how do i pick up an adult 12 year old cat?

I usually pick her up around the stomach and ribs. what is the correct way?

is the neck pinch only for kitten?

Neck pinch is only for kittens and really only for cats to pick up kittens. It's best to pick up cats around the ribs with one hand and then support their hind legs with your other hand.

You should never pick up a grown cat by the neck scruff, it will hurt them and might seriously injure.

Once a kitten is over 2 months old you should NEVER pick up kitten/cat by the scruff of the neck without supporting the butt.

Normally you have one hand/arm around the chest/shoulder area, the other one around the back end.

I have a big kitty, so I have to be careful with him too.

I put one arm under his armpits, and one arm under his... legpits... lol. You want to evenly support their weight and pick them up as gently as possible.

pic is coming

Hmmm I think I've seen that cat being carried in the show hall

Nice Maine Coon