Practical feline behaviour understanding cat behaviour and improving welfare

156 Chapter 11

Handling

Removing the cat from the carrier:

● Do not attempt to tip or shake the cat out of the carrier, physically pull it out, or
scruff the cat to extract it.
● Allow the cat to exit the carrier in its own time or encourage it out with a food treat.
Some cats can feel more at ease and be more willing to leave the carrier if it is placed
on the ground.
● If the carrier can be separated into two halves, remove the top half so that the cat
can be easily lifted out from the bottom half.
● If there is bedding in the carrier, lifting this out with the cat can help it to feel more secure.
● If necessary, approach from behind and wrap the cat gently in a towel and then lift it out.
● Once the cat has been removed from the carrier, place the carrier away from the
cat, preferably out of the cat’s direct line of vision. If the carrier is nearby and

Fig. 11.1. Minimal, gentle restraint and

handling should always be employed. If a

cat is difficult to handle it can be wrapped

in a towel.

Fig. 11.2. Never scruff a cat unless it

is absolutely unavoidable. This type

of handing can be uncomfortable and

frightening for the cat and can increase

the likelihood that the cat might become

aggressive.