Dangers of scruffing a cat Avoid scruffing your cat in situations that would agitate the cat or increase the risk of injury for you or your cat. It also limits their ability to move away or flee if needed. It’s not recommended for routine restraint. Here are six reasons why you should never scruff a cat. It's been used for various reasons, such as immobilizing the cat for medication administration or during vet visits. However, this is a very specific behavior for Is it safe to pick a cat up by the scruff? Cats are known for their agility and often impressive acrobatic feats, but sometimes we may need to pick them up for various reasons. Scruffing is a method of restraining a cat by grasping hold of the loose skin over the cat’s neckknown as the scruffand holding so tightly that the cat is immobilized. Should I be concerned? 5. Here are a few dangers associated with scruffing: Injury: Scruffing can cause physical harm, including bruising and skin damage. Can I scruff my cat if I need to restrain them? Scruffing should only be used in rare cases of immediate danger to the cat or personnel. Feb 9, 2025 · Scruffing can be dangerous for adult cats. See full list on marthastewart. Do Cats Like to Be Picked Up? It varies by individual cat. If you’re a cat in an uncertain situation, and something much larger than you grabs you by the back of the neck, like a predator that wants to eat you would grab you, you’re going to give ‘em hell and go down swinging. I’m not a big advocate on scruffing cats and during my cat behaviour consultations I often hear clients tell me that, as a way to get their cats to obey them when they have been ‘naughty’, they scruff them ‘ because that’s what their mummies would have done when they were kittens”. While mother cats might use this to move kittens, doing so to an adult cat can cause severe pain and potential damage to the spine and neck. It’s just for the very beginning of a cat’s life. When cats fight: When cats fight, they could bite and scruff the neck to restrain other cats or to defend themselves. 4 days ago · 4. This can be painful and distressing. Scruffing Alternatives: There are alternative methods to scruffing that may be more effective and humane, such as using positive reinforcement training Feb 11, 2025 · 2. This is because, with scruffing, you are supporting their whole body weight using the loose skin of their neck. It sounds like most of the reasons why a cat is being grabbed by the neck are very stressful and aren’t helpful to mimic at home, at the vet or in a shelter. Scruffing adult cats can be very painful and even cause injury. It more or less shuts a kitten down, making her unable to resist handling. Why do mother cats scruff their kittens? Mother cats scruff their kittens to safely transport them. Psychological Stress: Scruffing can also lead to psychological stress in cats. Moreover, excessive scruffing can traumatize a cat and lead to behavioral problems such as anxiety, aggression, or avoidance. Being a cat owner means assuming all the responsibilities that come with it. Welcome to r/dogs!We are a discussion-based subreddit dedicated to support, inform, and advise dog owners. Sep 2, 2023 · The scruff refers to loose skin located at the back of a cat’s neck – an area where mother cats instinctively use their mouths to transport their kittens safely. Feb 8, 2025 · When is Scruffing Absolutely Necessary? The Bottom Line; Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Scruffing Cats. What is the ‘No Scruff’ policy? 9. It’s crucial to understand that the “relaxation” seen in scruffed adult cats is often a behavioral shutdown caused by fear and stress, not an indication of comfort . Feb 16, 2025 · Distrust: Repeatedly scruffing a cat can lead to a breakdown of trust, creating an apprehensive and fearful relationship between the owner and their pet. Feb 14, 2025 · However, if all other attempts at handling the cat humanely have failed, and the cat poses an immediate danger to themselves, or you, scruffing might be the last available resort. Is it bad to hold a cat by their armpits? Yes, this is not a safe way to pick up a cat. Being forcefully restrained by scruffing can make them feel trapped and threatened, leading to anxiety and fear. If you absolutely need go scruff your cat due to some highly dangerous situation, be sure to hold their body with your other hand to sustain their weight, the scruff should not hold any weight Feb 5, 2025 · Never grab, hold, or lift a cat by the scruff of their neck. For example, if a cat is being attacked by a predator, they may use the scruff reflex to go limp and appear less 3 days ago · “International Cat Care’s ‘scruff-free’ campaign is focused on avoiding the routine use of scruffing as a means of restraining a cat, which unfortunately is still practised all too frequently. This is to hold the loose skin on the back of a cat’s neck firmly, while simultaneously restraining the rest of the body or lifting. This causes pain, fear, and stress. 