The area of soft skin behind the cat's neck is called the scruff. If grasped correctly, it is an effective method of keeping a cat at bay, even though it may seem uncomfortable or even painful to the cat. There are various ways to hold a cat by the scruff, some right, some wrong. Learning and practicing the correct ones will help you become more adept at keeping a cat without hurting it.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Hold a Cat by the Scruff Safely
Step 1. Remove any odors from your body that may be unpleasant to the cat
A strong scented perfume or cologne can be annoying to him, while the smell of a dog can make him particularly nervous.
Step 2. Let the cat feel comfortable in your presence before trying to hold him by the scruff of the neck
By stroking it quietly and allowing it to rub against your hand, you will give it a chance to relax. You may need to spend more time on this phase, depending on whether your cat has a mild or fickle temperament.
Step 3. Remove the collar if you are wearing it
You can hold a cat by the scruff despite the presence of the collar, although it is not recommended if you are not experienced in handling cats this way. Unlike the scruff, the collar is not flexible, so you run the risk of accidentally tightening it around your neck.
Step 4. Place the cat on a support surface
Placing it on a solid, even surface, such as a table or countertop, will make it easier for you to scruff it. You could also use the floor for support if your cat feels more comfortable.
Step 5. Grab him by the scruff of his neck when he is relaxed and awake
Place your hand on the back of the neck and gently grasp the soft skin in this area with your whole hand. Gather it as close to your ears as possible so that the chance of it squirming or trying to bite you is minimal.
- The cat's ears should bend back slightly when you grab the skin immediately behind the ears. This shift will let you know that you are taking it in the right place.
- As you tighten your grip, you should feel the skin stay soft in your hand. If you feel it is being too tight, you have probably grabbed more of it than you should, so loosen your grip slightly. The cat will let you know if you have grabbed too much.
- Do not take a small portion of the scruff: you risk pinching the cat. Readjust your grip by picking up more skin.
- Unless the cat is very aggressive, you should notice that it doesn't mind being taken this way at all; it might even calm down. Sometimes this is enough to keep him from doing something he doesn't want to do or to keep him quiet while you cut his nails or give him some medication.
Step 6. Lift the cat by the scruff
Before trying to raise it with this method, remember that it is generally not necessary to keep cats, especially adult cats, this way. Unless it's a mother carrying her babies from one place to another, there is usually no need to scruff them.
If you can't help but lift it after grabbing the scruff, note that the movement will be easier with puppies, as they are lighter
Step 7. Be extra careful when lifting the cat by the scruff if it is heavy
Lifting a cat of a certain weight by the scruff, you risk exerting a strong tension on the muscles of the neck and on the skin and, consequently, the movement could be annoying and painful. To avoid such stress, it is necessary to further support its weight.
- After grabbing the scruff of a large cat, fully support the lower back with the other hand. Depending on its size, it may be necessary to wrap part of the other arm around the rear.
- Only take it when you are securely supporting the rear.
Step 8. Hold it up by the scruff only for as long as necessary
While not a painful gesture for the cat, when done correctly it can be annoying if it lasts a long time. Also, keep in mind that even the most patient cats will tire of being held this way and will try to shake off their grip or kick with their hind legs.
- It is important to remember that the cat basically gives you its trust from a very vulnerable position. If you give him the impression that you are too abrupt or agitated, he is likely not cooperating with getting caught in this way.
- Unless it feels like aggression, the cat should simply hang in the air and look at you, waiting to be back on the ground. Some make a few faint noises, as if to say, "Hey, I don't particularly like it, so let's try to finish soon."
Step 9. Loosen your grip
If you picked up the cat, let the scruff off after placing it gently on a surface.
- Afterward, give him some positive reinforcement to reward him for his good behavior when taken this way. You could pet him, talk to him, and give him some treats.
- Do not loosen your grip by dropping it. Even if a healthy cat won't get hurt, he'll learn you're too brusque and probably won't be as willing to cooperate next time you grab him this way.
Part 2 of 2: Knowing when and why to scruff him
Step 1. Understand why cats are easier to control when they are scruffed
Mothers carry and supervise the cubs by promptly grabbing them by the scruff of the mouth. If you see any such scene, you will notice that the kittens instinctively calm down, crouching while being moved by their mother. Many cats continue to behave in the same way as adults when held by the scruff of the scruff.
