Cat Handling
General Tips
When cats come to A floor, they generally need a 24-hour adjustment. As they learn our routine and are repeatedly exposed to new situations that pose no actual threat, their confidence builds, fear diminishes, and natural tendencies manifest.
If a cat comes to front of cage, interaction probably is welcome. If it looks scared, allow it more time to watch/adjust; proceed slowly and mind its body language. Use treats and toys to test a cat’s readiness to interact.
Try to interact with the cat at eye level; when looked down upon, cats feel fearful.
Avoid direct eye contact; cats associate staring with the start of conflict.
Use minimal force when handling; to a cat, cuddling by a stranger is a form of restraint.
Cats react negatively to perfume and may discern danger from the smell of other cats on our clothing.
Do not allow biting, scratching, or lashing out – make a “hurt” noise and end the session. Cats should learn not to harm people and that handling/stroking is pleasurable, not threatening.
Keep sessions short and sweet. Note on whiteboard if a cat shows signs of fear; ANY progress indicates eventually there will be success!
Getting the cat out of the cage
Being removed from a cage can be stressful at first, but with regular handling, a cat will begin to expect enjoyment.
Walk by and assess the cat’s overall posture and body language – don’t take a chance if its neck is arched, ears back, fur on end, or pupils dilated. Use judgment with a shy cat who may hiss, spit, or growl.
Once you decide to remove the cat, be quick about it: approach with confidence and without hesitation. Don’t offer your hand to smell as you might with a normal “introduction.”
Reposition the cat’s hindquarters to front of cage. Without petting, remove cat from cage, hindquarters first (cat facing away from you); grasp its front legs with one hand and support torso and hind legs with the other. Avoid holding around the cat’s middle, as it can turn/bite. With one hand on its shoulder blades to sense head movement, massage the cat’s body until it relaxes. Handle firmly, turning it away from other cats.
Talk softly and gently for reassurance. Gentle stroke its shoulders, side of head, and neck; lightly brush the side of its mouth with your fingers.
Avoid hugging or putting your face close; watch for overstimulation from over-petting.
Adapted from “Handling Shelter Cats and Assessing Their Behavior: a Conversation with Joan Miller” (2003/2017)
For the full conversation with Joan Miller (2003) on handling shelter cats, click here.