How to Properly Pick Up and Hold a Cat (4 Hold Techniques) | The Cat Butler

[@herbalannie7707]

Ragdolls are a whole different game as they will not support themselves, like the shoulder hold. After 50 years of cats the best hold is the one they allow, each cat is different as each human is.

[@TheCatButler]

Yeah good point!

[@dinam3236]

Yeah, I was about to say that. I've had several cats and they had different ways they liked to be held. It also depends a lot on what the cat is used to. I did a couple experiments with new holds on one of my cats, and he immediately shifted back to the hold he was used to.

[@mks9469]

I agree. I have one cat who loves to sit in my lap….but does not like to be picked up. I have one I can scoop up and hold like a baby and he loves it. And then another is only good with a shoulder hold. They are all different. Love my kitties.

[@chieferoni]

Ragdoll owner here. He let's me hold him like a baby/basic hybrid around the entire house

[@itsViirtueYEAH]

wait is that why theyre called ragdolls

[@legitlyspelunking]

A tip for those wanting to get their cat more comfortable once being held: let them lead by where their head goes, and let them investigate with smell objects and other things around the house 😺

[@magical571]

You know, both the video and this comment applies to a hedgehog that has some basic level of trust with you, down to the details like letting them smell your hand first, or letting them lead while being held.

[@TabithaReminiec3399]

@@magical571 Once one is allowed to hold the cat ( by the the cat) hold the cat to your heart...this will do a couple of things 1) It will let the cat know that you're a gentle human being 2) It also will help him/ her relax ...there by form a pair bond with you

[@planecrashmusic]

yay

[@hphoenix7974]

Having adopted a young traumatised (tragic circumstances) cat (Tuxedo) who hates being picked up, after 19 months and heaps of Dreamies, I can pick him up while I kneel on the floor it's slow going but it's progress, bless him 💕🙏

[@TheCatButler]

Your patience is paying off for sure!

[@hphoenix7974]

Thank you, I have PTSD myself, so I understand him, bless him 💕

[@moara4144]

@@hphoenix7974 I had a pet rat who hated to be held, and wouldn't stay still. And then my grandpa died, and he just sat in my arms for hours while I cried.

[@itskashkashi]

The fact that you have ragdolls and a husky is so funny, the dogs of the cat world and cats of the dog world respectively lol 😆

[@ziggystardog]

An important thing to realize with all cats is they have time limits for most activities. When they’ve had enough, they’ll let you know. So don’t push things, let them down when they indicate they’re done.

[@TheCatButler]

Good tip!

[@bluesusername]

yeah mine;s a kitten but she meows or tries to scramble out when she wants to be put down

[@diane519]

My baby Nori LOVES shoulder holds. She often mews at me asking for me to pick her up, she also loves shoulder rides. I’m fully convinced that her past life is a parrot😂😂 haha my boy Natto loves the baby hold. He’s so cute🥰 ❤

[@TheCatButler]

Diane love the name Nori and Natto! I am finding a lot of cats in the comments like the shoulder hold haha. Seems like Teemo and Arya are the odd ones out.

[@merriemisfit8406]

I knew a cat who was very anti-contact -- wouldn't let most people even touch him. Even fewer were allowed to pick him up. But I didn't take "no" for an answer and confidently hoisted him up into the shoulder position. Then I'd walk around the house backward so he could see where he was going. Such purring ensued! I'm convinced, from other aspects of his behavior, that little Mister Cat thought he was one of us humans, and was incessantly perturbed by being down at the same level with those four-legged cat beings that ate cat food and did cat things. In a very short time, Mister Cat figured out that not only did I let him tour the house up at the level where he believed he belonged, but I also understood his different vocalizations. He'd push the closed door to my bedroom in its frame as if to knock, I'd open it and see him there, and he'd look me in the eyes and say something in "cat" -- and I'd understand if he was telling me the food or water was empty, or he wanted to go out, or he wanted to play, or he wanted me to pick him up and walk him around, or he just wanted some company. That was over 20 years ago. There are five feral cats that visit my property these days to drink the water I put out for them and to do some mousing and cricket-stalking. They're all skittish to extremely skittish about human contact. Sometimes I tell them: "You don't know what you're missing! I come highly recommended."