3. International Cat Care is against the use of scruffing as a method of restraint, because of the stress and distress it can cause to cats. Feb 7, 2025 · Risk of Injury – Lifting a cat by the scruff alone can cause neck strain, especially in larger breeds or overweight cats. It’s dangerous Carrying an adult cat by the scruff can cause more harm than good. Scruffing a cat could lead to aggressive behaviour. By gently holding the cat by the scruff when they are acting out, it can help to calm them down and prevent any further Feb 18, 2025 · While grabbing a kitten by the scruff will induce a temporary, natural limpness, scruffing an adult cat should be avoided due to potential pain, stress, and the risk of injury. Feb 17, 2025 · The Dangers of Scruffing Adult Cats Physical Harm. Unless done by a vet in a necessary scenario, avoid this method of restraint. 14. Why do mother cats scruff their kittens? Mother cats use scruffing to move their young kittens in a way that is Feb 19, 2025 · One of the most dangerous misunderstandings about scruffing is the idea that it causes a cat to relax. According to veterinarians, the loose skin on the back of a cat’s neck Oct 20, 2022 · While scruffing may seem like a harmless way to pick up a cat, it can actually be quite dangerous. The reason that people have the idea that “scruffing is bad” as a blanket statement is because 1) picking an adult cat up from the ground with just the scruff is not great for their skin because they’re not designed to be lifted that way in adulthood, and 2) because scruffing a cat gives you very strong control over their head, you could Oct 20, 2023 · Thought to mimic the way that a mother cat would pick up her kittens by the scruff, this restraint method has been used by vets, groomers, and pet owners. While picking up a cat by the scruff can be uncomfortable for the cat, it should not be painful if done correctly. I do it to my cat all the time. Avoid rushing or cornering a cat. My vet scruffs my cat. Step-by-Step Guide to Scruffing a Cat. Does scruffing paralyze a cat? No, scruffing does not paralyze a cat. Why do cats hate being held? Discover the stress-free technique for medicating cats, 'scruffing'. Injury: Another risk associated with scruffing is the potential for I am pro-scruff. Nov 5, 2024 · Risks of Scruffing. The idea of scruffing a cat is to gently grab the loose skin on the back of its neck, like a mother cat would do to her kittens. Pair these with a calming voice and gentle touch to decrease stress. Is it ever okay to scruff a cat? Scruffing is generally discouraged, especially for Scruffing in Emergency Situations: In emergency situations where a cat needs to be quickly restrained, scruffing may be used as a last resort to prevent injury to the cat or others. Feb 27, 2025 · They use the scruff to direct the cat’s behavior and often support the cat with their other hand, never lifting or hanging the full weight of the cat by the loose skin. Can scruffing cause physical damage to a cat? 4. This practice is often thought to mimic how mother cats carry their kittens. Scruffing removes the cat’s sense of control, escalating feelings of stress, distress, and fear. The physiological response to clipping was similar to that of scruffing a cat – miosis, ventroflexion of the back, curling the tail under the abdomen. You should not hold a cat by the scruff alone, kitten or not. Scruffing is commonly used when people are fearful that they may be bitten by a cat – and while it may reduce this risk, the act of scruffing and the imposed restraint on the cat can be highly intimidating Oct 4, 2024 · Scruffing is a general term for a variety of holds on the skin of a cat’s neck. Is scruffing a cat abuse? International Cat Care considers scruffing as an inappropriate method of restraint due to the stress and distress it causes. ” Reality: Mother cats scruff kittens for transport, not as a primary way to hold them. It is a natural handhold, as cats have loose bits of skin on the back of their neck from childhood when their mothers pick them up and move them around via this particular spot. Is it okay to shut a cat in a room at night? Yes, shutting a cat in a room at night can be okay as long as it is a 3 days ago · 1. Aug 15, 2019 · Many of us were taught that "scruffing" a cat—or grabbing the animal by the loose skin at the back of the neck—is not only an effective mode of restraint, but also causes cats to relax. Scruffing is painful “A firm grasp of skin at the base of the neck is undoubtedly uncomfortable for cats,” says Dr. Unfortunately, that argument is flawed. Do cats like being held tightly? When a cat is in a dangerous or stressful situation, the scruff reflex can be triggered, which can cause them to become passive. It is a technique used to restrain a cat in order to allow grooming, medical examination, or other procedures that require the cat to remain still. What Age Should You Stop Scruffing a Cat? You should never scruff an adult cat. This is a practical and efficient way for the mother to move her kittens from one location to another, keeping them safe from perceived dangers. Mar 28, 2021 · Scruffing doesn’t prevent biting; many veterinarians have been bitten