STAY INFORMED WITH NORTHERN ILLINOIS CAT CLINIC

Most people are familiar with scruffing a kitten - grasping the skin and fur on the back of their shoulder blades. Kittens respond well to this, as it mimics how their mom would carry them. Do adult cats respond to scruffing the same as kittens? Although this may be a somewhat effective way to restrain them and/or move a cat, this can actually backfire on you for a number of reasons. First off, an adult cat is too big to be supported safely in this fashion. Secondly, this type of handling will likely cause the cat to try to fight back instead of calmly moving to where you need them. Lastly, holding them in a scruff can actually damage the relationship they have with you, or could have with you. If you need to move or handle a cat that is resisting you, it is best to use a less is more approach. For example, using a towel or heavy gloves will protect you and also allow your cat to move more freely and not feel as restrained. This also gives you a way to hold your cat more respectfully so that you do not break the trust you have with them.