Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five funny cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.
Disclaimer: The images used in this article are to show scruff-holding. The cats in the images were carefully handled, spoiled rotten, and given ridiculous amounts of chicken for agreeing to pose for me. They were given the space and opportunity to leave whenever they had enough, and their welfare remains my top priority.
It wasn’t that long ago that it was common to see cats being held, restrained, even dragged around with their necks scratched. We see mother cats carrying their kittens this way, so how could it possibly be harmful? And for the most part, our cats don’t seem to mind…or do they?
In recent years, animal behaviorists have realized that instead of making them calm and relaxed, getting a cat next to the scruff can actually trigger feelings of fear, stress, and helplessness, resulting in the floppy reaction we often see. Sure, it might make them easier to manage, but would it be okay?
There are several movements and organizations that aim to reduce or stop the use of scruff holds in veterinary practice, and while this is an admirable goal, it is not always realistic or practical. Some animal handlers vow to never tickle a cat, regardless of the circumstances, which I have often found difficult to practice. Even the International Cat Care organization recognizes that using a scruff hold to restrain a cat is sometimes necessary, as described in their Scruff Free Campaign Pledge:
“International Cat Care’s ‘scruff-free’ campaign is dedicated to preventing the routine use of scruffing as a method of restraining a cat, which unfortunately is still done all too often. Our campaign specifically refers to the routine use of scruffing when handling cats. There may be exceptional circumstances where there is a real and imminent risk of harm to a person where very short severe restraints, such as scruff, may be necessary. However, these occasions should be rare and exceptional, never routine.”
What often frustrates me is when I need to quickly and safely perform a procedure, administer an injection, or assess an injury on a disgruntled, aggressive cat, and my supporting staff refuses to use a scruff hold. This will inevitably result in a longer, burdensome, and dangerous approach to a problem that can be easily addressed by briefly applying an effective deterrent.
So even though it’s not popular, I strongly believe that, in certain circumstances, the scruff hold is the best and safest method of restraint.
The Lesser of Two Evils
I don’t believe that ‘the ends justify the means’ when it comes to scruffing a cat, but I do believe that sometimes it is the ‘lesser of two evils’. Yes, scratching a cat can cause unwanted stress, discomfort, and incapacitation for a cat, but if the alternative means:
- Cat returning the next day after being sedated at home
- Spends more time trying to wrap a towel around an anxious cat
- There is a risk of harm to the cat or person
- Using sedatives or general anesthetic for something that should last less than 30 seconds
- Spending hundreds of dollars on an owner to remove a barb, remove a loose nail, or remove a small patch of dry fur
- I would choose the option that causes the least amount of anxiety for everyone involved. And sometimes, that means I’m confused.
When Is Scruffing Okay?
Rather than have a blanket rule of ‘no scruffing, ever’, I’d rather lay down some guidelines so people know when scruffing is and isn’t appropriate, and how to safely cling to a cat. So that’s what I’ll do.
DO NOT Sruff | Consider Scruffing |
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How to Properly Rub a Cat’s Handle
If you’re not confident and quick in your approach, you’re unlikely to succeed, so make sure you’re ready to hold your cat tight, and make sure you’ve planned your next move.
If possible, start by rubbing the cat’s scruff. This prevents them from being shocked by just touching the scruff, and allows you to check if they are particularly sensitive in this area. If the cat resents being touched by its neck or shoulders, you should not try the scruff hold, as this will only make the situation worse.
For the scruff-hold to be effective, you need to have a firm grip of a handful of scruff – don’t pinch the skin, or just grab a small section. It will be more painful, and will not give you any control.
There are three main positions you will need:
Carrying: Never lift a cat by the scruff without placing a hand under their chest or behind their bottom. If you can do so safely, cradle them against your body to give them extra security.
The holding: This is when you prevent the cat from allowing someone to do or check something quickly or safely. Keep the head out of the other person’s way, and use your other hand to secure the front legs at elbow level.
The drug: Ideally, this should also be a 2-person maneuver, with the second person preventing the front legs from engaging. Use your non-dominant hand to hold the scruff and tilt the head back as far as possible. This will make it easier to pull the lower jaw down and administer the medication.
This method of treating a cat should only be used for short-term or one-time treatment. If your cat is on long-term medication, scruffing them every day will only reinforce their resentment of the treatment, so you need to find an alternative.
Sometimes I’m Scruff
Not everyone will agree with me, and that’s fine. But I think we can sometimes cause more stress and damage by avoiding the scruff hold, when short-term use of this unpopular technique is actually the best way.
I totally agree that it shouldn’t be used too often, or to perform long procedures, but I think it’s more practical and realistic to say avoid using the scruff hold, rather than say no.
This article is part of a series by Dr. Karyn with her five funny cats.