proper handling of a main coon or other pedigree cat

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My MC is three days with me. He's 17 weeks old and 4 1/2 pounds. I never pick him up by the back of his neck because I believe in proper handling. The cat is picked up by the mother cat because the mother cat has no other way -- besides the infant kittens are small enough for this type of handling. However, when someone else without a cat picked up my MC by the scruff of his neck, the MC cried out plenty. I made a big issue about it and insisted it should never be done again. The cat's neck isn't broken and in fact the kitten is ok, and playing now. But I would like some professional opinions and opinions from other mc owners. Given such a large animal, would you handle it with respect or pull the throat skin and pinch to pick it up?

-- Anonymous, July 16, 2000

Answers

With all 3 of my cats, 2 siamese and 1 maine coone. I never pick up any of my cats by the neck. I would pick it up gently in the way the cat does not get hurt. I take care of all my cats and picking them up gently. Except I can not pick up my maine coone on my terms.

-- Anonymous, July 17, 2000

You are right to pick your cat up gently. Obviously your cat was uncomfortable with the way your friend picked him up and that is why he fussed. I have ten cats, four Maine Coons, and I have always picked them up gently. These are by precious babies, and I treat them the with them same gentleness as I did my son when I could still pick him up.

-- Anonymous, July 19, 2000

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