your cat. This signals that you're not a threat. Spend 10 minutes a day simply being present with your cat, allowing them to approach you on their terms.
Offer treats while petting your cat's head and neck, which are less threatening areas. For a 6 lb cat, use treats that are about 1/4 cup per session.
Gradually introduce gentle strokes on the back and sides. For a 10 lb cat, this might take 2-3 weeks.
Let your cat initiate play. Use a feather toy for a 20 lb cat, as it's less intimidating.
Finally, when you need to handle your cat for a specific reason, like a vet visit, do so calmly and with the same gentle technique you've practiced.
- Spend 10 minutes a day sitting or lying down with your cat.
- Offer treats while petting the head and neck.
- Gradually introduce strokes on the back and sides.
- Let your cat initiate play with a feather toy.
- Handle your cat calmly and gently for specific reasons.
3. When Not to Handle Your Cat
Never handle your cat immediately after feeding. This can cause regurgitation, especially in a 6 lb cat. Wait at least 30 minutes.
Avoid handling your cat during shedding, which can be as frequent as twice a year. This is when they're most sensitive to touch.
Don't handle your cat while they're asleep. This can startle them and cause stress, especially in a 20 lb cat.
Never rush the handling process. Take your time to build trust, especially when dealing with a 10 lb cat.
- Wait 30 minutes after feeding.
- Avoid handling during shedding.
- Don't handle while asleep.
- Take your time to build trust.
4. Stress Signals to Watch For
Look for flattened ears, a tucked tail, hissing, growling, or a hunched body. These are signs of stress in cats, especially in a 6 lb cat.
If your cat's eyes are wide and dilated, or if they're panting heavily, these are also stress signals. These behaviors can be seen in cats of any size.
A cat that is stressed may also groom excessively or hide. These behaviors can be observed in cats of any weight.
- Flat ears, tucked tail, hissing, growling, hunched body.
- Wide eyes, heavy panting.
- Excessive grooming, hiding.
Keep reading about Cat: Cat care sheet
Related questions
How often should I handle my cat for the first time?
Start with 10 minutes a day and gradually increase the time as your cat becomes more comfortable.
What if my cat hisses when I try to pick it up?
If your cat hisses, let it go and try again later. Never force handling.
How can I tell if my cat is stressed?
Look for flattened ears, a tucked tail, hissing, growling, a hunched body, wide eyes, heavy panting, excessive grooming, or hiding.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your cat is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.