Most cat owners might like to pick up their cats like a baby, but have you ever wondered if cats like to be carried?
The short answer is Yes, some cats may enjoy being carried like a baby as they can feel warmth and comfort.
However, not all cats like to be carried, some other cats may be uncomfortable or even stressed. So, it’s important to understand your cat’s behavior and how they react when you carry them.
In the article below, we will discuss the benefits and risks of carrying your cat like a baby, so that you can get an idea of whether your cats actually feel comfortable when they are carried like a baby or not.
What Do Cats Think About Being Carried?
Every cat has their own individual, so their opinions and feelings on being carried may be different.
Some cats may not allow people to carry them at all while others might enjoy it. It is important to monitor your cat’s response and body language.
On the other hand, some cats may allow it depending on who is carrying them.
According to my experience, one of my cats won’t allow anyone in my family to carry them beside me even though we are living in the same house.
When my sister tried to carry him, he always preferred to run out of my sister’s hand even though my sister provided him a hand feed but he didn’t eat.
A few minutes after that I tried to hold them, but he didn’t reject me as my sister. He stays quiet and sleeps on my hand, it is just like he gets warm and comfortable while I hold him.
Overall, cats’ thinking and feeling about being carried vary, it may depend on their own cat and who is holding on.
5 Reasons Why Some Cats Like to Be Held Like a Baby
While not all cats want to be carried or held like a baby, some cats may enjoy it.
There could be a few reasons why some cats prefer to be held like a baby.
- Warmth and Comfort
It is most common for some cats that enjoy being carried because they can feel the warmth and comfort of their body while they are on hold close to your body, especially the person they trust.
- Security and Safety
Being carried like a baby can provide your cat with a sense of security and a safe place for them as nothing can harm them.
- Build Bond
It is the best way that cats can build a strong bond with their owner.
While being held can provide them with closeness and connection with their owner.
- Care and Attention
Cats may prefer to get attention or reward from their owner, it is a great way for them to get all of it.
Being on hold also provides them with a sense of love and care from their owner.
- Routine
Cats are animals of habit, so if your cat has been used to being held since they were kittens, they might enjoy this routine as they can get comfort and positive experiences.
However, it’s important to remember that not all cats appreciate being carried like a baby. Note your cat’s behavior to know if they are happy and comfortable with these interactions.
Is It Bad to Hold Cats Like a Baby?
While being held might be beneficial for some cats, it is also bad for others, especially for sensitive cats.
There are a few reasons why holding cats like a baby might be bad for them:
- Restriction of their ability to move
Cats are active animals. Holding your cat like a baby can limit their ability to move such as stretching, jumping, or grooming.
- Stress & Discomfort
Based on cats’ natural behaviors, they might not prefer being carried as they are known for their independence and want to have control over their environment.
Therefore, being carried could make them feel stress and discomfort especially if they are not true to the person who is holding on.
- Risk & Insecure
Cats may feel insecure when they are being held as they naturally protect their undersides.
Being on hold might be difficult for them to protect themself and can lead them to feel uncomfortable.
Can Holding Cats Hurt Them?
Yes, cats can hurt from holding if you carry them incorrectly.
Holding cats can be hurt especially if you hold on to their sensitive areas such as the neck, belly, tail, paws, and ears, these areas can cause discomfort or even injury for them.
If your cat shows signs of discomfort or distress while you are holding them such as trying to run away, growling, hissing, fattened ears, tensed body, or swishing tail. It means that they are hurting so it is important to let them go and allow them to move freely.
Therefore, you should respect your cat’s signals and preferences. If you are not sure how to hold them, you should consult with your vet. They will offer some advice specific to your cat’s needs.
How to Train Your Cat to Enjoy Being Carried?
While teaching your cat to enjoy being carried is not really easy, there are some possible tips that can help you to succeed in your training.
- Make sure you know how to hold them properly
The important thing, you must be sure that you know how to hold your cat in the correct way.
If you hold them incorrectly the first time, it can make them hurt so they may not prefer to be carried at all.
- Build a good relationship
You should have some time playing with your cat. It is a great way to build a positive relationship with them before you start holding them.
- Introduce your cat being held in a short duration
Hold your cat gently off the ground a few inches then place them back down with quick action and correct way. You can do it several times and increase the duration of being held.
This process can help your cat feel comfortable and don’t become stressed or anxious.
- Use a secure carried
Again, if you don’t know how to hold them you can start learning now. Support your cat’s body with both hands, one on your cat’s chest and front legs, and one other support with the hindquarter. It can give them a sense of security and stability.
- Offer the reward
Offering your cat treats or rewards while you carry them. This activity can help them to develop being held and enjoy the moment.
- Be patient
It might take time while every cat is different. Some cats might not enjoy being held as they prefer to have their feet on the ground, so you need to be patient and respect your cat’s preferences.
Do Cats Like to Be Carried? Finally Thought:
It depends on individual cats as every cat is different and unique, so they also react to being carried in different ways.
Some cats may enjoy being carried while others have no interest at all.
Therefore, it is important to respect your cat’s individuality and pay attention to their signals to make sure you give them comfort and enjoyment.
You can follow our tips above if you prefer to teach your cat to enjoy being carried.
But if you are not sure how to hold your cat, we recommend asking your vet or expert so they will provide you, especially with your cat’s needs. Thank you for your time, we hope it is useful for you.