Why you shouldn't pick up your cat by the scruff of the neck
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ค. 2018
- Many people have responded to my video on how to pick up cats with questions about picking up a cat by the back of the neck (scuffing). Well, this is not a nice thing to do to your cat, and in this video I explain why.
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Arbutus West Animal Clinic - www.awac.ca
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Dont forget to squish that cat!
Lancelot, you handsome devil...
Lancelot is a handsome boy!
He's lovely and so are the vet's other cats, Clawdia and Mr Pirate.
Oh, crap. I did my cat dirty. I will not do it again. Thank you for sharing this information.
This cat's face is like a beautiful painting
Lancelot is the real star of this video. Look at that face!
I agree :-)
He is enjoying the attention way to much... 😂
...buuut not so very relaxed at times. He sometimes looks a bit unnerved, swinging his tail, althouth in a "no big deal" way.
Squeezing the scruff is a good way to annoy a cat, or get bitten by a cat, that's about it. Of course petting your cat on the back of the neck and giving them little massages IS a good way to gain their trust. Huge difference though.
This guy looks like the happiest dude alive.
Great energy.
I think he should issue a full 2 hours sleep talkdown. Chatting about cat issues. I'd take it over guided meditation.
"You have hands. You have prehensile hands." +100
I never really understood why anyone would do it in the first place. It looks so... uncomfortable for the cat.
Thats kind of the point.
I thought the same; that's so counter-intuitive... but even that didn't prevent me from being fooled by such an "urban legend" unfortunately :-(
Julia H i would do it if i was getting attacked and i didnt see this video
My cat had a wild baby bunny in her mouth, so I picked her up by the scruff to let it get away.
People who do it normally though, I never understand.
Well I don't own pets but I've seen cats do it to their kittens so I assumed it wasn't a problem. It's not so stupid to copy what the cats themselves do.
I like how this Vet is so lovingly tactile with the cats he has in his videos. Clearly he really cares and loves the cats in his clinic by the way he handles them with so much respect.
The cats really seem to like him too! This is a different world than when I go to the vet.
thanks, lancelot
Now I feel guilty.
Same! I only did it once to my cat, when I was like 13, but still...
I feel really bad now too 😞
I never understood why people do that. They are heavy.
We learn new things every day. Don't feel guilty for something you didn't know about, instead you now know better and can help other cat lovers know better too.
At least you know
I always thought adult cats are way to heavy to do that, so I never did. However, if I have to give my cat some medicine or something, I grab her by the scruff so she holds still - but she stays on my lap. :D
Tinkili I know what you mean I only use it in emergencies but never pick him up by the scruff as you can tell it's painful and just a terrible thing to do
Same here!
We have a really moody outdoor cat (He likes to come snuggle any play - but on his own time of course) And the only way to deworm him is pack him in a blanket with all fours, sit on the lap, hold tight, scruff the neck and get that tablet in there. He is waay to smart and picky for any other form of deworming. We tried every paste, hiding trick and whatnot. He's a handful, but darn I love this dude
Maybe you should try 'squishing' your cat when you're giving them medicine instead?
The last time I took my girl to the vet, I had to hold her at the scruff while the vet gave her an injection. It was the only way to make her stay still. But I don't pick her up like that.
I love how chubby Lancelot is that when you rub him body-length there's a little wave on his back
I actually went through the Physics of calculating the Pressure the cat feels when you grab them by the nape of the neck. For Lacelot, which you said was 7.7kg, and assuming that the area you grabbed was about 0.4in^2, Lancelot would feel about 188.65psi, assuming that you grab him to the point that his entire body is hanging from that one point. To compare, getting stepped on by an elephant exerts about 100psi. ssssoooooooo, don't grab your cat like that.
That’s pretty cool!
