This Interesting Tumblr Thread Is Discussing Whether Adult Cats Should Be Lifted By The Scruff
Owning a cat is not always the easiest thing to do (it is never easy, to be honest, wink, wink). The simple act of having and living with cats teaches you a lot about them over time.
However, even cat owners with years of experience sometimes make mistakes and have questions. For instance, there is a lengthy discussion regarding people's confusion over cats' reluctance to drink water and their need to devise clever ways to persuade their cats to do so.
This discussion began almost when the internet was invented and hasn't stopped since. You've probably also noticed the ongoing debate about whether indoor cats should be allowed outside or whether they should be permitted to playfight with other animals.
You are constantly learning with cats around, that's for sure. We've discovered a Tumblr thread discussing the practice of picking up older cats by the scruff of their necks.
It appears that many people immediately defended this practice; however, some Tumblr users disagree. And here we go with another debate.
People have made some valid points, and there is a lot to be learned. Take a look.
We'd love to know what you think about the matter as well.
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.
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:
4. This is one way:
6. The scruff holding actually helps in some situations:
5. These are the situations people usually resort to scruffing:
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.
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. When grabbed by the scruff, it will instantly submit and regard the person holding it as the dominant one.
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.
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