Scruffing a cat refers to firmly grasping the loose skin at the back of a cat’s neck in order to restrain it. This technique is often used by mother cats when carrying their kittens. It can cause temporary immobilization, allowing the cat to be handled, examined, or given medication. Mother cats scruff kittens to move them between locations, discipline them, and calm them during nursing. Among veterinarians and cat owners, scruffing is commonly used to restrain cats for medical treatment or to break up fights.
Kittenhood
Kittens can be safely scruffed until around 12 weeks of age. According to expert sources, mother cats will scruff kittens to move them from place to place (Source). Kittens have a natural scruffing reflex that causes them to go limp when scruffed by the loose skin on the back of their neck. This allows the mother to relocate them easily and safely. Human owners can mimic this technique to move kittens short distances or restrain them for medical treatment like giving medication. However, kittens should not be scruffed once they reach 3 months/12 weeks old. At this age they are too big and heavy for scruffing to be effective or comfortable. Their adult teeth and claws are coming in and they are beginning to resist being scruffed. Continuing to scruff a kitten past 12 weeks can cause pain, fear, and aggression issues (Source).
Adolescence
According to Why Scruffing A Cat Is Something You Should Never Do, adolescent cats between 12-6 months old may still need to be briefly scruffed for necessary medical procedures like giving medication or examinations. The loose skin allows for short-term restraint when required for the cat’s health and wellbeing. However, scruffing should be minimized as much as possible, using proper technique to avoid causing distress.
As an adolescent cat continues to grow, their bones and muscles strengthen while the scruff skin loosens. Excessive or forceful scruffing can cause pain and fear. Veterinarians recommend supporting the hindquarters and keeping the scruff hold brief, under 30 seconds. Signs of distress like vocalizing or struggling signal to stop scruffing immediately.
The goal is to transition away from scruffing adolescents completely by 6 months old. At this stage, there are better options for calming and restraining an upset cat that reduce anxiety and stress.
Adulthood
Healthy adult cats should not be scruffed or picked up by the scruff. According to Martha Stewart, the loose skin on an adult cat’s neck is not sufficient to properly support their body weight without causing them pain or injury. Scruffing should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, such as briefly during emergencies or veterinary procedures when no other method of restraint is possible.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners states that scruffing an adult cat can increase their stress and fear. It may also cause damage if done forcefully or for an extended period. Adult cats have thick neck fur that can protect against a proper scruffing grasp. Their size and strength make them difficult to restrain this way without distress. Safe alternatives include towels, cages, muzzles, or sedation. Any scruffing of an adult cat should be brief and gentle to minimize suffering.
Exceptions
While scruffing adult cats can be detrimental, in some exceptional cases it may be necessary for providing veterinary care. According to ICAT Care’s position statement on scruffing cats (https://icatcare.org/our-campaigns/scruffing-position-statement/), veterinarians or veterinary staff may deem scruffing appropriate in limited situations for “a short period of intense restraint” when handling fractious cats. However, scruffing should not be the default approach and alternatives should be considered first. Veterinary staff should utilize scruffing only when necessary for safe, effective treatment, while minimizing distress and avoiding injury to the cat.
Specifically, brief scruffing may assist with examination or simple procedures for an otherwise unmanageable adult cat. But extended scruffing or lifting adult cats solely by the scruff can increase risks of tissue damage, breathing restriction, and fear responses (https://roo.vet/roo4you/veterinary-medicine/are-you-still-scruffing-cats/). Veterinary teams should weigh these risks against potential benefits when considering scruffing an adult cat. And any scruffing should involve proper technique to avoid excessive pressure.
Proper Technique
The proper way to scruff an adult cat is to grasp the loose skin at the back of the neck firmly but gently with your entire hand.1 Make sure to support the cat’s hindquarters with your other hand. Hold the cat straight up to prevent struggling or twisting. Apply only enough pressure to control the cat without causing pain or restricting breathing. Keep the cat close to your body for support.
Kittens should only be briefly scruffed by the loose skin over their shoulders, not the neck. Never lift kittens off the ground by the scruff. Scruffing should never be used to punish a cat – only gently restrain them when necessary.
Risks
Scruffing carries potential risks and can cause injuries if not done properly. Grabbing a cat by the scruff without properly supporting its body weight can damage its neck, back or legs (Icatcare). Improper scruffing may sprain joints, pull muscles or ligaments, or even fracture bones in kittens or cats with osteoporosis. It can also cause nerve damage if too much force is applied during scruffing (Catster).
In addition to physical harm, scruffing can increase a cat’s stress and fear, especially if used as punishment. It may damage the bond between the cat and owner, and can worsen behavior issues like aggression or anxiety (Martha Stewart). Repeated scruffing teaches the cat to expect and fear rough handling. For these reasons, scruffing should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Alternatives
There are several alternatives to scruffing cats that veterinarians and owners can use for exams and procedures. One option is towel restraint, where the cat is wrapped snugly in a towel or blanket with just the head exposed (1). This provides immobilization and comfort. Vets may swaddle the body while holding the head to keep it still. Owners can wrap kitty like a burrito at home.
Another technique is the “cowl hold,” where the skin on the back of the neck is gently grasped and supported without suspension. One hand cups under the chest for stability (2). This provides some immobilization without fully scruffing. Vets can use this hold for minor procedures or as cats are eased onto tables.
Chemical restraint with sedative medications can be used for more extensive handling. Gabapentin, trazodone, and other drugs relieve anxiety and minimize resistance. However, drugs do carry risks and should be considered carefully.
Lastly, positive reinforcement training is an excellent long-term approach. With clicker training and treats, cats can learn to accept restraint and handling in a calm, cooperative way.
Signs of Distress
Scruffing can cause significant distress in cats, so it’s important to watch for signs that your cat is not tolerating the handling technique well. According to the International Cat Care, signs of distress include:
- Dilated pupils
- Ears flattening or rotating backward
- Low growling or hissing
- Biting or swatting
- Urinating or defecating
- Freezing
- Struggling violently
- Yowling or whimpering
- Panting
- Trembling
The Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine also warns to watch for signs of fear, anxiety, or aggression after releasing the scruff hold. These can include hiding, acting skittish, or reacting negatively when approached. If your cat shows prolonged signs of stress, anxiety, or behavioral changes after being scruffed, it’s best to avoid using this technique in the future.
Conclusion
In summary, scruffing cats has its place in specific circumstances but should generally be avoided past kittenhood when alternative methods can be used. Properly done, with care not to hurt or dangle the cat, short-term scruffing of adult cats can help restraint for medical procedures. However, for behavior management or discipline, physical punishment like scruffing should never be used. Scruffing can lead to fear and aggression in cats when done improperly or as the normal approach. Instead, focus on environmental changes, positive reinforcement, and humanitarian alternatives. While scruffing the loose skin may not hurt healthy kittens, it can cause pain, injury, and lasting trauma to adult cats. Responsible cat owners should use scruffing only with extreme caution and turn to other methods as cats mature.