[@Xsksnssjccxghb]

Mine doesn’t mew but would gently tap my shoulders if I crouch down or knees when I sit down to ask to be held on the shoulder

[@jessicajohnston3893]

My cat only likes the shoulder hold lol

[@chestersnap]

This additionally feels like a demonstration of why Ragdolls are called ragdolls

[@stewartedgington8164]

The most basic thing you emphasized is the support for the cat when picking up. I've generally done this because my cats are much more comfortable with this. (What an idea!) Sometimes I do not have two hands available so I use an arm under the cat lengthwise to give them that better support. The approach though is something I have not been consistent with so I really found that useful. Also, dropping a cat rather that putting them down gently is a big deal if you want to be able to pick the cat up easily again. Dropping may not hurt them but they must instantly go from cuddly comfortable and relaxed to high alert. They seem to trust me more if I just don't do that.

[@indigocheetah4172]

We adopted Bella , when she was 18 months old . Her previous owners put an add in the local paper for sale . It was concerning as the price would drop weekly and I think that they wanted to get rid of her. It has taken months to allow us contact as she hid in the cupboard. My son can pick Bella up by holding with one arm supporting under her close to his chest. Now almost 2 years later, she will sleep at the end of my daughter 's bed. Bella , exposes her tummy when I walk past her. But , it isn't an invitation for a tummy scratch. In the past our wonderful Kitties , loved affection , slept in our bed.Bella , is part Bengal , according to her previous owners . In the time we have had our beautiful Bella , she has come a long way. I miss having to cuddle her . But she is happy now .

[@tracimh78]

I am always delighted when you post a new video. your voice is so calm and soothing…it’s no wonder your two cats are so relaxed in your arms. your entire presence speaks: gentleness…safety…love! thanks for great videos 🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛😊😊

[@TheCatButler]

This was such a nice comment! Thank you and I am glad the videos made your day. Wish you and your cats the best too!

[@TheBlackenedSaint]

I very much appreciate how you did not force your cats with the hold they find uncomfortable.

[@revolution724]

I like to put the cat’s front feet on my left shoulder and support their back feet and backside with my right arm. That way, the cat is sitting upright, which is usually comfortable for them and I can pet them with my left hand. I think you call this the shoulder hold. Your cats are so beautiful and this video was very clear and informative for new cat butlers. Thanks!

[@TheCatButler]

Thanks for sharing your favorite hold :). It always cool how people interact with their cats. We are all cat butlers to our cat haha. Glad you enjoy the video!

[@citruslllad]

3:38 the moment i saw the football hold i started laughing way too hard 😭 he's just dangling!!

[@TheCatButler]

Haha

[@АндрейБелозеров-к6ю]

One of the most important things everyone must learn in their lives. Thank you!

[@TheCatButler]

Yes agreed!

[@ViralGenesis]

My siamese cat Westley loves the shoulder hold, and every time I go to do it he always jumps up on my shoulders and lays down on my back lol. Then he starts nuzzling me with his face, it's so cute. He used to be a big cuddler as a kitten and I can tell he misses me when I come to visit, as he lives with my parents right now.

[@doggo.kk_idk]

You’re voice is so calming and your content is just amazing!

[@TheCatButler]

Thank you so much 🙂 Glad you enjoy the videos!

[@pawsitivevibesonly]

I agree

[@LilPerrin]

My boy is so easy going but I sent this video to my partners (who are very anxious around cats and holding cats) so it'll hopefully help them. He's the absolute best cat to train on, he's super tolerant and doesn't lash out unless I've annoyed him to his wit's end. Even at the vets he is calm and tolerant. He doesn't like being baby held but will endure it, and likes his feet scooped if he's in a basic hold or shoulder hold. I've picked him up a multitude of terrible ways when he needs rescuing (usually from his own stupidity), and is given much love and treats afterwards, but I probably need to get some practice on that football hold.

