How to Safely Handle and Tame Your Cat
Learn the right way to pick up your cat and build trust with these 5 essential steps.
1. The Correct Physical Pickup for a Cat's Body Shape
When picking up a cat, always support their body correctly. Place one hand under their chest, near their front legs, and use your other hand to support their hindquarters. This method ensures you're not putting unnecessary stress on their back. For a 6–20 lb cat, this approach is ideal.
Avoid picking up a cat by the scruff of the neck, as this can cause injury. Instead, use a gentle but firm grip to control their movements. For an adult cat, this means a firm but not overly tight hold.
When lifting, keep your movements slow and steady. Cats can be startled easily, and sudden movements can lead to injury or a fear response.
- Support the chest with one hand
- Support the hindquarters with the other hand
- Avoid the scruff of the neck
- Use a gentle but firm grip
- Keep movements slow and steady
2. Building Trust Through a Clear Trust-Building Sequence
To build trust with your cat, start with short, positive interactions. Spend 5–10 minutes a day sitting near your cat and offering gentle petting.
Gradually increase the duration of these sessions over weeks. This helps your cat get used to your presence and touch.
Offer treats during these sessions to create positive associations with your handling. For a 6–20 lb cat, a small treat like a few kibbles of their favorite dry food can be effective.
- Start with short, positive interactions
- Gradually increase the duration of sessions
- Offer treats during handling
- Use a small treat like a few kibbles of dry food
3. When Not to Handle Your Cat
Never handle your cat immediately after feeding. They may be drowsy or uncomfortable, and this can lead to a negative experience.
Avoid handling during shedding periods, as it can cause stress and lead to hair loss. For indoor cats, shedding can occur year-round, but it's most noticeable during spring and fall.
Don't handle a cat while they are asleep. This can startle them and disrupt their rest.
Never rush the handling process. Take your time to avoid creating a negative association with being touched.
- Avoid handling after feeding
- Avoid handling during shedding periods
- Don't handle while asleep
- Never rush the handling process
4. Stress Signals to Watch for in Cats
Cats have subtle ways of showing stress. Look for signs like flattened ears, a tucked-under tail, or a hunched body. These are signs that your cat may be uncomfortable with the handling.
If your cat's eyes are wide and their pupils are dilated, this can indicate fear or stress. It's important to read these signals and adjust your handling accordingly.
A hiss or growl can be a clear sign of stress. If you hear these sounds, it's best to give your cat space and reassess your approach.
- Look for flattened ears, tucked-under tail, or hunched body
- Watch for wide eyes and dilated pupils
- Listen for hisses or growls
- Give space if stress signals are present
Keep reading about Cat: Cat care sheet
Related questions
How often should I handle my cat to build trust?
Start with 5–10 minutes a day and gradually increase the duration over weeks.
What's the best way to support a cat's body when picking them up?
Support their chest with one hand and their hindquarters with the other.
When should I avoid handling my cat?
Avoid handling after feeding, during shedding periods, while asleep, and when rushed.
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.