I adopted my Cally (10 y/o) in October and she didn't really like to be held/picked up. I figured that she was still getting used to me and her surroundings. She's really comfortable with me and the apartment...she's adjusted beautifully, but she still doesn't like being picked up. I definitely don't want to force Cally into doing something that she doesn't want to, but it would be nice if I was able to carry her into another room instead of tryin to herd her in. Whenever I try to pick her up, she gets scared and if I am able to pick her up, she stays still for about 30 seconds, then starts pushing and meowing to be let down. Is there any way to get her used to being picked up? Anyone have any tricks? Please help...
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How can I hold Cally?
- Thread starter callycalico
- Start Date
unfortunately, some cats just don't like to be picked up or held.
I've had two very affectionate cats that just couldn't stand it, but would happily sit in your lap to snuggle.
you know kitties... everything on their terms
I've had two very affectionate cats that just couldn't stand it, but would happily sit in your lap to snuggle.
you know kitties... everything on their terms
My 15 y/o torty doesn't like being held if you sit down. I can hold her for a little while, while I'm standing.
Junior doesn't like to be picked up either. He'll hold still for maybe 5-10 seconds before starting to squirm. I just hold him securely and murmur sweet nothings to him until I get to where I'm going. He then happily jumps out of my arms as soon as I relax my grip.
I hold him by putting one hand between his front legs with my thumb and pinkie on the outside and the other hand under his hind legs. I then hold his hind legs under my arm just tight enough to keep him from jumping before I'm ready for him to. I've tried setting his front paws on my shoulder but he just does a half-twist out of my grip that way.
Mez
I hold him by putting one hand between his front legs with my thumb and pinkie on the outside and the other hand under his hind legs. I then hold his hind legs under my arm just tight enough to keep him from jumping before I'm ready for him to. I've tried setting his front paws on my shoulder but he just does a half-twist out of my grip that way.
Mez
Spooky Bear and Tabitha both hate to be held as well, even though we've been picking them up since they were tiny. Like the others have said, some cats just don't like to be picked up!
Being picked up is something cats that don't like being picked up can learn to get used to.
Our kitties are all feral rescues, and except for Flowerbelle they ALL hate being picked up. To help your Callie, pick her up, hold her for like 15 - 30 seconds (tell her you love her and she's SUCH a good kittie!) and set her back down. She'll learn that being picked up isn't torture. Do it every day. Don't take her anywhere - just pick her up and put her down.
Then start lengthening the time a little. It's five years later, and we can hold Shelly for about 3 minutes before he freaks out. But we can carry him into another room and set him down before he struggles to be let go.
And... being picked up does NOT only mean going to the cat carrier.
Laurie
Our kitties are all feral rescues, and except for Flowerbelle they ALL hate being picked up. To help your Callie, pick her up, hold her for like 15 - 30 seconds (tell her you love her and she's SUCH a good kittie!) and set her back down. She'll learn that being picked up isn't torture. Do it every day. Don't take her anywhere - just pick her up and put her down.
Then start lengthening the time a little. It's five years later, and we can hold Shelly for about 3 minutes before he freaks out. But we can carry him into another room and set him down before he struggles to be let go.
Laurie
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #7
Thanks! I'm definitely going to try to lengthen the time that I can hold her..she begins squirming almost right away. As long as I can carry her to another room without her struggling for her life I will be happy. =)
This is excellent advice! Just as you don't want to force her excepting it, you should eventually have her trust in allowing you to do so. I have always made sure that my kitties will tolerate me picking them up and holding them till I put them down, in case of any emergency situation this trust bond is essential. With an older cat it may take longer, but just give it time....Originally Posted by LDG
Being picked up is something cats that don't like being picked up can learn to get used to.
Our kitties are all feral rescues, and except for Flowerbelle they ALL hate being picked up. To help your Callie, pick her up, hold her for like 15 - 30 seconds (tell her you love her and she's SUCH a good kittie!) and set her back down. She'll learn that being picked up isn't torture. Do it every day. Don't take her anywhere - just pick her up and put her down.
Then start lengthening the time a little. It's five years later, and we can hold Shelly for about 3 minutes before he freaks out. But we can carry him into another room and set him down before he struggles to be let go.And... being picked up does NOT only mean going to the cat carrier.
Laurie
Both of my cats only want to sit or be held in my lap only on their time schedule not mine. Widget hates to be petted but likes to curl up at the foot of our bed or in our laps when we watch tv. (Hubby and I.) Pixel Puss, is more tolerant, and does enjoy petting but doesn't really want to be held. If she approaches and curls up its fine,but don't try to force her or she will run away.
And of course look back and mewp at me like "Mommy, how dare you!"
And of course look back and mewp at me like "Mommy, how dare you!"
