If you’re wondering why your cat hates being held, you’re not alone. Bengal cats, Persian cats, and Abyssinian cats all dislike the feel of being held. In fact, these felines do not form memories, which is why they hate being held. Fortunately, there are ways to get your feline to enjoy a loving embrace. Read on to learn more about the different ways you can try.
Cats are naturally independent, so it’s important to avoid approaching them from behind. This might make them feel as though they’re being caged. Instead, they need freedom to roam. If your cat doesn’t like being held, try introducing yourself to your cat without holding it, or by approaching it from behind. A stray cat may need to feel like a free spirit, which is why cuddling is a bad idea.
The first step in adjusting your behavior is understanding your cat’s tolerance level. Remember that it’s okay if your cat doesn’t like being picked up – just be sure to have a reason for doing so. If a cat loves being picked up, he’ll love the closeness, but if he hates being held, it might be time to stop. Try not to pick him up if he’s struggling or is unhappy.
Some breeds of cats don’t like being touched at all. Bengal cats, Abyssinians, and Persian cats are notoriously aggressive, so it’s not surprising that they hate being held. However, even cats that are highly receptive may hate to be touched, and can easily scratch your hand. Try not to pick him up too often unless he’s feeling comfortable. Otherwise, it may be a good idea to try rubbing his head.
If the cat hates being picked up, he may be in pain or overly stressed. It may have been abused and will never fully trust humans again. If a cat doesn’t trust people, he’ll reject you unless you’re familiar with him. If the problem is an injury or a medical problem, it’s time to consult a veterinarian. Alternatively, you can opt for online pharmacy services such as Chewy’s.
Once your cat is relaxed enough to sit on your lap, try giving him treats when he’s comfortable. If he’s already used to being held, you can offer treats to reinforce this behavior. Giving treats every time you hold him will help him associate holding with positive experiences. You’ll want to do this at least three times a day. Once your cat becomes comfortable on your lap, try holding him for a few seconds at a time.
While cats can be very affectionate, some dislike being held. They may tolerate a gentle pet hug, but are highly averse to being held against their will. Be gentle, but firm, and you’ll get the desired results. When you do finally get a chance, make sure you don’t smother your cat! This may be a sign that your cat just doesn’t like being held.
What does it mean when a cat won’t let you pick them up?
If your cat doesn’t enjoy being held, it may be because he just feels disrespected when you scoop him up. Other cats may have a related reason for resisting restraint — and, let’s face it, being picked up and held is a form of restraint, even if it’s meant lovingly.
How do you handle a cat who hates being held?
Know Your Cat’s Tolerance Level The longer you hold a squirmy, unhappy cat, the more she’ll hate being held the next time. If your cat hates being picked up and held, slow down and just focus on being able to put one hand on her side and then releasing. Work up to placing a hand on each side and then letting go.J
