Help picking up cats

loopylulu_3

Some of you may remember that we got 2 rescue cats in July last year (got lots of help from people on here).

Well they have come on leaps and bounds and have settled in amazing well. However we still can't pick them up. I can pick the boy Milo up but he goes very ridged and will only tolerate it for a few seconds but we can't pick them up and cuddle them of hold them.

Does anyone have any hints or tips about anything we could do? The cats were born outside and went to the sanctuary at 8 weeks old and were there until they were a year old then came to live with my and my hubby. At the sanctuary they only had people coming in to play and be with them or an hour or two each week.

I won't be too upset if they never want to sit on our laps but I would at least like to be able to pick them up in case we need to go to the vets, give treatment etc. They do however now spend all evening with us either sleep on the back of a chair or snoozing on the floor which is a fantastic development.

Labsettings

Maybe training them could help? We got our cat from a rescue centre and after letting her settle in the first few months I taught her to sit for a treat (you can find how to's online). From there it may be easier to lift them as they can't spring off so fast as from standing. Also you can teach them to stay still for longer to gain a treat, and they will learn that you are approaching them to reward them. Mine is now happy to be picked up and carried, she let's me know if she's not in the mood and I let her back down!


The other thing, maybe try picking them up then putting them immediately down... This will emphasise to them that it's only a temporary pick-up if that makes sense?

gettingready

Ermmmm from my 4... I can only pick one and even that is for a moment.

They come for a cuddle when they want to but do not like to picked up as such..

Cats for you

scaredy_cat

you could try picking them up, feed them a treat, put them down. and every time hold them for a little bit longer each time.

My Giz doesn't like being held much, though i tend to sneak cuddles when he's sleeping, get about 5 mins then he realises and goes. But it's getting longer each time.

meritaten

I would say - dont swoop on the cat - a startled cat will resist.
if you get on the floor to play with them then try putting your hand under the tummy and through the front legs. get them used to that. then lift them gently. then try lifting the front and putting your hand over the tail. when you are sure they are comfortable with that lift them onto your lap and let them go. they will prob stalk off. do that a few times then restrain them with your hand on their front and stroke them - head to tail or under the chin (whichever they prefer).never let it get to the point they are fighting you to go - you ALWAYS let them go if they are uncomfortable. keep doing this. they may never become lap cats - but they need to know that restraint is ALWAYS followed by you letting them go.
you can get them into cat carriers by various methods. but be warned - intelligent cats can get out of them again in a blink of an eye! I actually had to tie my cat carrier door with rope cos No1 cat could open the catches from within - in seconds, then teleport himself to another dimension! if he escaped you wouldnt find him for hours!

rising_from_the_ashes

Like us, they're all different .....

Mia loves being picked up and will be carried around either outside or in the house - it's really handy as I can bring her in easily if needs be etc. She's a total lap cat and will sit beside you on the sofa or on your knee for hours given a chance.

Archie on the other hand, hates being picked up and squirms and does anything to get away from you - a pain, as he's the one I usually need to try to catch outside and bring in at night! He never sits on my knee - although he does sit on the arm of the chair for a cuddle.

Although they will have missed out on some socialisation when they were very young, I'm not sure this would really be relevant for this particular issue. Both mine have been brought up exactly the same way (I've had Mia since 3.5 weeks and Archie from 4.5 weeks so both were hand reared) and yet one is happy to be picked up and the other isn't ... some like it, some don't unfortunately.

Scaredy cat's suggestion of a quick pick up, cuddle & treat is a good one and may make them a bit more open to it.

paddypaws101

I would say persevere with at least trying, so they may come to tolerate it if not like it.
Also, you can try different holds or positions.....for example, Milo does not like being picked up and held facing me, but if I flip him on his back and treat him like a baby he goes into a blissed out trance and I can hold him for ages!
NB....this position does allow for burying my face in his tum, but also brings claws very close to the holder's face so be careful!

Sagz_2

I've got 3 cats,two 4 years old sisters and and a 16 year old.
I hand reared the old lady from about 2 days old and although she will be picked up she is not at ease and wants to get down.

The 2 sisters were 9 weeks when they arrived and both will be picked up but one wants to get down after a short while. The other is so at ease that she will start washing or fall asleep.

Of them all you'd think the hand reared one would be most at ease due to the handling she got as a youngster - so I think it comes down to the individuals nature really.

For your 2 guys OP I'd be inclined to train them with treats to get on to a chair. Then get them used to being touched all over, again with treats. When they are happy with that move on to gathering them to you...... difficult to explain but sort of press them to your body with your arm. Like a cuddle, one arm going around them with that hand feeding treats. The final stage would be to 'gather and lift'. By using your arm to gather the cat against your body it should feel more secure. Each stage may take weeks, so don't rush it, but it sounds like you've done really well already making them relaxed in your company so I think with time you'll be fine

bacardi66

None of my cats have been keen on being picked up but over the years I would pick them up and hold them for a few seconds then put them down gently and leave them in peace and gradually build up the time. Luckily they were very gentle and never put their claws out but they would go very stiff and one of them would growl at me!

My remaining cat is so old now that I can easily pick him up and walk around with him but he still isn't overly keen! As the previous poster said make sure you hold your cats securely, I hold them with my left hand under their front paws and my right arm underneath them supporting their back/bottom/back legs - hope that makes sense!

Cats are all different no matter how they are brought up, one of my friends has a cat that anyone can pick up and waltz around with whereas no one cat get near her other cat!

gettingready

paddypaws101 wrote: »

Milo does not like being picked up and held facing me, but if I flip him on his back and treat him like a baby he goes into a blissed out trance and I can hold him for ages!

That is my Fred.... the drumstick thief.
I can have him on my laps by only belly/paws up LOL

patchwork_cat

Some cats never accept picking up. I have one that absolutely HATES it, but on his own terms is the most loving cat he will lie upside down next to you in bed having his tummy tickled with his head on your chest, but try and pick him up...! There is nothing you can do to make him accept it. My DH just picks him up and holds him firmly if we need to pick him up, meanwhile Angel looks daggers, but soon forgives him.