Cat Holding Technique Analysis: Are You Holding Your Cat Wrong?

Wrong cat holding posture

1. Holding by front legs: This way of holding can easily make the cat feel uncomfortable, unable to bear the body weight, and the joints are prone to dislocation.
   
2. Underarm hold: This holds the cat with its feet suspended in the air, which puts pressure on the spine. A cat that is extremely uncomfortable may struggle.
   
3. Neck: The back of the neck cannot effectively support the cat’s weight, which may cause muscle strain.
   
4. Lifting the cat by the waist: The cat will lean forward severely, causing discomfort, unstable center of gravity, and greater pressure on the lumbar spine.
   

Correct way to hold a cat

1. Vertical holding style: Place your right hand under the cat’s armpit and chest, and hold up the cat’s hind legs or buttocks with your left hand. After holding the cat, let it stick to your chest.
   
2. Shoulder hug: Hold the cat’s hips with one hand and let the cat’s front paws rest on your shoulders. This way the cat has a foothold and can easily observe the surroundings.
   
3. Princess hold: If the cat trusts you and is willing to expose its belly, you can hold the cat horizontally with your palms supporting its back and buttocks.
   
4. Lying holding style: Let the cat’s front legs lie on your arm, and the other hand holds the cat’s hind legs or buttocks. This posture is suitable for holding a cat while sitting.

General Tips for holding a cat

Avoid pulling:

Pulling on a cat’s front legs can not only cause discomfort, but can also cause damage to the joints. The correct approach is to gently support the cat’s hips and avoid pulling them directly.

Give support:

Whether you are holding the cat under the arms or in other ways, make sure the cat’s body is adequately supported, especially the cat’s spine and joints, which need to be protected from unnecessary pressure.

Stabilize the center of gravity:

When picking up a cat, make sure your center of gravity is stable. Avoid shaking or instability that may frighten or disturb the cat.1.