by cats in practice, and since most clinics (perhaps until recently) likely use scruffing to restrain cats, it is obviously therefore not a guarantee of safety. When (If Ever) Is It Okay to Scruff a Cat? Scruffing should be a last resort and never used as a regular handling method. Approaching a cat requires patience and care. It triggers a tonic immobility response, a behavior shutdown where the cat goes limp due to fear and stress. In some cases, handlers would pick cats up by the scruff of the neck. Jan 9, 2024 · What is scruffing? In the past, before wider research was done into cat friendly handling techniques, a common way to restrain a cat was by “scruffing”. Its often a method to restrain cats while they are being brushed or nails clipped, but wrapping them firmly in a towel is better at calming them. A stressed cat may become still, their ears may go down and their tail might be tucked, but this doesn’t mean they are calm. The limp response is a form of behavioral shutdown due to fear and stress. Grabbing a cat by the scruff (if its loose) will not hurt it if you are just grabbing, not tugging or lifting/carrying as you said. It may appear like paralysis but it is not a physical inability to move. This triggers a natural scruffing reflex in young kittens, causing them to become still and passive, which makes it easier for the mother to move them. ” The Flexor Reflex Young kittens have something called a flexor reflex that causes them to relax and go limp when an appropriate amount of pressure is applied to the thick skin at the base of the neck. If a cat doesn’t seem to react when scruffed, does it mean they’re There is a HUGE difference between scruffing a cat and holding it by the scruff. Is scruffing the same as ‘holding the neck skin?’ 3. Don’t ignore a cat’s warning signs of agitation. A cat owner should always know how to scruff a cat for their protection, ease of giving medication, and cutting nails. While it might seem like a quick way to control a cat, particularly when remembering how a mother cat carries her kittens, the reality is that this practice is harmful and detrimental to an adult cat’s well-being. Feb 16, 2025 · Mother cats scruff their kittens for specific reasons, primarily for short-term transport and control, often during times of perceived danger. Feb 27, 2025 · The Dangers of Scruffing. Some techs are very passionate about never scruffing, and some scruff the majority of cats. Here’s what we know: The “flexor reflex,” causing cats and Oct 20, 2022 · Scruffing can be dangerous, but it is not as dangerous as strangling. 5. Scruffing may lead to increased aggression. Holding by the scruff hurts the cat. Jul 29, 2021 · Scruffing is a handling technique in which the loose skin on a cat's neck is grabbed. While mother cats carry their newborn and young kittens by the scruff to move them from one location to another – usually for reasons of safety – it’s never used as a form of inter-feline discipline. May 3, 2022 · 4. Aug 14, 2019 · Many of us were taught that “scruffing” a cat—or grabbing the animal by the loose skin at the back of the neck—is not only an effective mode of restraint, but also causes cats to relax. While mother cats might carry kittens by their scruff, adult cats lose scruff elasticity, and this method can cause trauma, pain, and muscle damage. This is an improper way to handle a full grown cat. That skin is not meant to hold an adult cat's weight. There are very strong opinions on rather or not to scruff a cat at my clinic. 5lbs. It is crucial for owners to 3 days ago · 4. One common technique is to grasp them by the scruff, the loose skin on the back of their neck. Feline and veterinary experts recommend against this technique, as it is based on an outdated idea that adult cats who are scruffed relax. What is a safe alternative to scruffing a cat? 8. 6. Scruffing may put a cat in a defensive position where he feels he must protect himself by biting or scratching. While mother cats naturally scruff their kittens, this action isn’t meant to be replicated by humans with adult cats or older kittens. It can still move, but its body is responding to perceived danger. Concern: My cat seems stressed when I scruff them. Feb 5, 2025 · 5. Once a kitten reaches about twelve weeks of age, they are too heavy to lift by the scruff without causing discomfort. This method is often depicted in nature, where mother cats carry their kittens by the scruff to move them safely. Should I pick up my cat by the scruff? It is best to avoid picking up adult cats by the scruff unless necessary. 