The Ultimate Guide to Safely Picking Up and Holding Your Cat

Did you know there is a better way to pick up and hold a cat?

Picking up your cat is something you do everyday without giving it a second thought. You come home after a long day of work to be greeted with a gentle purr and a tail flick and you immediately bend down and pick up your companion, but he squirms and kicks his way free. You ask yourself, “What did I do wrong?” Well, perhaps it was the way in which you picked him up that caught him off guard.

Some cats love to be held, but some of the things we’ve learned about picking up and holding a cat can make others feel trapped or even frightened. Our friend, animal behavior specialist, Alana Stevenson, explains and demonstrates a better way to pick up and carry a cat who may dislike being held or carried.

Alana Linsay Stevenson is a professional Dog Behaviorist, Cat Behaviorist, Dog Trainer, and Animal Massage Therapist. She has been resolving pet behavioral issues since early 2003. Alana has a Master of Science in Biology Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. She is on the American Association of Feline Practitioner’s Cat-Friendly Practice Advisory Council and is certified in Low Stress Handling for both dogs and cats. www.alanastevenson.com