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Cat Training in Ten Minutes - Handling Your Cat
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by: Russell
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Word Count: 697
Adopting a kitten or cat is a wonderful and exciting occasion. But, adding a cat to your family involves much more than simply bringing it home. You must learn to take care of it daily in a safe fashion. Feline care is mostly common-sense, and doesn't take much time. In fact, I can give you a little cat training in ten minutes with an important lesson on how to handle your cat.
Who can resist cuddling a cute kitty? Most cats, depending on their temperament, adore being pet. A cat needs to feel secure and comfortable before it will trust you to pick it up. You must always support the cat's body when handling it. A very tolerant cat may allow you to pick it up under its arms with its body hanging mid-air, but the cat will wag its tail. Remember that cats are not like dogs. When cats wag their tail it shows displeasure. If you pick up a less-tolerant cat under the arms, he will struggle or even bite to get free.
The way you handle a new kitten is very important. Their small rib cages are incredibly fragile, and can bruise quite easily. An ill or injured kitty also requires special handling. If your cat is in pain or upset, hold it's scruff firmly with one hand and put your other hand under its hindquarters. You then need to wrap your cat in a blanket and carefully place it in a carrying basket. A very calm cat may travel on your lap. If you must move an unconscious cat, gently turn it on its side and lift with one palm beneath his upper chest region, and one beneath its pelvis.
The amount of handling your cat will allow depends on his temperament. Also, you'll want to decide what kind of treatment you want your pet to get used to. Ask your friends and visiting family members to handle your kitty as well. This will help him grow accustomed to them and the attention of strangers.
Grown cats can be picked up with one hand around the stomach, behind the front paws, and the other under the hind quarters. Once you are holding him, he'll feel most comfortable in the crook of your arm. Your arm should take up most of its weight and its paws can rest on your shoulder or in your other hand.
Remember to never pick up a kitten by the scruff of its neck. That is something reserved only for mama cats. For kittens, you place one hand around its stomach and your other hand under its hind legs. Most kittens are small enough for you to let it sit on the palm of your hand. Gently hold its neck to support his head.
It is extremely important that children are taught the correct way to handle cats, too. You don't want them to be scratched or bitten. Make sure kids hold the body of your cat firmly, but gently in the cradling position. The cradling position is like holding a baby. The cat's tummy is facing up, and his face is looking towards the person holding it. Not all cats enjoy the though, so please let visitors know your cat's preferences.
About the Author
Kimberly Mission is a pet lover who enjoys writing about some of her favorite pets - her cats. For more information about Cat Training in Ten Minutes check out http://www.loveyourkitty.com/10-must-have-cat-training-tips.html.
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