Scruffing a cat is often seen as a way to pick them up and control them, but did you know that it can actually be harmful? Scruffing can injure a cat’s neck, and even lead to death in some cases. It’s important to be careful when handling our feline friends, and scruffing should always be avoided. Read on to learn more about the dangers of scruffing cats.
What is scruffing?
Scruffing is the act of grabbing a cat by the skin on the back of its neck. This can be done with either one hand or two and is often used as a way to pick up and control a cat. While scruffing may seem harmless, it can actually be quite dangerous for our feline friends.
How does scruffing harm cats?
When we scruff a cat, we are essentially holding them by its most vulnerable area. Following are the reasons why should you not scruff a cat:
1. serious neck injuries
Cats have very delicate necks, and scruffing can cause serious injury. The neck is made up of fragile bones, muscles, and nerves, and when these are damaged it can be incredibly painful for your cat. In some cases, scruffing can even lead to death.
2. risk of choking
Another danger of scruffing is that it can block a cat’s airway and cause them to choke. This is especially true if the cat is struggling to free itself from your grasp.
3. anxiety and stress
Scruffing can also be very stressful for cats. They may feel anxious or scared when being held in this way, and this can lead to long-term behavioral problems.
4. makes it difficult to breathe
when scruffing a cat, you are essentially lifting them off the ground by its neck. This can make it difficult for them to breathe and can cause them to panic.
5. increases heart rate
another side effect of scruffing is that it can increase your cat’s heart rate. This is because they are struggling to free themselves and may be in pain.
6. makes it difficult to swallow
when a cat is scruffed, their head is often tilted back. This can make it difficult for them to swallow and may cause them to choke on their own saliva.
7. risk of injury to the eyes
Cats have very sensitive eyes, and scruffing can cause damage to the cornea or retina. In some cases, this can lead to blindness. 8. risk of injury to the brainScruffing can also cause damage to the brain, which can be fatal. This is because the cat’s head is being held at an awkward angle and its neck is under immense strain.
9. Can Cause Long-Term Psychological Damage
Scruffing a cat can cause psychological damage that lasts long after the physical injuries have healed. This is because they will associate being scruffed with pain and fear, and this can make them distrustful of humans.
10. It’s Just Not Necessary
There are much better ways to pick up and hold a cat than scruffing them. You can use a carrier or a towel to safely pick them up, and there’s no need to put your cat through the stress and anxiety of being scruffed.
Best way to grab a cat?
There are much better ways to pick up and hold a cat than scruffing them. You can use a carrier or a towel to safely pick them up, and there’s no need to put your cat through the stress and anxiety of being scruffed. Here are some tips on the best way to grab a cat:
1. Use a carrier or towel
2. Pick them up from underneath, supporting their chest and hind end
3. Avoid picking them up by the scruff of the neck
4. Be careful not to drop them.
The bottom line Scruffing a cat can be very dangerous and should always be avoided. If you need to pick up your cat, use a carrier or towel instead. And if you’re ever in doubt, just ask your veterinarian for advice.
Conclusion
While scruffing may seem like a harmless way to pick up a cat, it can actually be quite dangerous. Scruffing can cause serious neck injuries, choke a cat, make it difficult to breathe, and even cause damage to the brain. It’s just not necessary and there are much better ways to pick up and hold a cat. So next time you need to grab your feline friend, be sure to do it the right way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to pick up a cat?
The best way to pick up a cat is by supporting its chest and hind end with your hands. Avoid picking them up by the scruff of their neck, as this can be dangerous.
How do you carry a cat?
When carrying a cat, be sure to support its chest and hind end. You can also use a carrier or towel to make it easier. Avoid carrying them by the scruff of their neck, as this can be dangerous.
What is the difference between scruffing and strangling?
Scruffing is when you grab a cat by the loose skin on the back of its neck in order to hold them. Strangling is when you grab a cat by the neck and squeeze it tightly, cutting off its air supply. Scruffing can be dangerous, but it is not as dangerous as strangling.
How do you scruff a cat properly?
To scruff a cat properly, you should grab them by the loose skin on the back of its neck and hold them close to your body. Avoid tilting their head back or squeezing too tightly, as this can be dangerous.
Why do cats hate being held?
Cats generally don’t like being held because it makes them feel vulnerable. They may also squirm and try to escape because they are uncomfortable or in pain. If your cat doesn’t like being held, it’s best to just put them down.
