Often in nature watching cats, a person notices such a “strange” surprising phenomenon. A mother cat often allows herself to take kittens by the withers and carry them from place to place. The cat loves to carry kittens, drag them to other places, where she herself is going to settle. The owners who have observed this phenomenon more than once are sure that they can also take the cat by the withers, thus moving it to another place. Today we will discuss this topic in detail and find out whether it is really possible to take and carry cats by the withers.
Why can’t you take a cat by the withers?
When a cat plays the role of a mom in a family, she often follows a natural instinct and grabs the kittens by the withers. In this way the cat pinches the nerve bundle of the kittens, but at the level of natural instincts the kittens are not harmed. Why does she act in this way, you may ask, and why exactly by the withers? The answer will be very simple and clear. After the kittens are born, the cat has a natural instinct of motherhood, or otherwise – the instinct of defense. Taking the kitten by the withers, she confidently carries it to hide it from a potential threat or “enemy”. Cats act in this way to ensure the safety of the kitten. By biting the withers, she pinches the nerve ending and thus the kitten can no longer resist.
A small kitten does not yet have a large weight in kilograms, so it is not dangerous for him. But if you lift a cat weighing more than 3 or 4 kilograms and squeeze its nerve endings, you risk damaging its body and health in general.
Probability of injury to an adult cat
Adult cats, cats and kittens differ in weight, development of internal organs, hair coat and skin elasticity. All of this is really a matter of time, that is, a matter of age. In small kittens the muscles are not formed in childhood, so the framework of the muscles adapts noticeably in the process of tension, and the skin is quite elastic. If the owner or any other person sharply takes a heavy cat by the withers and even if the weight is less than 3 kg – this threatens the cat with tearing of the skin tissue and serious internal and external injuries. The cat may suffer skin, muscle and ligament tears and hematomas.
Threat of oxygen deprivation
The best thing to do is to avoid picking up the cat by the withers. Owners should be discreet and not allow themselves or others to do this. Remember that by taking the cat by the withers, you are blocking the animal’s airway. The kitty or kitten will lose its breath for a certain period of time and this will cause a “stress” state in the animal’s body. If the oxygen deprivation will continue and not be “one-minute” – it will provoke problems in the work of internal organs of the animal.
Injuries to the animal’s musculoskeletal system
Adult cats usually avoid this “risk” to let someone take themselves by the withers. An adult cat has a certain weight and such a reception is more likely to be agonizing for him than joyful. The tail will resist with all its might, offer great resistance and twist the spine in a “right-to-left” motion. In this case, there will be a risk of damage to the cervical vertebrae. If Fluffy ‘s spine is injured, unfortunately, it can risk paralysis due to spinal injuries. Remember that the most dangerous is damage to the cervical vertebrae.
Stress in a cat when grabbing the cat’s withers
You may remember that kitties have a great memory. Our Furry Friends alwaysremember all the good things their owner has done to them and of course will not forget the bad. In fact, it’s all “jokes”, but there is a bit of truth in it. The cat as if not with malice, but will remember the long pain, so when in contact with the person who did it, it will try to avoid such a person. Don’t be surprised if the cat won’t come near you, will run away, won’t sit next to you, and won’t give to be stroked. The pain inflicted by you will be imprinted in her memory for a certain period and it will be a trauma for her. Aggression and discontent can be manifested as a rejection of the owner, and scratches on the wallpaper and sofas, overturned vases and spoiled curtains on the windows, as well as going to the toilet everywhere. By the word “everywhere” we mean going to the toilet in the house and apartment in inappropriate places. In a state of stress, the cat will often hide in corners, because it will be in a depressed state.
How to take a cat by the withers
The truth is that only veterinarians are allowed to take a cat by the withers and for special therapeutic purposes. It is also allowed for groomers in order to bring the body of the animal in the appropriate condition. For example, to trim, clean the paws, claws, get rid of the collars and inject medication. Specialists, if necessary, use sedatives and gently stroke the animal so that it does not behave aggressively and does not go into shock. It is mandatory to remove the collar, because it is a direct threat to the animal’s breathing. When taking the kitty by the withers, it is necessary to take exactly where a big fold on the skin is formed and pull gently. If it becomes unpleasant and hurts too much, the cat will try to break free. In this case it is better to stop the attempt. It is forbidden to make sharp movements, and it is also necessary to support the cat by the hind legs, so that the weight is properly distributed. Lifting the cat by the withers will be a big threat if the cat is elderly or pregnant, even if you are doing it for useful purposes. If Ponytails are overweight, have arthritis and are overly excited from the stress and shock they have experienced. Remember, it is also forbidden to perform this action if the cat is drinking water and consuming food.
All owners should and it is important to remember that our feline friend is too delicate and sensitive. The character of the kitty and cat naturally has an instinct for love and affection. Superfluous and sharp movements of the owner will always cause fear, stress and dislike in the animal. All these negative moments will be remembered by the animal and it will behave differently. Remember that taking the kitten by the withers is only allowed to the mother cat in order to protect the kitten. The doctor is allowed for therapeutic purposes and groomers to clean the animal and bring the body in good hygienic condition. Not everyone either, but only those who are trained to do it properly. Owners should not have such fun unnecessarily, because it will harm the life and safety of the Pet. Take care of your cats and take care of them and they will definitely thank you!
