Transfer your pet safely, no matter what type of cat you have.
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- SUNY Oswego
- University of Houston
Bryan Nelson is a science writer and award-winning documentary filmmaker with more than a decade of experience in technology, astronomy, medicine, animals and more.
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Updated August 22, 2018
Cats can vary significantly in their comfort level while wearing. Some cats won't let you hold them, others will let you and stare at you with silent disdain, while still others absolutely adore it, even seeking out someone's arms or shoulders as their favorite spot.
With this in mind, Dr. Uri Burstyn, akaHelpful vet from Vancouveron YouTube has put together a comprehensive guide on how to carry your cat the way cats like to be carried, so you can safely transfer your pet no matter what type of cat you have. Burstyn's advice focuses on the positions in which cats feel safest, but also on positions that prevent a cat's human handler from being "shot away," as Burstyn likes to say.
Make sure your cat feels safe
Even if your cat loves to be touched, Burstyn's guide may still surprise you. Chances are you've been holding your cat incorrectly and the positions he suggests are probably not what you would expect. You might be surprised to hear that cats like to be cuddled. As Burstyn says in her video, "If you have a cat that tries to get away from you, always hug that cat."
“All you need to know about holding cats is to squeeze them. Cat.”
Pinching cats seems to be the core of his advice.
Burstyn emphasizes that when cats are squeezed under the pressure of your hands or under your arm, they feel more secure. You don't have to worry about hurting them, he says, because "they're very, very tough little animals."
Use the football carrier
Additionally, Burstyn's recommended method of carrying a cat (while holding them tightly) is what he calls the "football carry." The pose works pretty much as you would imagine, with the cat under your arm as if you were carrying a football. What may surprise you about this position is the direction Burstyn recommends looking at the cat. This screenshot says it all:
While it may seem counterintuitive, the cat Burstyn demonstrates with seems completely comfortable with the pose. However, it may be worth testing it with your cat before using it indiscriminately.
The video also shows how best to handle your cat if he likes to sit on your shoulder. If you have a shoulder cat, Burstyn's advice is more about helping you pick up and put the cat down safely while avoiding getting scratched.
The advice, while perhaps unconventional, is all well intentioned and well worth passing on to your cat to see how well it works.
Just remember: when in doubt, hug that cat.
Why pets are important to Treehugger
At Treehugger we are committed to animal welfare, including our pets and other farm animals. The better we understand our cats, the better we can support and protect their well-being. We hope our readers will adopt rescue animals instead of shopping at breeders or pet stores, and that they will consider it toosupport local animal shelters.