[@TheCatButler]

He sounds like an angel :D

[@femmeslash]

my cat only allows a shoulder hold, and funnily enough, he'll only accept the left shoulder! try and keep him right and he'll just squeeze under your face to reposition himself. great vid, always love reading or hearing about the little quirks every pet has

[@TheCatButler]

glad you enjoyed the video!

[@Beelzebubby91]

Mine too. He also likes to be bounced like a baby in that position lol

[@kimberlypatton205]

The toe cleaning was my absolute favorite 5 seconds of this whole video!

[@TheCatButler]

Mine too! she just randomly did it haha

[@Trenchant468]

When necessary, a safe hold is hind quarters tucked between your side and elbow with your same side hand sandwiching both hind legs interlocked between your fingers, and your opposite hand doing the same with front legs. Keep your front arm clear away from biting. Keep cat snugly against body so s/he is fully supported. Any escape efforts trigger tighter hold. I trained my cat (RIP, age 20) to accept this hold, and routinely walked a mile to the vet through a busy metro area. I also used a towel over her to keep her secure. (I was pretty broke at that point-no cat holder or car or cab money.) My orange tabby (also gone so sad) was usually so relaxed I could hold him upside down with my forearm under his lower abdomen and his legs hooked over my arm, and then walk around swinging him as I went. He seemed quite content.

[@TheCatButler]

Thanks for sharing such excellent tips. 20 years is an old age, you raised them well!

[@HUYI1]

Honestly when I'm cooking I hold my Tonkinese girl by my side front legs 1st and I hold the rest after she is a very curious cat and she wants to know what mummy is doing, but I find this is the best and most comfortable way for me imo

[@tonymccarthy6713]

What you say makes perfect sense. I never pick up my cats unless I have to.

[@TheCatButler]

Thanks Tony!

[@monaanz6754]

Definitely, from my hooman opinion, the shoulder /upper arm hold is MY favorite. Newly, our calico point, enjoys it,too. It's a cross my body hold: right arm over her tail tucked bottom, right hand on her tummy, her upper body over my left upper arm and her cheek next to mine. I like the smell and feel of her fur!

[@SadTown99]

Thanks for sharing 👏 I wanna get my cat more comfortable with being picked up & held, but didn’t want to hurt her by mistake 😺 Appreciate the advice 😺

[@TheCatButler]

Glad the video helped!

[@EmmaVB82]

It’s funny - my cat Nikita really does not like being picked up or held (after being picked up), but she LOVES to sit on my lap or chest, and is very happy to be held there! I guess it always has to be completely on her terms and initiated by her 😸 They both love to break out of my flat when I’m coming back in and run up and down the hallway outside (and it’s about the length of 4 of my flats side by side, so I’m happy for them to have a place to sprint!), and while I try to let them have their fun and come back in of their own volition (usually when someone else on on my floor either comes home or leaves - I’ve got big scaredy-cats, so the door opening and a person being there sends them running!), sometimes I’ve had to pick them up and carry them back home. Maybe there’s a big element of, “hey, you’re stopping my fun! 😿”, but I always feel from Nikita especially, the message is, “how dare you pick me up and carry me?! Put me down! I’m a strong and independent cat! 😾” 😹 She’s a massive wriggler, and it’s a struggle to get her lowered anywhere near the ground before she’s off out of my arms. Harvey hasn’t sat on my lap for ages, which makes me sad :( He’s still very affectionate and wants to be near me though. But he doesn’t mind being picked up as much as Nika! I picked him up the other day and he settled and was calm, and we walked around my flat for a bit looking at different things from a different perspective (and sniffing them too - him not me!). He likes a version of the basic hold, but more upright - most of his weight supported by my right arm brought in close to my body, wrapped around him and supporting his back legs with my right hand too, then he puts his front paws up on my left arm, which gives him a good view :) Also, he’s now 8kg/over 17.5lbs!🙀 I think I need to do some weightlifting to get in shape to comfortably pick him up and carry him 😂

[@TheCatButler]

Hey Emma loved reading your beautiful cat family! Nikita has quite the character! And Harvey 17.5 lbs! They are both mainecoons right?

