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How to Pick Up and Hold a Cat the Right Way

One hand under the chest, one under the back end — never scruff an adult catProfessional guidance

International Cat Care advises supporting the cat against your body with one hand under the chest and the other under the back end. An adult cat should never be lifted or held by the scruff, and the cat should always be given the chance to move away.

Applies to: For everyday, gentle lifting and holding of a healthy, willing cat at home. Not for restraining a frightened, injured, or aggressive cat — leave that to your vet team.

Steps

The supportive holdFact
  • Place one hand under the chest and the other supporting under the back end so the cat is held against your body.
  • This distributes the cat's weight and keeps the hind end supported rather than dangling.
  • Handle gently and respectfully, and let the cat move away if it wants to.
  • Most cats prefer short holds — keep lifts brief and calm.
Never scruff an adult catFact
  • Cats should never be scruffed — held by the skin at the back of the neck.
  • Scruffing does not calm an adult cat and removes its sense of control.
  • Avoid holding a cat insecurely, such as under the belly or dangled.
  • A secure, supported hold lowers the chance of a bite or scratch.
Read the 'put me down' cuesFact
  • Suddenly freezing or becoming tense is a sign to set the cat down.
  • Thrashing or thumping the tail signals rising discomfort.
  • Twitching or rippling skin along the back is another stop cue.
  • Respond to the first cue — put the cat down before it escalates.

Normal vs keep-watching

Normal: A relaxed cat held with both hands supported stays loose, may purr, and rests against your body for a short time before signalling it wants down.

Keep watching: Watch for a tensing body, a thrashing tail, or rippling back skin — these mean the hold should end now.

When to contact a vet. If a cat is injured, panicked, or aggressive, or you must restrain it for treatment, don't force a hold at home — contact your veterinary team, who can handle it safely.

What changes this answer

  • Kittens vs adults (never scruff an adult)
  • Whether the cat is willing or frightened
  • Injury, pain, or illness present
  • Nervous or under-socialised cats who dislike lifting

Common mistakes

  • Scruffing an adult cat to control it
  • Letting the back end dangle unsupported
  • Holding on when the cat is signalling to get down
  • Picking up a cat that is clearly frightened or in pain

Sources

Real questions cat owners ask

  • Is it ever okay to scruff a cat?
  • How long should I hold my cat?
  • What if my cat hates being picked up?
Note your cat's handling tolerance (how long, what holds it accepts) so sitters and vet staff handle it the same way. Set up your Cat Passport.

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