Holding your pet incorrectly can harm it, cause stress, and become a victim of sharp claws. The differences between correct and incorrect ways of keeping a cat are not always obvious, so that we will give you this instruction from Yuri Birstin, a veterinarian based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Now you can master this art yourself and tell your children, other relatives, and friends about it.
Basic ways
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The most important thing is to support the cat's torso. Place at least one hand under the pet's chest so that the hand rests on his body and not on the shoulder joints. In the figure on the left, the main load falls on the armpits of the animal. “It's not very cat-friendly and not particularly safe,” says Dr. Bierstin.
In the other two cases shown in the picture, the cat's chest and stomach are supported by your hands. This will not cause discomfort for the pet, and you'll find it less difficult to carry You can place your palm under your front legs or let them hang down. But in general, cats like it better when they are taken under the chest or stomach and brought closer to the body.
If you hold the cat correctly, it can scratch you with its hind claws if it is nervous. To avoid this, orient the animal's back perpendicular to your body, as shown in the third picture. While holding the pet's chest with one hand, press the back of the pet against your body with the other.
Advanced ways
The above options for cat retention are not all possible. There are more sophisticated ones that can be applied if the pet is calm.
The picture on the left shows the way babies are usually held. Dr. Bierstin demonstrates it in one of his YouTube videos. It is quite convenient and safe if you get along well with your cat.
But Bierstin warns, "I wouldn't hold onto an animal that I don't trust." By holding the cat like a child, you open up for its front paws, with which it can scratch you. Therefore, if the pet resists, carefully place it on the ground, try to lift in the usual way like the picture above.
The next grip, shown in the middle picture, is for football. Dr. Bierstin suggests handling agitated cats in this manner Taking the animal, direct its muzzle to your belly, supporting the chest with one hand and the hind legs with the other. This will reduce the likelihood of the pet escaping and prevent it from scratching you once more. Dr. Bierstin recommends holding the cat tighter: “It won't harm him. In fact, cats feel safer if they are held tight. "
And finally, there is the third grip - the shoulder grip. It can also be recommended to people who have a good relationship with a cat. Place your pet on a surface, such as a table, at your waist. Then bend over to him and allow him to climb onto your shoulder (be careful, risk a little scratching). When the cat is in place, support its back with your hand.
Also read: Here is What to Do if a Cat Has Worms.
If the animal is comfortable, it may bend over your neck and occupy both shoulders, like a fur collar. You can allow it (though again, you risk getting scratched) or stop the attempt by pressing the cat's back to your shoulder with your free hand.
To remove the beast from your shoulder, do not remove it yourself and not let it jump. Go back to the table or sofa, bend over and let the cat get down on its own.
Adapted and translated by The Cop Cart Staff
Sources: Life hacker