[@samanthafaenovale2463]

Man, your comment brought me back. I used to have a cat named Nikita, and I was the only one she'd let pick her up and hold her. The way you talked about your Nikita sounded so incredibly similar to mine, and reading the name in the first place put an instant stop to my scrolling. She was mostly black cat with a white spot that went from her muzzle down to her chest. A little bit of it poked higher up into her whiskers on the (Her) left side. At the time, I had her and a cat from one of her litters. His name was Stormy, he was a mostly grey cat with more of a "Milk drip" or "Drooling" white splotch, that ran from the lower right side of his jaw and "spilled" into a bigger white patch on his chest ❤❤❤

[@impunitythebagpuss]

Mine are the same....their terms or nothing!

[@RedNucleus42]

This video was adorable. And what’s crazy is I have had about 6 cats over my 40 years, and yet when I’ve held them in position 1, I’ve always scooped and cradled their back feet in the crook of my arm, the little back leg dangle is so cute and my mind is blown that I’ve never tried supporting only the belly and letting the legs hang! (My current girl is skittish as she was a young feral shelter adoptee, so I’ve been very slowly (for 3 years now!) working on her acceptance of being picked up without her freaking out.

[@chestersnap]

One of my cats was a stray for a few years before I got her and she really freaked out when being picked up at first. It took about 3.5 years before she seemed to be ok with being held without immediately trying to squirm away. Now, 5.5 years later, she's the only one of my 3 cats that seems to enjoy being held while I walk around and do stuff

[@RedNucleus42]

@@chestersnap That’s great! I adopted my girl 4 years ago this month and she’s made a lot of progress with petting and affection, but still won’t let me hold her or have both hands on her in any way that makes her feel at all “held.” I really hope my girl will get to where yours is someday!

[@LilPerrin]

My boy is very easy going, but definitely prefers his legs being scooped. My girlfriend was terrified to hold him but honestly he's the best cat to train on as he is so tolerant

[@javarpleasant9583]

Thank you

[@TheCatButler]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@millennialmadness5138]

Beautiful cats

[@TheCatButler]

Thank you!

[@hayleysmith5077]

How georgeous! Have two stray white cats also Cats are angels they are helping me since my childhood blessings sir

[@TheCatButler]

Hayley cats are angels indeed!

[@Tanya-wl3nl]

Oh teemo and arya are so adorable

[@TheCatButler]

Thanks Tanya!

[@skittlemilks1614]

I love the noms at the beginning lol.

[@TheCatButler]

Hahah :)

[@rhysraider1595]

My cat loves the shoulder hold.

[@redrose6303]

They are gorgeous, I loves cat more than anything else in the world.

[@TheCatButler]

Thanks red rose!

[@Zarathustra-H-]

Funny. This video does not mention the one cat hold I was always told was "THE" cat hold. Lift under cats chest, and quickly swoop other hand around rear of cat, gripping and supporting tail and hind legs with that hand. Continue to support chest of cat with the other hand, and allow front paws to rest on top of arm. I was always under the impression this was the one and only correct cat hold.

[@SnowyDae55]

Thank you so much! We adopted our first cats about four months ago. Nova enjoys the basic and sometimes will allow a baby hold. Nadia hates being picked up at all unless right after she wakes up, so I'll try the football hold with her! I'm mostly worried that she won't let me pick her up in an emergency, so I'll continue watching your videos!

[@TheCatButler]

Congratulations with getting your new cat! Yeah some cats just don't like being picked up haha

[@btetschner]

I am going to try those out. Thank you for the helpful video. Teemo and Arya are some great-looking cats!

[@TheCatButler]

Thank you! Glad the video is helpful!

[@mahnoorsw0rld482]

*W.. Cuteeeee TeemO & Arya*

[@andregiante3940]

Your babies are stunning.

[@TheCatButler]

Andre thank you!