8. While mother cats may do this to kittens, it can cause stress, pain, and a breach of trust when done by humans. However I also take mine to a cat-only groomer that focuses on fear-free handling and they pride themselves on being "happy to work with difficult cats" (and will request you get a sedative from your vet if they're dangerous) Nov 17, 2022 · 6 Reasons You Should Never Grab a Cat by the Scruff. It is important to use a gentle touch and support the cat's weight to avoid causing any harm. The loose skin at the back of the neck is sensitive, and forcefully gripping or pulling it can lead to discomfort, bruising, or even injury. Dr. However, it is a habit that many may find hard to break, especially if they are used to and comfortable scruffing As with anything in our ever-changing world, we know so much more about training and working with cats now, and it’s up to us to advocate for best practices when we’re thinking about how we live with our cats. Learn why you should never do it. Lee, a veterinary behavior specialist, warns, “Using forceful handling techniques like scruffing can lead to trust issues and fear-based behaviors in cats. Where your or someone else’s safety relies on scruffing/immobilising a cat. Scruffing can cause serious neck injuries, choke a cat, make it difficult to breathe, and even cause damage to the brain. Avoid tilting their head back or squeezing too tightly, as this can be dangerous. How do you restrain a cat without scruffing? Use a gentle hold, the football hold, or towel restraint. By the time a kitten is a couple of months old, the mother cat stops corralling her that way. Dec 9, 2020 · Scruffing will distress your cat and result in agitation. When your cat is sleeping−just like how you would not want to be grabbed when you are sleeping, scruffing your cat when he is sleeping would startle him. Never pick up a cat by the front legs. Look for increased vocalizations you have the rabbit dangling by the scruff and give no other support. But the views on scruffing are changing, and it turns out that this type of hold can be unnecessarily stressful for cats Since scruffing promotes submissive behaviour in the animal, people can use this technique for animal restraint purposes. Physical Dangers. Scruffing can cause pain and physical discomfort for the dog. In fact, they don't relax, and scruffing may escalate their defensiveness. Interestingly, there are some trends emerging in the pet care industry related to holding cats by the scruff. If I don’t have to, I won’t, but if the cat is gonna start struggling during a blood draw or something, just a nice solid scruff can help keep kitty from hurting themselves and others. FAQs: More to Know About Cats and Their Behavior 1. Is scruffing a cat abuse? International Cat Care is against the use of scruffing, as it causes stress and distress to cats. As much as we love them, cats pose several health hazards to humans, some of which are often overlooked or downplayed. Is this Dec 6, 2024 · Have you ever wondered why your cat likes to be scruffed? Or what the proper way to scruff a cat is? Scruffing is a natural behavior for cats, but it’s also one that can be easily misunderstood. Aug 12, 2024 · A big concern of the Cat owners is, does scruffing a cat hurt them? Scruffing can pose several risks, especially to older cats. While there might be exceptional circumstances where it might seem necessary, it’s crucial to understand why this method is harmful, stressful, and potentially dangerous for these Feb 22, 2025 · Frequently Asked Questions About Scruffing Cats. Understanding the Dangers of Cat Ownership. Why do some people still scruff cats if it’s harmful? 2. A properly handled/carried rabbit will not suffer any damage due to a simple scruffing and proper scruffing give you the best control of the rabbit. Jan 5, 2024 · Scruffing a cat is when a human grips the loose skin at the back of a cat's neck and uses it to hold and immobilize the creature. Below is a step-by-step guide to scruffing your cat: Approaching the cat. Subject: SCRUFFING A CAT. , preventing them from running into traffic), a very brief scruff may be acceptable, but it should be followed by immediate positive reinforcement once the danger has passed and your cat is safe. A cat’s full body weight hanging from the scruff can lead to significant discomfort and injury. Feb 18, 2025 · Scruffing a rabbit, while sometimes seen in the handling of other animals like cats, is not an acceptable practice for rabbits and should be avoided at all costs. Avoid this method entirely. Is scruffing ever appropriate? In most situations, scruffing is not the best option. However, use extreme caution, and understand that this method may damage your bond and trust with the cat. For example scruffing an animal during medical procedures, such as blood sampling, allows for more control of the animal’s head and less risk of people being bitten. 2. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like neurological damage to the third eyelid, fear anxiety and stress, flat, short, long, irregular and more. The only times scruffing may be acceptable include: While picking up a cat by the scruff can be uncomfortable for the cat, it should not be painful if done correctly. Scruffing is only appropriate for kittens under 12 weeks old and should only be done by experienced professionals when necessary. The current study examined whether cats show negative responses to the following restraint methods: (1) scruff (n=17), (2) cli … Apr 6, 2024 · Scruffing is a method where a cat is held by the loose skin at the back of its neck, known as the scruff. Can scruffing cause any lasting physical damage? 