Tumblr Thread: Discussing Whether Adult Cats Should Be Lifted By The Scruff

Author image for Mariel Ruvinsky
Mariel Ruvinsky • Writer and Editor
Jun 28, 2022 10:00 AM EDT

Being a cat owner is not always the simplest thing. There are a lot of things that you learn about cats over time, just by owning them and living with them. But, even people who have owned cats for years can make mistakes and can have questions. For example, we saw a whole thread about people being confused about cats not wanting to drink water and having to come up with creative ways to trick their cats into drinking water. And we saw people debate about whether indoor cats should be let outside or about whether cats should be allowed to playfight with other animals 

There's always more to know. And today, we came across a tumblr thread about lifting adult cats by the scruffs of their necks. It seems that a lot of people instantly defended doing it, but some people on tumblr disagree. We would love to hear your guys' opinions on the topic as well!

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  • 01
    Font - shadythetortie Follow Word of advice to cat owners: please don't pick your adult cats up by the scruff. The scruff is meant to support kitten weight. You can seriously hurt your cat by carrying it around by the scruff of the neck. That's 4-6kg of cat hanging from loose skin. Please don't.
    via shadythetortie

    Honestly, we were surprised to see how many people didn't know anything about it. It's true that veterinarians use this technique on cats in the vet's office sometimes, but generally, it should be avoided as much as possible. You can accidentally choke them, cause them pain, there are better ways to handle a cat almost always. Be gentle with your furbabies. 

  • 02
    Font - shadythetortie Follow So this post blew up more than I expected, and I would like to make an addition because I'm getting a lot of people replying with this: It's fine if you support them properly under the hips with your other hand queen-thick-dick anu une aurul yr ou is a signal to the wat whetever she is doing and allow me to pick her up 2. she's somewhere I can't reach her with both hands, and again, the scruff grab is a signal for her to stop, as well as a way to safely pull her over
    via shadythetortie

    Although, since so many people were surprised, we really are glad to see this discussion spark on tumblr. We think more people should be made aware of the potential risks of lifting adult cats by the scruff of their neck. Help your cat-owning friends, let them know about this. 

  • 03
    Rectangle - queen-thick-dick It's fine if you support them properly under the hips with your other hand queen-thick-dick Right?
    via shadythetortie
  • 04
    Font - #when a cat is causing trouble and you have to scruff them and pick them up you do that as two separate things #one hand under the cat to lift and the other holding the scruff to keep them still
    via shadythetortie
  • 05
    Font - I only grab Falka by the scruff in two situations: 1. I actually support her with the other hand, and the scruff grab is a signal for her to stop whetever she is doing and allow me to pick her up 2. she's somewhere I can't reach her with both hands, and again, the scruff grab is a signal for her to stop, as well as a way to safely pull her over to where I can use that other hand as pickup support (better by the scruff than any other body part). Basically, it's "OK, I'm here to save you fr
    via shadythetortie
  • 06
    Font - #use the scruff as an off switch. i use a bag clip on the scruff and they just lay there unable to move. works frear for trimming nails #learned the trick from a vet. it's like magic. if my cats are being naughty i pinch the scruff and scoop them up. no fighting. #again a vet displayed this for me. took only a couple rounds of this for them to behave.
    via shadythetortie
  • 07
    Font - The thing is, scruffing should be your last resort, if not close to it. It's more than just the body weight. Is scruffing the best way to handle an upset cat? Many of us were taught that "scruffing” a cat-or grabbing the animal by the loose... TUFTS NOW
    via shadythetortie
  • 08
    Font - 'In adult cats, scruffing triggers fear and stress rather than relaxation. The only time an adult cat is held by the scruff is during mating-if a female in estrus, or "heat"-or when under attack by a predator. Clinically, what is often seen as "relaxation" in a scruffed cat is actually behavioral shutdown, or learned helplessness that occurs when an animal experiences a very high level of fear and stress.'
    via shadythetortie
  • 09
    Font - Essentially, scruffing in adult cats is a huge issue and can cause more harm than good. Even in veterinary medicine, we only scruff when absolutely necessary, to avoid getting mauled by our patients. Many clinics, especially those certified by Fear Free Pets, dont use scruffing at all.
    via shadythetortie
  • 10
    Organism - I'm going to expand on the tags above, and please keep in mind that this is in NO WAY a callout or a reprimand to these folks - you didn't know, or you thought it was the best choice. That's not your fault! I'm here to help you expand your knowledge and find other ways to work with your cats.
    via shadythetortie
  • 11
    Font - 1. Misbehaving - scruffing will not fix this, but training will! Cats can be trained, some better than others, but it just takes time. If you have to scruff your cat to get them out of a bad behaviour, you should try to work on that behaviour instead. Scruffing a cat for bad behaviour is more of a punishment than help.
    via shadythetortie
  • 12
    Font - 2. Stuck in a bad place - This is something that is a little harder. If the cat is stuck in a storm drain or a wall, then okay. You dont really have a choice. However, if the cat is under the bed or behind the couch and you can't reach it? Either a. Move the furniture or b. Leave it if it isnt an emergency. The cat will come out eventually. If you do need the cat out, and if you can, get your hands around the ribs or hips instead if its safe to do so. (dont get bitten. Please. Thats a pos
    via shadythetortie
  • 13
    Font - 3. Using a clip to keep your cat still for reasons such as grooming, nail trims or travel is not going to make it better in the future. This relates back again to point 1. Training. If your cat doesnt like its nails getting done, you should work with it instead. Get it used to its feet being touched; use treats, cuddles, and even a professional trainer if you need to! There is no shame in asking for help.
    via shadythetortie
  • 14
    Font - 4. Travel. Use a carrier. Top opening carriers are great for this. Get your cat used to it! Put food and toys in there, encourage exploration, play with them around and in it. Cats enjoy small spaces. If you leave the carrier out all the time with the door open, your cat is more likely to get used to it than if its only hauled out for vet visits.
    via shadythetortie
  • 15
    Font - In the end, scruffing should be a last resort. If you ever do have to scruff, support the hips and as soon as you have a good hold, release the scruff. Thank you everyone for your patience, and time, and I would like to leave you with the brilliant and wonderful addition brought to you by @limacine-king limacine-king reblogged your post #you wouldn't hold a person by their wenis Aa #catblr #veterinary #vetblr #rvt #cats #caturday #psa OO 9,657 notes
    via shadythetortie

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