[@richardjensen2769]

Thank you for helping 'Our Feline Friends' with their "servant Problem." (So Difficult to get Good Help, these days.)

[@TheCatButler]

Our pleasure!

[@ribeastie6479]

Thank you! Teemo and Arya are beautiful and I enjoy your videos so much! I have 2 ragdolls (a cream colorpoint "Skye" and a seal bicolor "Oceane" my two boys) and I always put my second hand under their back feet and then when I release them, i make sure I release the hand from their back feet so they can walk away. Oceane doesn't like to be held but Skye sometimes does. I will try these new holds. I've been a cat owner for over 30 years and I had no idea I was doing it wrong!!! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@TheCatButler]

Love the name Skye and Oceane! Yeah sometimes cats don't like to be held. Teemo and Arya tend to prefer only certain holds, and when they are quite secure. So let me know if your cats warm up to it!

[@Sang15Mitang]

Thanks for another great video! For my cat, Boots, I usually do the baby hold or a variation of the basic hold. I also do the shoulder hold if he's being rambunctious because it lets him look around more easily. Picking up cats comes naturally to me since I was raised around them, but my boyfriend wasn't so when he picks up our cat, the hold is kind of what I would call "the torpedo." It's similar to the basic hold except he holds him a little further from his body. We both put him down on his chair (yes, my cat has his own chair with his own sofa on top that I crocheted for him... he likes to feel like he's a human and sit between us when we are using the computers) or on the bed instead of on the ground, so that he has a soft place to land. My brother's cat's favorite hold wasn't listed, but it's for good reason 🤣 She likes to be held literally upside down. He supports her back and her head but holds her literally upside down. No idea why that little weirdo likes it but he's held her like that ever since she was a baby. She's a little bit older than my Boots.

[@TheCatButler]

Boots! What a wonderful name :). Love how you called one of your holds the torpedo! Trying to imagine in my head what it looks like haha. Hahaha upside down? That is the first time I have heard a cat liking that. Wow that is fascinating. Does the cat hang in that position for a long time?

[@Sang15Mitang]

@@TheCatButler Yes! It makes me so uncomfortable to look at but she likes it. She also just likes to hang off the couch etc upside down as well.

[@pawsitivevibesonly]

Thanks for taking time to show us all these different ways to hold your cat, very nice video.

[@TheCatButler]

Our pleasure!

[@ankitca27]

I really like your composed voice, and your lovely cats Teemo and Arya (what lovely names)! My cat is very fond of the baby hold - I got to learn this from several hit and trials, wish good content such as yours was available earlier. Haha! All the best!

[@TheCatButler]

Wow thank you!

[@angelawossname]

I'm holding Pangur in the baby hold right now, it's his favourite way to be held, and he will wriggle and move around until he gets in that position, then he snuggles into my shoulder and makes biscuits on my face, chest or neck. He will climb on me and get in my face if he wants to be held, sometimes he will even slap me if I don't pick him up! Helios, our flame point ragdoll, will let anyone hold him in whatever way you want, but prefers just the standard cat hold. He loves just sitting on my son's lap the most. He's our most easy going kitty. Artemis won't let anyone hold her except for my daughter in law. She's definitely a bit of a princess!

[@TheCatButler]

Angela always love hearing from you! Pangur even slaps you!? Haha what a character. He really needs his love. Your cats all chose their favorite method of being held haha

[@charlottesmom]

He sounds adorable and obviously loves you. 💕

[@angelawossname]

@@charlottesmom He really does. He loves me more than he loves anyone, and nobody loves me more than he does. It's incredibly humbling and an honor.

[@discdoggie]

Life-long Dog Person here. 2 years ago, my then 16 year old daughter convinced me to let her adopt a shelter cat as an emotional support pet. Tinsel was found as a pregnant stray on Christmas Eve. After her 4 kitties were weaned and adopted out, they spayed her and put her up for adoption. She does NOT like being held. She seeks out attention and affection from humans, and even in the past several months, even the dogs sometimes. But try and pick her up? She runs. I still try every so often, and keep reading and watching vidz for cat-holding tips. She’s turned me into a cat person, for sure. She’s made me earn her love, trust, and affection and I am grateful for it. Did I mention she rules the home of 3 adults and 4 dogs?

