How to Scruff a Cat

How to properly scruff a frisky feline is an invaluable bit of knowledge. Scruff a cat so that they can't move their head to attack. In fact, they usually stop moving instantly.One thing to remember is every cat is different. How they react to being scruffed will depend on variables such as age, weight, tameness and their familiarity with you. Cats are very temperamental and you may be able to scruff it fine one day but can't get your hands on it the next. Just remember, be patient and try to stay calm. Here is how you can properly scruff your own cat.

Instructions

Is it a good idea to scruff?

1

Be sure that scruffing is the right choice for the situation. Scruffing is safe for the human and the feline. Some people don't like to scruff because it isn't exactly comfortable for the kitty, and you do need to have some amount of strength in your hands. The cat will probably cry, especially if it's older and not used to being treated so. They have extra skin around their neck, and you're really not doing any damage. Decide what is right for you.

2

Before you actually scruff the cat, take a minute to look at the situation. A grown cat should not be held suspended for any length of time. If it's a feral cat, or a cat who's really unhappy at the moment, don't be afraid to hold them at arms length.

3

If you are dealing with a cat who's difficult or you don't know, have a towel handy and read the "Using the Towel" section. If it's a pretty nice cat you're handling, you can skip down to "Getting the Scruff."

Using the Towel

4

Grab a towel. A towel is an incredibly useful tool if you have a feral cat or one who's just really hard to get your hands on. You want the towel to be at least as big as a hand towel, but if you have a larger cat you'll want to move up into the bath towel size. Get the towel over the cat, preferably covering its head to the point where it can't see. This usually causes the cat to stop and hunker down. Very few cats will keep moving at this point.

5

Place your hand at the vary base of the head. You probably want to use your weaker hand for this. Your hand should be right below the ears and, depending on cat and hand size, above the shoulders. Depending on the cat, you may really have to clamp down to keep it from slipping away.

6

While still holding the cat's head, slid your other hand up under the towel. Don't move too quickly, as that will just upset kitty more.

7

Work your moving hand under your other hand, slowly letting them switch places.

8

Grab the cat's scruff as close to the ears as possible, and flip it over onto its back. At this point, it might be a good idea to use that towel to wrap kitty up. That way the feet are secured under the towel and that's one less thing for you to worry about.

Getting the Scruff

9

Watch your cat. When scruffed, most cats will go completely still. If they don't go still, you may want to try the towel method to control them. You will need to have some strength in your hand, depending on the size and weight of the cat.

10

Grab the skin on the back of the cat's neck. The closer to the ears you get, the less they'll be able to move their head. This is especially important if you have a cat that likes to bite.

11

Grab a comfortable amount of skin and pull up slightly. The skin should pull up with very little resistance. Some cats have more skin in that area than others, so make sure to pay attention to each cat's scruff capability. I find long hairs to be slightly hard to scruff simply because it's not as easy to feel their skin.

12

Deliver the cat to where you need him to be. Be careful to not keep him suspended in the air for very long.

13

Reassure and comfort your cat after a scruffing. They need to know that everything is alright. Depending on the personality type of your cat, you may need to give it either space or attention. Pay close attention to your cat's needs, and you will be on the right track in this situation.

How to properly scruff a frisky feline is an invaluable bit of knowledge. Scruff a cat so that they can't move their head to attack. In fact, they usually stop moving instantly.One thing to remember is every cat is different. How they react to being scruffed will depend on variables such as age, weight, tameness and their familiarity with you. Cats are very temperamental and you may be able to scruff it fine one day but can't get your hands on it the next. Just remember, be patient and try to stay calm. Here is how you can properly scruff your own cat.

Instructions

Is it a good idea to scruff?

1

Be sure that scruffing is the right choice for the situation. Scruffing is safe for the human and the feline. Some people don't like to scruff because it isn't exactly comfortable for the kitty, and you do need to have some amount of strength in your hands. The cat will probably cry, especially if it's older and not used to being treated so. They have extra skin around their neck, and you're really not doing any damage. Decide what is right for you.

2

Before you actually scruff the cat, take a minute to look at the situation. A grown cat should not be held suspended for any length of time. If it's a feral cat, or a cat who's really unhappy at the moment, don't be afraid to hold them at arms length.

3

If you are dealing with a cat who's difficult or you don't know, have a towel handy and read the "Using the Towel" section. If it's a pretty nice cat you're handling, you can skip down to "Getting the Scruff."

Using the Towel

4

Grab a towel. A towel is an incredibly useful tool if you have a feral cat or one who's just really hard to get your hands on. You want the towel to be at least as big as a hand towel, but if you have a larger cat you'll want to move up into the bath towel size. Get the towel over the cat, preferably covering its head to the point where it can't see. This usually causes the cat to stop and hunker down. Very few cats will keep moving at this point.

5

Place your hand at the vary base of the head. You probably want to use your weaker hand for this. Your hand should be right below the ears and, depending on cat and hand size, above the shoulders. Depending on the cat, you may really have to clamp down to keep it from slipping away.

6

While still holding the cat's head, slid your other hand up under the towel. Don't move too quickly, as that will just upset kitty more.

7

Work your moving hand under your other hand, slowly letting them switch places.

8

Grab the cat's scruff as close to the ears as possible, and flip it over onto its back. At this point, it might be a good idea to use that towel to wrap kitty up. That way the feet are secured under the towel and that's one less thing for you to worry about.

Getting the Scruff

9

Watch your cat. When scruffed, most cats will go completely still. If they don't go still, you may want to try the towel method to control them. You will need to have some strength in your hand, depending on the size and weight of the cat.

10

Grab the skin on the back of the cat's neck. The closer to the ears you get, the less they'll be able to move their head. This is especially important if you have a cat that likes to bite.

11

Grab a comfortable amount of skin and pull up slightly. The skin should pull up with very little resistance. Some cats have more skin in that area than others, so make sure to pay attention to each cat's scruff capability. I find long hairs to be slightly hard to scruff simply because it's not as easy to feel their skin.

12

Deliver the cat to where you need him to be. Be careful to not keep him suspended in the air for very long.

13

Reassure and comfort your cat after a scruffing. They need to know that everything is alright. Depending on the personality type of your cat, you may need to give it either space or attention. Pay close attention to your cat's needs, and you will be on the right track in this situation.