Do Maine Coons Like To Be Picked Up?
Most Maine Coons are of a happy-go-lucky disposition so do not mind being picked up for a short period, or longer if they were trained to cuddle as a kitten.
Here are some reasons why you might want to pick a Maine Coon cat up:
- To socialize them
- To train your cat
- Introduce it to a new space
- To give them a kiss
- Put them in their pet carry case
- Remove them from danger
- Weigh them
How To Pick Up A Maine Coon
If you want to start picking your Maine Coon up, first consider that adult Maine Coon cats have large physical frames, and weigh far more than the average cat. Failure to support their body size and weight might lead to:
- Injury
- Pain
- Discomfort for your cat
Most owners recommend lifting a Maine Coon by placing one arm underneath your cat’s armpits at the front, then using the other hand to support the cat’s lower back and rear end.
As usual, look to your cat for cues about what makes them feel vulnerable and what makes them more comfortable whilst being listed.
Stop immediately if your cat does the following:
- Appears Distressed
- Hissing
- Yelping
- Trying to escape
How To Pick Up A Kitten
The best way to pick up a kitten is similar to the way you would lift a grown Maine Coon cat – use one hand to support its chest and place your other hand beneath the kitten’s rear and feet.
The important part is making sure the experience is as positive as possible.
Below are the steps to lifting a Maine Coon kitten (source 1):
- Moving slowly towards the kitten.
- Develop trust with your kitten by allowing it to smell you first and by it offering treats.
- Pet your kitten a few times to let it know you will be touching it
- Petting gives you a feel for how receptive your kitten will be to being held.
- Support the kitten’s chest with one hand and hold its lower back and rear with your other hand.
- Scoop the kitten up and hold it close to your body so it feels safe in your grasp.
How Not To Pick Up Cat
If you have been wondering if picking up a cat by the armpits is the right way to pick up a cat, you are not alone. It is very common for people to mistakenly believe this is a safe way to pick up their cat.
Below are some other ways that you should not pick up a cat:
- Scruffing: By the scruff of their neck
- Tail: By their tail
- Wrong Way Up: Upside down
Why Maine Coons Don’t Like Being Held
Whilst many Maine Coon cats will have no issue with being picked up, other Maine Coons might not enjoy the experience at all.
Below are the most likely reasons why your Maine Coon cat does not want to be held:
- Lack Of Socialization: The cat may not have been fully socialized whilst still a kitten i.e. were they regularly picked up and cuddled lots, as a kitten? If not, they may not be used to being held.
- Cat Body Language: You are not picking up on your cat’s cues that it does not want to be held.
- Holding A Cat: You are not picking up and holding your cat properly. Without realizing it you might be causing your cat discomfort when you pick them up.
- Cats Boundaries: You are misreading your cat’s body language and whilst your cat loves you, it wants to maintain certain physical boundaries at the same time.
- Dislikes Being Held: Not every cat is the same, so it is fully possible that some cats just dislike being held by their humans!
Picking Up Cats That Don’t Want To Be
It is generally inadvisable to try to pick up a cat that is not in the mood, as this may result in the following negative Maine Coon behaviors:
- Flailing
- Scratching
- Hissing
- Biting
However, if you have to pick up your cat to get it to a vet appointment, for example, try to make the experience as sweet as possible by using treats or wet food to lure your cat into a crate.
It might also be worth leaving the pet carrier out in your living area the night before, to acclimatize your cat to the idea of a trip in the carrier.
This also allows them to investigate the carrier before their trip which might make your cat more receptive to the idea of being picked up, and traveling.