[@jeanniestaller797]

My kitties love the shoulder hold the best where they can look around.

[@TheCatButler]

Seems like a lot of cats in the comments like the shoulder hold :)

[@ljusboll]

I have found that with all the cats that I have had the pleasure to spend time with, all of time has liked when I hold them with one hand under their back paws and one hand under the front. Then I move them around so that they can look out the the windows and stuff while being comfy in my hands.

[@MODEST500]

This creature is covered in beauty. I dnt know how God crafted such an amazing fluff ball. The way their heads turns and then they release a 😼😽😻. Bursting pleasure fireworks 🎇

[@TheCatButler]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@m1lenoix28]

Thanks for sharing these techniques! I've had trouble with this myself.

[@TheCatButler]

Glad it was helpful!

[@christellevanzyl7055]

that helped a lot

[@TheCatButler]

glad it did!

[@ascendable7065]

Wholesome man❤, I laughed at the simplicity but surely you made a lot of cats more happy 🎉

[@danielwells1734]

Your ragdolls are so very adorable. 🥰

[@TheCatButler]

Daniel you are so kind thank you!

[@soleneh8592]

Good morning ! I also have a smoll red tabby Ragdoll ( her name is "Sardine" ! ), which looks like Arya and Teemo ! I learned a lot with your channel as Ragdoll are cats that need extra softness, so its super nice to have your experience. I just tried all those holding positions and she's definitely more comfortable with the "Baby" and "Shoulder" ones ( seems that her favorite is the "Baby Hold" : she automatically purr as soon as flipped ahah 😂 ). Have a nice day all

[@TheCatButler]

Solene thanks for sharing!!! Hahha yeah our babies let us know which they like better :)

[@lilacatheart]

The best youtube channel ever !! Love them both so much !

[@TheCatButler]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@NibsNiven]

I've held hundreds of cats (see the Canadian Parliament Hill cats), always by using one hand as a platform for their rear legs to stand on while their front legs rest on my shoulder. I never squeeze them. They can always escape at any time, so they feel in control as they purr and head butt me. This method has a key advantage over your methods because you have one hand free to pet them.

[@cooltina789]

1:46 my dad picks my baby up like this and I cringe but she doesn’t seem to protest it. But when I pick her up safely like a bunny she meows like crazy 🫠

[@RebekkaLoeb]

My cat loves the basic hold it is so good😊

[@MG-bj8sj]

These cats are so cute

[@AynoTaicho]

Both of my cats definitely prefer being hoisted onto my shoulder. They'll stay there for a while, just chilling. Both of them prefer a different shoulder, though, which I think is quite funny.

[@TheCatButler]

Ayno thanks for sharing! Seem like a lot of people in the comments have their cats in the shoulder hold too!

[@detangojet]

I have an awesome rescue cat. 16yrs old now. Affection is on his terms. Growls like a dog if you try to pick him up. It’s pretty funny actually. It’s cool, we have an understanding. I don’t pick him up, he don’t claw my face.

[@TheCatButler]

he is in charge!

[@haru_catty]

I just adopted a kitten. She's not yet comfy with me holding her. I used to baby hold my previous cat so I'm excited to see what my kitten would like. She's a ferocious one haha

[@TheCatButler]

Hope she warms up to you!

[@haru_catty]

@@TheCatButler I hope so too!!

[@kishaa819]

Huh, normally my cats don’t seem to enjoy being held, but I tried the first one on my calico and she actually seemed okay with it. Thanks for the tips!

[@TheCatButler]

That's great! Glad the video was helpful!

[@amberveronique913]

With my young maincoon, I tend to go for a mix between the shoulder hold and first, laying-down hold. I place one hand underneath her chest, and one underneath her hind legs. She then sits on my hand, or I hold her paws depending on the day, and her front paws are on my arm. Sometimes she turns into more of a baby hold, to look up at me.