4. I have been teching for a little under 5 months and would like to hear from more experienced ones. Jan 12, 2025 · 14. Is it ever okay to scruff a cat? Absolutely not. 1. Cats are only grabbed by the scruff on their neck in limited circumstances, and none of these situations are helpful to mimic in a home, veterinary, or shelter setting, yet some people recommend scruffing your cat to discourage bad behavior. Lifting an adult cat by the scruff can place undue strain on their neck muscles, joints, and skin. In emergency situations, such as when a cat needs to be restrained quickly for safety reasons (e. Learn to successfully prep, grip, and reward your cat for a better healthcare interaction. That hurts a lot, but might be necessary in an emergency. Do vets use scruffing as a regular practice? Responsible veterinary clinics are actively moving away from scruffing as a means of restraint. Before you post or comment, please review the subreddit rules here. Instead of wondering how to hold a cat by the scruff or how to grab a cat by the scruff, remember that gentle, supportive handling is Despite the growing awareness of the potential risks of scruffing, some cat owners still resort to this method as a quick fix for handling their pets. Concern: Is scruffing safe for my cat? Answer: When done correctly, scruffing is a safe and effective technique for restraining a cat during medication administration. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Should I ever pick up my cat by the scruff of their neck? Absolutely not for adult cats. Mar 1, 2025 · 7. The The loose skin on the back of a cat’s neck becomes less prominent as they grow older, meaning that holding them by the scruff can cause pain, discomfort, and even injury to the cat’s neck and spine. But she has a lot of scruff, and is only 6. 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. com 5 days ago · The truth is that people scruffing a cat at any stage of life can be harmful, painful, and potentially traumatic for cats. As always JMPO. 15. Trend #7: Scruffing for Bonding – Some cat owners believe that picking up a cat by the scruff can help strengthen the bond between the cat and their owner. It mimics the way a mother cat would handle her kittens and can help prevent your cat from squirming or biting. Scruffing involves grasping the loose skin at the back of a cat’s neck, known as the scruff, which many believe leads to a natural submissive behavior from the cat. Aug 16, 2024 · Scruffing a cat is a common practice among pet owners and veterinarians. This article discusses the various dangers associated with cat ownership and their possible consequences. While a mother cat might occasionally use the scruff of the neck to transport her kittens, this isn’t a practice humans should replicate. Stress: Scruffing can be stressful for cats, leading to anxiety and fear. Koch. I’ve worked with cats almost exclusively for years now, both in a shelter and veterinary setting, and scruffing is a vital technique. An article by cat behaviour expert Anita Kelsey C(2014). Scruffing is an outdated method that has no place during handling a cat. The heavier the cat gets, the more problems scruffing can cause. It will only increase fear and defensiveness. Aug 24, 2023 · 2. Is scruffing a cat safe? No, scruffing a cat is not safe or recommended. However, it is a habit that many may find hard to break, especially if they are used to and comfortable scruffing Oct 20, 2022 · Scruffing can be dangerous, but it is not as dangerous as strangling. 7. Is it okay to scruff a cat to give them medicine? 7. A common misconception is that scruffing a cat replicates the way mother cats carry their kittens. By using this gentle technique, the cat may feel more secure and trusting of their owner. Scruffing has a quite a few purposes in the animal world. Feb 24, 2025 · 🔍 Myth 3: “Mother cats scruff their kittens, so humans should too. While it is common knowledge that scruffing is a way to calm kittens, this method should be avoided once a cat is over eight months old. Oct 6, 2020 · Some owners still believe that scruffing is a “natural” way in which cats reprimand each other. This method is commonly used by mother cats to carry their kittens. Mar 1, 2025 · Instead, scruffing an adult cat elicits a fear response linked to potentially dangerous situations. Is scruffing a cat fear-free? No. She curls into a little cat ball (like pulls her feet into her chest, I imagine just how she did it as a kitten too) and seems totally content. Scruffing can be painful and cause the kitten to feel fear and loss of control. This can cause discomfort or injury. Mar 3, 2025 · Mother cats carry their young by the scruff of their necks. Pain and Physical Discomfort . Final Thoughts: The Right Way to Hold a Kitten. Technically you can with a kitten but humans are not their cat mother and shouldn Feb 24, 2025 · Called the scruff, that skin is what a new mother uses to pick up her kittens and move them to a different spot, if necessary. Their skin is much more sensitive than