It can be very tempting to want to pick up a kitty and give them a cuddle. Cats are cute, but they’re also fiercely independent, which might mean Mr Whiskers won’t appreciate your attempts at affection. Whether you’re a cat sitter or a paw parent, respecting a feline’s boundaries is important. Knowing how to properly pick up and hold a cat won’t just help them to feel happy and comfortable, but you’ll develop a stronger bond, too. Below, Cat in a Flat shows you how to properly pick up your cat and when it’s better to keep your distance.

Do cats like being held?

Do cats like being held? Whether or not a feline enjoys it when you pick them up and hold them will depend on their personality, life experience, and history. The majority of cats feel most comfortable when they are in control of themselves and their environment (which is why you should avoid dressing up your kitty). This means that Mr Whiskers probably prefers having all four paws on the ground. However, every kitty is unique, and this will vary from one cat to the next. Where one may prefer firm boundaries and keeping their distance, another may enjoy frequent cuddles with their humans. 

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Does my cat want to be picked up?

Does my cat want to be picked up? You should always let your furry friend decide if they want to interact with you or not. And you shouldn’t pick up a kitty if you’re not sure. Knowing when to pick up your cat is just as important as knowing how to properly pick up and hold them. Felines tell us a lot through body language and vocalisation. Here are some key signs a kitty wants you to pick them up (or leave them alone): 

When a cat DOES want to be held

• They have relaxed posture, with ears facing forward and tail relaxed and upright.
• Kitties often purr to show contentment, and this can be a good indicator they want to interact. However, purring doesn’t always translate to a good mood, so learn to recognize the signs of a stressed or injured feline too. 
• Your fur friend approaches you on their own, maybe even rubs up against your leg or hand. 

When a cat DOESN’T want to be held

• Dilated pupils and ears flat against their heads.
• Hissing, growling, or other loud vocalisations. 
• Freezing in place or going rigid when you pick them up. 

How to properly pick up and hold a cat

These five steps will help you to properly pick up and hold your cat. However, keep an eye out on your fur friend’s body language and back off the moment they seem uncomfortable or stressed. 

Step #1:

Slowly approach the kitty, taking care not to sneak up on them. Try to crouch or lower yourself to their level so they feel more comfortable. Speak to your furry friend in a soft, soothing voice and make sure they have space to leave if they want to get away from you. 

Step #2:

Hold out your hand to the cat. If Mr Whiskers wants to interact with you, they will come closer and maybe even sniff your hand. Avoid moving toward the cat or sticking your hand in their face. Always let them come to you first! If, after a minute or two, your fur friend doesn’t approach, this most likely means they don’t want you to pick them up and hold them. Build trust by respecting this boundary. 

Step #3:

If the cat does approach to smell your hand, gently pet their chin or cheek. Remember to always pet a feline in the direction of their fur. 

Step #4:

If their body language is relaxed and they’re enjoying the interaction, you can now try to pick up the cat. Gently put your hand on their chest, behind their front legs. Place your other hand behind their back legs and carefully scoop them up, supporting their back end. It’s important to not leave a kitty’s rear legs hanging, as this can be painful and uncomfortable.

Step #5:

Bring Mr Whiskers to your chest and hold them securely. You should support their back legs with one arm while the other is wrapped around their chest providing support for their front legs. Avoid startling your feline by moving around. Instead, try to stay still while holding your fur friend. 

BUT…

Know when to put them down!  If the cat is relaxed, then it’s okay for you to continue to hold them. However, if a kitty starts wriggling, seems stressed, or starts making sounds, you need to lower them gently back down. Once they are close to the ground, make sure they can place all four paws down before you let them go. Felines may be agile and famously able to land on their feet, but you should never just drop a cat. 

When should I avoid picking up a cat?

When should I avoid picking up a cat? There are a few key times when you shouldn’t pick up and hold a cat—even if you do it properly. It can be tempting to want to cuddle your fur friend, but you should avoid doing so when they’re sleeping, stressed or scared, injured, or during playtime.

• When they’re sleeping: Cats sleep a lot and you might risk startling or frightening a kitty if you try to pick them up mid-snooze. 
• When they’re stressed: Comforting your furry friend with cuddles when they’re stressed may only make them more anxious (or even aggressive). Instead, make sure Mr Whiskers can retreat to a safe hiding place to calm down. 
• When they’re injured: If you have a sick or injured cat, trying to pick them up and hold them can make them feel worse. 
• When they’re playing: Daily playtime is important for felines, but you should avoid picking up a kitty while playing. They may try to bite or scratch you, or think your hand is a toy. Instead, stick to cat-friendly toyslike fishing rods and balls. 

How to pick up a stressed cat

Of course, there will be times where you need to know how to properly pick up or hold your cat, even if they’re not in the mood. You may need to get them into their crate, while trying to administer medication, or to quickly move your fur friend out of danger’s way. If you need to pick up a nervous feline, try using the blanket method to safely handle them. Wrapping Mr Whiskers in a ‘purrito’ will make it easier to move them or get them into a carrier. 

Looking for more useful kitty care tips? Learn the DO’s and DON’Ts of cat sitting and how to find a cat sitterwho gets along with your feline.