[@MichiruEll]

I do a variation of the first by placing my arm over the back of the cat and then my hand goes under his back legs so he can stand on my hand. Makes for a very compact hold without dangling legs. I belive that's also how you hold rabbits.

[@zennyrpg6087]

Yes! This is how I hold cats and I'm surprised its not covered here. It makes it very easy to support the back half of their body.

[@Jay-Maddex-Renteria]

Thank you so much, ❤now all I need to do is find that stray cat I found and pet a while ago😂

[@smulpaj_]

I watched this video for educational purposes, but I also watched expecting ridiculously cute stuff like at 3:05

[@TheCatButler]

I try to add very fun and cute clips in the video :)

[@suchung1329]

@Purebread I have the same thinking to expect more activity of these two lovable cats and their interactions with the butler.

[@SetZek]

@4:53 , one does not simply move a comfortable cat that is laying in your arms 😂😂😂 you simply DO NOT MOVE until they do 😅😂❤

[@earthdancing]

The Cat Butler! 😄 ❤

[@5211993C]

My 2 cats like being held different. My bigger cat likes the shoulder hold or baby hold. My other cat likes the basic hold, just without my arm between his legs. He'll even get into position all on his own.

[@aphroditekerylidis7000]

What beautiful and exquisite cats ❤

[@TheCatButler]

Thank you very much!

[@eclipswee]

I hope u guys r good right now in san fransisco i know how hard it is right now praying for u❤☹️🙏

[@TheCatButler]

Thank you for the kind words! It’s been hard with all the flooding. So your kind words really struck a cord!

[@peppermint1349]

Both my cats are shoulder cats. other one doesn't mind baby hold but actually it's not a suggested hold Jackson Galaxy explains this well.

[@Lady-Bug3]

Ironically the shoulder hold is the one my cat constantly demands. She learned it from my baby cousin asking for her mom. She hates the basic hold. She tolerates the baby but she moves to the shoulder.

[@frejabruus3014]

Samson is a 16 mo Ragdoll, and so far he only accepts the babyhold. When we just got him, that was the only time he really purred. It was also in that position he gave me the first nose kisses ❤ When he is done being held, he starts pushing on my arm with his front paws, making it easy to put him down gently, and avoid any panic or discomfort.

[@TheCatButler]

Freja thanks for sharing! Love how Samson lets you know with his front paws :)

[@ameliablackshaw5912]

Another fantastic video . I love all of the research you do for the videos .

[@edwardgutierrez7434]

This is a good informational video.

[@TheCatButler]

Glad it was helpful!

[@eny661]

To carry my cats I usually just let my forearm rest against my belly and let the cat stand or sit on the forarm while I’m walking around. For extra support I sometimes put my free arm lightly around the cat’s body, so that it has support from both sides. When I first tried this I figured it‘s just like the cat standing or sitting on a tree branch and it‘s the only way I feel comfortable carrying them as I‘m not pressuring them to stay in a certain position. I have a pretty big main coon and it works well to carry him around like that. Obviously not safe if they absolutely mustn’t jump off, but my favourite hold otherwise ☺️

[@TheCatButler]

oh yeah Mainecoons are heavy!

[@Slimer-w]

As a person who has a ragdoll car I found this helpful.

[@TheCatButler]

Glad the video was helpful :)

[@Terotrous]

The one piece of advice I always give is that when a cat starts to squirm, put them down. In order to be comfortable with being picked up, they need to trust you, and part of that is knowing they can get down if they want. Even with my 13-year old cat who is incredibly comfortable with being picked up and held, the second she squirms I let her down.

[@JohnPMiller]

Upside-down stretch hold: Start with a baby hold, but the cat does a giant stretch and wants to be carried around looking upside-down.

[@phoenixspirit9530]

Lol...I have one who does this.