I had to hold a cat by the scruff in an emergency. Hattie had slipped and fallen behind a washing machine. I thought she would leap up on her own, so I waited, but the surface of the machine was too slippery for her to climb out on her own. I tried moving the machine, but the area the machine was in didn't allow for me to move it very far. She still couldn't get out. I reached behind the machine and managed to grab her sides, but I couldn't get a good grip on her because my arms weren't long enough, and she meowed like she didn't like me grabbing her like that. I had to scruff her as a last resort. I reached in, grabbed her scruff, and gently lifted her up from behind the washer. About ten minutes later, she came up to me and showered me with nuzzles, purring, and rubbing. I guess she was saying thank you. :)
I had no idea using the scruff could hurt. Thank you for the info, doc---I'll stick to squishing my cat, instead! :D
My cat doesn't like being squished :(
Oh no! I'll squish my cat in your cat's honor, then. :)
Squish the cat!
Oh wait wrong video
Ahmad Shafiq you should still squish the cat
SQUISH IIIIIT!!!!
Gently squish it!!!
He did say that at 4:14
4:14
Remember to ALWAYS squish that cat before and after picking it up and in between.
THANK YOU!!! 👍👍👍 I am a vet tech who spent 17 years at a university teaching vet students in their emergency and critical care clinicals (I went back to school for sonography because of chronic back pain, hardest decision of my life to leave the field).
Anyway, I can't believe how many students didn't know how to handle and restrain cats at all. I guess it wasn't something that they were able to "fit" into their program. Instructing them on restraint was surprisingly one of the most rewarding parts of that job.
I am also very much of the "less is more" and "anti-scruffing" school of thought. Cats get over-restrained all too often and it just adds to their vet visit stress.
Once again, thank you for your making kitty lives better--great work! 😊
Less is more is the best thing I've learned, especially when working in a rescue. A relaxed pet is always significantly easier to work with than a pet you're fighting with!!!
When you can pick up a cat under their belly and scoop up their feet for comfort, I can't understand why anyone would scruff them!
2:58 when he said surgery Lancelot quickly turned and stared at the camera 😆
2:59 The cats like, wait I didnt sign up for this.
IM A MONSTER. IM SORRY EVERY CAT I'VE EVER PICKED UP.
Acknowledging a past behavior was wrong because of new knowledge means you're no monster
Oh nooooo! I was raised to do this with my cats because it would apparently remind them of their mother picking them up by the neck and I was none the wiser! Now I feel guilty for all those years haha and never again!
Holding them still while they bear their own weight on one or two pairs of paws is still fine if the cat will let you do it. :3
What matters is that now you now better, you don't do it anymore. No one can be blamed for not knowing, you can be blamed for doing something you know is wrong
SeaGreenie I was raised the same way. I'm so glad I've learned the right ways now.
I also will never do this again. :( Sorry kitties.
Well the way I was raised I always thought my grandparents and parents were wrong in the way they did a lot of things
I saw my brother doing this and kindly asked him to please not pick up my cat like this and he essentially called me an idiot for not knowing anything about cats 😪
That is one chill kitty cat. So pretty.
Nice kitty, nice video. Thanks for this!
nice comment
Lancelot is majestic!
Thank you for such informative content.
Is it okay to hold them by the scruff and support the rest of their body with the other arm? Sometimes my cat attacks me and that’s the only way I find to get her off, but I was always aware not to hold her only by the scruff, never felt right
Sure, if that's what you have to do. You could also squish her down for the same effect. Use towel if she is really aggro. More importantly, I'd suggest speaking with a veterinary behaviorist about this tendency of your cat to attack you. Boredom=stress=unwanted hunting behavior in cats, and often this kind of aggression can be lessened or avoided with redirection and environmental enrichment.
Sasa cut off their pawns. :P
But seriously. If i had a cat that liked to atack me for no reason i would donate it or never let it in again.
My cat is the same!
Don't know you guys' exact situations with your cats but usually if a cat is being aggressive it's because of something you are or aren't doing. Some cats might attack you of you're stroking their back because that transfers energy into their bodies so they lash out in order to release it. If you're a jerk to your cat then it will remember and cats aren't afraid of holding grudges. Lastly, if you're cat isn't getting DAILY exercise then it gets a lot of pent up energy which will turn into aggression and other bad behavior, 9/10 times people have a problem with their cat it's because that cat isn't getting proper stimulation. We walk dogs everyday, so why is it hard for some people to realize that cats need daily exercise too? They are hunters, in the wild they would be spending a lot of energy everyday on finding and catching food so playtime is extremely important for a house cat.
