This Interesting Tumblr Thread Is Discussing Whether Adult Cats Should Be Lifted By The Scruff
Some cat debates never seem to end, and this one has Tumblr users split over a surprisingly specific question: should adult cats ever be lifted by the scruff?
The thread gets into what scruffing actually means, when people think it is useful, and why others say it should be avoided except in rare situations. That mix of practical cat care and strong opinions is exactly why the discussion took off.
Now the internet has another feline argument on its hands, and the replies are not all on the same side.
1. One Tumblr user said:
To be honest, we were shocked by how few people knew anything about it. Although this method is occasionally used on cats by veterinarians in their offices, it is typically advised to avoid it.
There are nearly always better methods to handle a cat than trying to choke or hurt it. Be kind to your furry family members.
For those of you who don't know, "scruffing" a cat is a term used to describe restraining a cat by firmly gripping the loose skin at the back of its neck, this is sometimes accompanied by lifting the cat up or heavily restraining it in other ways.
That definition alone was enough to get people talking.
2. And some more info followed:
However, given how many people were taken aback, we are genuinely happy to see this discussion take off on Tumblr. The possible dangers of picking up adult cats by the scruff of their neck should, in our opinion, be made more widely known.
Inform your friends who own cats about this to help them.
3. Others asked:
And the replies did not stay calm for long.
4. This is one way:
6. The scruff holding actually helps in some situations:
5. These are the situations people usually resort to scruffing:
Some users were quick to point out that the practice has a place, at least in certain moments.
It also echoes a roommate demanding free nail trimming after admitting she was too afraid.
7. But it should be your last resort
8. It can cause stress
9. Professionals use it only when necessary
10. The post was not about calling out certain cat owners but about spreading knowledge.
11. Scruffing will not fix bad behavior.
That is where the conversation started to turn.
12. Avoid it even when your cat gets stuck somewhere.
13. It is all about training
14. Travel tips:
15. Again, scruffing should be a last resort
Until it's time for sleep, little kittens are just furry balls of energy. A boisterous kitten can only be stopped in its tracks by being grabbed by the scruff.
When held in this way, it will suddenly become limp. It resembles pressing a pause button for cats.
Scruffing should only be done occasionally; if you just want to cuddle with your kitten, pick it up by the midsection and support its back with your other hand.
So the debate is really about when, if ever, this move makes sense.
For more cat-related family chaos, read about a woman fighting her mom over spraying her cat.
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