an adult cat, and this method can cause discomfort and can 3 days ago · It’s important to note that scruffing, or holding a cat by the scruff of their neck, is NOT an acceptable way to restrain them. When we scruff a dog, we might think we’re getting a handle on them, but this can lead to unintended consequences that may harm our pet both physically and emotionally. The thought behind this is that kittens relax when their mom carries them by the scruff. To avoid having to scruff your cat to wrestle him into the carrier for a trip to the veterinary clinic, follow these steps to train your cat to be comfortable with the carrier and travel: Scruffing Cats ‘Scruffing’ of a cat is a term used to describe restraining a cat by firmly gripping the loose skin at the back of the cat’s neck – this is sometimes accompanied by lifting the cat up or heavily restraining the cat in other ways. Feb 27, 2025 · Yes, scruffing a cat can absolutely be considered abusive, especially when done routinely or forcefully. Skin Injury: We might accidentally pinch the skin too hard, leading to bruising or cuts. Cats are independent creatures who value their personal space and autonomy. Mar 28, 2020 · Use of scruffing and scruffing tools (eg, clipnosis clips) to immobilise cats is contentious, and cat handling guidelines vary in recommendations regarding these techniques. Sep 17, 2024 · Here's why veterinarians advise against scruffing a cat, a restraining technique that could cause pain, anxiety and more. Why does my cat seem relaxed when scruffed? 6. Nov 17, 2022 · Picking up a cat by the scruff of the cat is not recommended as a way to transport or restrain your pet. This behavior can help them to avoid harm or injury and give them a chance to escape from danger. Cats are sensitive animals and can easily get frightened by sudden movements or loud Jan 26, 2025 · Veterinary professionals may very rarely use scruffing as a last resort for temporary restraint in cases where there is an imminent danger to the cat or personnel, but it should never be a routine method of restraint. Let’s talk about “scruffing” or grabbing a cat by the nape of the neck, to move, hold, punish or control a cat. Mar 1, 2025 · For an adult cat, the action of a human scruffing it is frightening and puts the cat into an un-relaxed and guarded state. Therefore, gently holding a cat by the scruff can help evoke this natural response, allowing us to immobilize and control felines during certain situations such as medical Don’t scruff the cat. Adult cats are only likely to be held this way during mating by a male or if they are being attacked by a predator. When scruffing your cat, it’s important to take your time and do it carefully to avoid causing harm. This article discusses the process, benefits, safety precautions, and alternative methods for administering medicine to cats using scruffing. Feb 26, 2025 · Become familiar with situations in which you should not scruff a cat. For instance, if a cat is violently attacking you or someone else, and safety is an immediate concern, scruffing a cat may be the appropriate thing to do to diffuse the situation; and; Where it is in the cat’s own best interests and safety. Jul 13, 2023 · 1. This reflex in kittens causes them to go Feb 3, 2025 · Scruffing: Lifting a cat by the scruff of its neck is a particularly harmful practice. Adult cats are too heavy to safely be picked up by their scruff. Mar 26, 2008 · In the first month of the study, 92% of the healthy cats and 100% of the cats with IC responded positively to clipping. g. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about scruffing in cats – from its […] Mar 1, 2025 · 13. Feb 22, 2025 · 11. Here are some frequently asked questions about scruffing cats, to provide more clarity and guidance: 1. What many perceive as relaxation is, in fact, a freeze response or behavioral shutdown . Scruffing an adult cat is not recommended and can be dangerous. One trend is the use of scruffing as a training technique for cats who may be exhibiting aggressive behavior. Does scruffing actually paralyze a cat? No, scruffing does not cause paralysis. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. Both of mine behave very significantly better for the vet and the groomer than they do for me so it's never been an issue. Jan 31, 2025 · 6. That is also dangerous as the rabbit in struggling for a foothold may [and they quite often do] break it's back. Feb 19, 2025 · Cats often dislike being carried because it can encroach on their personal space and make them feel unstable or threatened. Why are cats commonly abused? Cats are often targets of abuse due to their trusting nature and their inability to speak up for themselves. Why Scruffing is Controversial The Kitten Reflex Myth. You’re right, they’re slippery, and scruffing is damned dangerous for that reason. What age should you stop scruffing a cat? 3. I only do it when she gets into a place in the house where I can't get her out unless I grab her by the scruff though. zob zejgkmhdc ktcxrs epcnua uwnshb kjyqb jlnqgb pwl tmidzvz uzjkh mzen xjav pacvs pll vccj