Keep Calm and SQUISH THE CAT!
And remember to have fun with your cat!
Thanks for the tips mate
I am so glad you made this video. I went to a new vet yesterday, and I was horrified when the vet tech reached into the carrier and scruffed my cat without supporting his weight. I said NO! She informed me that she had 7 cats at home and knew what she was doing. Needless to say, I am never going back there again.
This vet told me my cat had diarrhea because I had two cats together and it was too stressful for them. Cats are solitary animals and are stressed by the presence of another cat. He scolded me for thinking my cat had emotions.
He's fired!
Thank you for clearing up some misinformation; people can be quite dumb at times. Now I'm going to avoid scruffing up some cats, and focus exclusively on humans.
Jo King
Tough guy! We got a tough guy over here!
Wow, I talk about scruffing humans and people still take it seriously. Lmao
Thank you for clearing up that misconception. Knowing about the volume/surface area thingy hearing and seeing people do this to (their) cats is so frustrating.
I'm kinda surprised that people need a video to tell them that picking a cat up by the scruff of the neck isn't pleasant for the cat. I mean, how would you like it?
Can you please do a video about the best way to bathe a cat?
don't bathe cats unless your cat is exremely dirty because cats clean themselves
What I do instead of bathing is use pet wipes in case my cats really need some cleaning. I have found that the wipes are too dry to be effective so I spray into the wipe a vet recommended spray for cats, to the wipe, while I am not with the cat and then go to pet him with the wet wipe, and he will be happy and let me. Repeat it as needed to get the mess off the cat. I guess that a soft clean cloth with a vet approved cleaning solution will be just as good. Just make sure it is not shampoo or something that you have to rinse off. Remember that they will lick it off and ingest it.
If you absolutely have to bathe your cat, wear thick padding ('cause you're most likely going to get clawed) & make sure you have water & all bathing accessories / necessities set & handy before bringing your poor furry baby to the water - less trauma for everyone. Also, what is a comfortable water temperature for your personal bathing is probably going to be too hot for the cat. And finally, be careful around their head / face with the soap & water - you don't want it to get in the eyes, ears, or nose.
Two things I love the most in my life: cats, kittens and Vancouver, BC:-))))))
Very spiritually beautiful face of a doctor, probably very good person!
Constantine Hoffman I feel that from him too.
In short: adult cats arebtoo heavy, only for kittens, you can massage the cat's scruff
This man is a sweet heart
I've never even wanted to pick up a cat by the scruff of the neck! It looks so uncomfortable. I thought the second half of this video was particularly interesting, especially when you spoke about how thick cats' skin is. Your animals always look so relaxed and content. Thanks for the great videos!
3:38
Lancelot: "...humans and their jazz-hands..."
I love all of your educational videos. You are so kind to your cats and your viewers.
I knew that without someone telling me before. You see the way they react and immediately feel it. But still good to get this confirmation thanks a lot. - But I love your chilled cat, what a beauty.
Thank you so much for your working to help protect cats and other animals; your contribution clearly springs from love and respect.
You are amazing and so is lancelot ♡ thank you for informing people so gently.
This channel seems to have an endless supply of the sweetest, most relaxed kitties imaginable - I wanna gently squish them all! :)
Subscribed. I watched three of your videos and am sold. Your calming style is intoxicating.
I didn't know this beforehand! So glad I do now
I'm so happy you keep petting Lancelot, I always get antsy when there's an animal that could be pet, and no one is petting it
That's exactly what I thought. Thank you for showing us these videos. With these beautiful kitties.
i once saw a kitten at our recycling center (the "dump" as we call it) and she was starving. despite the fact that i had with me two dogs one of which would have loved to have her as a snack, i could not leave her as she was not hiding the fact that she needed help. i made the mistake of taking her to the ac office and the officer picked her up by her scruff, and i wanted to throttle him. i will never forget that. thank you for this video and the excellent information!
