How to Hold a Kitten by the Fur on the Neck
The scruff on a kitten or cat is the loose skin and fur on the back of its neck. Picking a kitten up by the scruff helps to discipline it and it allows you to train it effectively. Grabbing the scruff of the kitten also allows you to give it medicine, groom its fur or inspect it for any injuries. The scruff needs to be grabbed carefully because you can cause discomfort to, and even injure, the kitten.
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Instructions
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Find the location where the neck and the body meet. Grab the area with your index finger and thumb to locate the extra section of loose skin and fur between the shoulder blades.
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Grab the scruff securely with your thumb and index finger. Apply a slight pressure to the area so that it's secured by your fingers. Hold onto the scruff as close to the neck as possible. Once you grab the scruff, you can control the kitten's head easily.
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Release the grip on the scruff after you tend to the kitten. Allow it time to recover. The kitten may run and hide or feel frustrated, but it'll return to its normal behavior soon.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have difficulty locating the scruff or you feel uncomfortable performing the task, contact your local veterinarian for advice.
Restrain the kitten by grabbing its scruff, placing your arm under its chest and placing your forearm under part of its body. Grab the two front legs with your fingers and hold the kitten against your body. Let go of the scruff and place your other hand under the neck.
Avoid picking a kitten up by the scruff and suspending it in the air because it can cause stress on the skin from the weight of the kitten.
Avoid pressing too hard on the scruff because you may cause discomfort to your kitten.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