Step 2. Recognize situations where you don't have to grab the cat by the scruff of the neck
Avoid doing this when he is upset or in circumstances where both of you run the risk of hurting each other.
- When sleeping: just as you will not like the idea of being grabbed while you rest, so it will not be pleasant for the cat, who could be frightened.
- When he eats: Wait for him to finish eating before doing anything that might force you to pick him up by the scruff of the neck.
- When he is agitated or excited: It may be particularly difficult to calm him down or manage him after he has been on the move. In these cases, it is very likely that it will scratch or bite.
- If your cat has arthritis or is obese: grabbing him by the scruff can strain the neck muscles and be particularly painful if he suffers from arthritis or is severely overweight.
- If you have little skin on the scruff: Some cats don't have a lot of skin on the back of the neck. Therefore, you should be able to see this when you grab the scruff of the neck. Do not attempt to hold it if the amount of skin at the back of the neck is small.
- If the cat is elderly, it may feel belittled or embarrassed when grabbed at this point.
Step 3. Grab him by the scruff of his neck when you cut his nails
While your cat may not particularly like this grooming operation, keeping it as still as possible can cut its nails faster, preventing it from scratching or biting.
- Shorten the nails when the cat is calm and relaxed, rather than when he is stressed or intent on playing briskly.
- You should set him down on a surface (such as a table or countertop) when you hold him by the scruff of his neck to cut his nails. It will be more comfortable for both of you. This operation may require the intervention of two people (one grabbing him by the scruff, the other cutting his nails).
- If you need to shorten your nails or give him medication, he won't need to lift him into the air after grabbing his scruff. In these cases, it is best to gently push the head towards the support surface and use the other hand or arm to gently lock the posterior.
Step 4. Hold it by the scruff of the neck when brushing to remove knots in the hair
Tidying up their fur when it is matted is certainly not the most comfortable experience for a cat, and it can also be painful. Since it may move as you untangle any knots that have formed, it's important to keep it in place.
- Just like you would shorten his nails, lay him on a surface before picking him up by the scruff and brushing him.
- Use a wide-toothed comb.
- With your free hand, hold the tangle of hair as close to the skin as possible and comb it from root to tip, just like you would to untangle a knot in a person's hair.
Step 5. Hold him by the scruff of his neck when giving him medication
It can be particularly difficult to give a cat a medicine. By keeping it still, you have a better chance of successfully administering the necessary drug therapy.
- Hold it by the scruff of the neck on a flat surface.
- If you have to give him a pill, tilt his head up slightly while holding him by the scruff and try to put the pill in his mouth.
- If it is an injection, instead of trying to do this at home, it will probably be safer to have the vet intervene, who will administer the drug while keeping the cat by the scruff of the neck.
Step 6. Grab the cat by the scruff to discipline him
It is best to use this system in moderation, as it may actually make the situation worse.
- If it is necessary to give him a rule by the scruff of his neck, say the word "No" as you do so, so that he knows that he has misbehaved.
- Also, grab it gently at this point. If you shake him when he's done some trouble, he'll definitely get upset.
Advice
- This system usually works best with mild-tempered cats. If yours is rebellious and independent, chances are he doesn't like being grabbed like this at all.
- Although it is a method that contains and moderates the behavior of felines, it should only be used when other systems that have the same purpose do not have the desired effects.
- The cat will clearly let you know if it feels pain when you hold it by the scruff of the neck. It may wriggle, blow, and struggle. Alternatively, there is the possibility that it instinctively freezes, silences or emits some noise: this is a behavior that in nature helps animals not to become prey. If your cat exhibits any of these attitudes, realize that it could hurt him.
- If you are unfamiliar with grabbing your cat by the scruff, ask your vet to show you how.
Warnings
- Do not attempt to collect other animals in this way. Some may turn around and bite you, while others may get annoyed or even hurt.
- Remember that a cat may turn against you if you pinch a small piece of skin in the back of the neck. Grab it as close to your ears as possible to avoid this risk.
- If you take it by the scruff incorrectly, you risk causing serious injury to the neck muscles and surrounding skin. If you are unable to grasp it correctly, ask your vet to show you the right procedure.
- Do not try to scruff a cat that is clearly agitated or nervous. Only an experienced professional (such as a veterinarian) should use this system if the animal has such a temperament.