I love your videos. I always find them very informative . Your teaching is clear and straightforward and easy to follow. Thank you 👏👏
It’s 4:36 am and I don’t even have a cat. Wtf’s wrong wid me
I love Lancelot! Thanks for the vid, Doc!
Best channel ever
These videos are so helpful! Thank you!
Great video. Excellent cat. 10/10 would watch again.
He's such a gorgeous cat! Thank you for the helpful information :-)
When I was a kid I remember picking up my cat Harry by the scruff of the neck once, and after a few seconds he started letting out a low howl that was him clearly in pain so I let him go immediately. It was very clear it was painful for him, so I never did that to a cat again.
Lancelot is a beautiful chicken cat!! Thank you for educating people!
He's sooooo cuuuuute! Oh and the cat is pretty cute as well!
love this guy. i don't have a pet i just like hearing his advice and his soothing voice. and love seeing the animals.
And thank you for your videos! You are very charismatic and so are your feline assistants!
I love your videos doc keep em coming
That is one gorgeous cat! Thanks for explaining this so well. I've been trying to show a neighbor's young son the appropriate way to handle his cat and your videos are extremely helpful. :-)
thank you for posting this!! i’ve watched a lot of people in animal care pick up cats by the scruff, and it’s always made me deeply uncomfortable. most of them would say that mother cats would do it if i asked, which never sat right with me. i really hope i can become a vet like you someday, you’re such an inspiration. i have to cop one of those t-shirts haha.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this video! 💙
Thank you for your tips on handling cats please keep up the good work
thanks for uploading this!
Great video. Thanks for the explanation. I cuddle my cats saying "squish that cat" all the time now. thanks for this wonderful series!
Hi Dr. Uri - Thank you! I had no idea. I have been guilty of picking an adult up by the scruff of the neck. Thankfully, in hind sight, It was a very short lift. I won't be doing that any more.
Beautiful kitty. Loving information 😊
I never did do it mostly because it doesn't make sense for me to. I have a friend who had a cat and he would do it occasionally and his justification was that they get picked up like that as a kitten. I'd be sure to let him know not to do that if he was to ever get a cat again but he has no intentions to.
got no pets but these videos are soo addicting and relaxing to watch. I love these!
You are such a caring veterinarian.
I enjoy your channel🙂
~ Care Bear
Lancelot is majestic
Thank you for making this video
I'm gonna show this to some people who always denied my points surrounding this topic
I love your videos. Thanks!
Great channel!
I never would have thought! My cat and I (but especially my cat) thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!
This is why we have internet! you are so nice , thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge with us!
I never pick up an adult cat by the back of their necks. Because it feels like I would tear their skin off and they are quite heavy too.
lots of new fun videos in my subscription box. I always click on yours first! thanks for all the useful videos.
Dude seems genuinely nice
Luckily for any cats I’ve ever handled, I’ve never done that. I always pick them up by the belly, and usually try to keep their paws supported (so they don’t feel like they’re falling).
Like you I do not recall ever picking up or moving a cat by the scruff as most will cry out in pain if even grabbed like that. Yes I will pick up like a baby , under the front legs close to my body to contain animal.
Wonderful videos, especially when you show us how to give a cat a pill. The best on the internet, thanks for the advise, I really needed it, and guess what, I tried it and it worked. Again thank you!
I knew it! It always seemed like it would be painful. Thanks for this video!
I'd never thought of that but it makes so much sense
It makes sense, thank you. Your cat is beautiful.
Your videos are the best
What a handsome boy ! Thank you for this video.
That is a gorgeous cat !
This cat is a beauty. Great video.
Sorry Kitty, i will squish you instead. :C
Wow this beautiful cat is so calm and understanding,.
what kind of cat is lancelot???
hes adorable!!
Glad to have you explain this Doc. When I commented on a video about mother cats having to carry that way whereas we don't, some people replied quiet rudely. Idiots! :]
thank you.very helpful advise on this and your other videos.
Awesome video! Thank you :)
Thank you for the information
That cat looks super happy at how his life has worked out - lying there radiating good vibes.