[@crimsonxmoonlight9181]

Thank you soo much for this video!! Ive loved and cared for cats for so long, but ive never been able to figure out how to properly hold them..this was amazingly informative!!💗

[@TheCatButler]

I am glad you loved the video! When I was a new cat owner I struggled myself on how to best carry my cats. So i thought this would be helpful

[@muskaos]

I like to hold my arm like a shelf, palm up, and put them down on that, so they are standing on their own feet. That way they can support themselves. and if I need to I can use the other hand to pet them, or manipulate objects like a brush, or a doorknob.

[@centralcoastgirl1984]

The cats are beautiful.

[@aniab4306]

Great video ! Thanks♡

[@TheCatButler]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@rpgfan007]

great lesson ty!

[@TheCatButler]

Glad you liked it!

[@anitaalarcon3423]

Thanks for sharing.

[@TheCatButler]

Anita glad you found the video helpful!

[@plantbasedsenior4240]

Beautiful cats!

[@TheCatButler]

Thank you!

[@TheAnimeQueenVendy]

I feel like ragdoll owners (such as myself) have a very unfair advantage in this topic. These cats go completely limp once you pick them up (most not all there are always exceptions after all) but my two ragdoll let me pick them however I please and the don’t give a damn, they just chill 😂

[@АрсенийИванов-ш8г]

Great video! Thank you very much!!!

[@TheCatButler]

You are welcome! Glad you liked it :)

[@equisader]

I have a couple of 7kg cats. They hate any tummy holds so it's one hand under the chest as i put my hand under the back feet and they step on then they put their paws on my shoulder.

[@Cmallon81]

You misnamed the football hold. That’s really the booty cleaning hold. 😂😂😂. Only time I ever use that one.

[@TheCatButler]

Hahah

[@OblongPolkaDots]

This was great, thank you for sharing!

[@TheCatButler]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@krisradjpaul278]

I’ve always used the shoulder hold

[@littlemidwestrebornsdolls]

Another great video. Gina

[@TheCatButler]

Glad you liked it!!

[@jnnfrcyy____]

That is exactly the way I lift my cat up and carry them around(and she doesn’t mind at all to be picked up)🤣 my sister even said to me that I was being too dramatic for carrying her like a baby🤣

[@TheCatButler]

Hahaha

[@emerald4812]

I have a half rag doll cat. She loves the shoulder hold, but only with me and my sister. If my mom picks her up she will try to get away. She always wants kisses and face rubs from me, so I guess the shoulder hold allows me to give those

[@artwithsannidhi]

This video was very informative and interesting ❤😮 Love ur channel ☺️

[@TheCatButler]

Thank you so much!!

[@phoebeel]

I know how to hold a cat but I still watch this video because... Cats. My variation of the normal hold is to support their hind paws with my hand. So they basically stand on my one hand with their hind legs and lay on top of my arm with their chest. They love this the most. If I just hold them at their belly they flail about.

[@meredithgreenslade1965]

One we hold in the baby hold and the other in the shoulder hold. They chose their way. They are quite placid ordinary house cats

[@TheCatButler]

Meredith I agree! cats have their favorite hold positions :)

[@geesea8920]

I always hold my cats in a way, that all paws are on the one arm and the other hold them near to my chest. If the don’t like it they can jump off easily. And if they like I can pet them carefully.

[@JennyMorash]

While I do know all the basic holds, my Tiana is a bit different. Her favourite way to be held is to more or less sit in my arms, hindlegs tucked under her and butt resting on my forearm near the elbow. Her front paws rest on my other arm, but I keep a hand up near her shoulders for stability. She all but demands to be scooped up and held that way and even carried around when I come home from work. However, I am the only one allowed to do this. Meanwhile her sister, despite being a total snugglebug, gets scared if picked up and will just huddle in my arms and tries to stuff her head under my chin and hide her face against me, so I don't pick her up often. Just every so often to ensure that she does get picked up more than when I'm going to put her in a carrier and take her to the vet. I just don't hold her forlong.

[@happalula]

i hold mine by letting them stand on my arm placed like a L in front of my chest - frontlegs at the arm crook and hind paws standing on my palm that way they can lean against me for more safety, can "escape" if they want to and i can pet them with my right hand all i want

[@TheCatButler]

haha trying to picture this in my head!