Why it is better not to pick up the cat without permission, even if you can hold it

Illustration of a guest asking the staff how to interact with a cat without picking it up with all four legs on the floor Cat-inn guide

Even if you see photos of cats being held on SNS or in reviews, not everyone is allowed to hold the same cat. Holding a cat restricts its movement and carries the risk of falling from a person’s arms.

First, check with your accommodation.

Rules vary by inn and cat, such as no cuddles allowed, only staff allowed, and cats allowed to interact only if they sit on your lap. Priority will be given to guidance on the day over past permitted experience.

When asking, “Can I hold this cat?”, I ask the person how to hold the cat, the location, the time, and whether or not children are allowed. If you’re unsure about permission, don’t pick him up, instead choose to touch him on the floor or in a chair.

There is a difference between riding a cat and lifting it.

When a cat sits on your lap, it is a movement chosen by the cat itself. This is different from the act of lifting someone off the floor or a chair. When you reach your knees, do not surround them with your arms, leaving a space for you to step down.

Even if you sit on your shoulder or back, it will not stand up or walk. Stay low and ask staff how to safely lower you. Don’t try to force it off because you might get surprised and jump off.

Do not hold for photos

Pick up the cat for a commemorative photo and do not point it at the camera or hand it to anyone else. Even if it is possible to take pictures, choose a scene where the cat is naturally nearby.

If permission is given by the accommodation, it will be short.

If a staff member shows you how to hold the cat, support the cat’s chest and hind legs, do not lift it to a high position, and lower it to a safe place before the cat twists or stretches its legs. Do not let the child hold it alone.

If you can’t tell how the cat will react, it’s safe to choose not to hold the cat.

Finish before you want to get off

Finish short before making changes such as twisting the body, stretching the hind legs, looking around, lowering the ears, or moving the tail strongly. Instead of holding the cat too tightly after it becomes reluctant, return it to a stable floor or stand while the cat is calm.

Even if you are allowed to do so by the inn, do not hand it over to the next person in turn. After one short touch, take a break and wait to see if the cat approaches you again.

Risk of falls, nails, and medical history

There are some circumstances that cannot be seen from the outside, such as old age, joint pain, and past injuries. If you grab the cat too hard when it gets angry, both of you will get hurt. The handling will be left to the owner, the inn.

Do not surround yourself with children or multiple people

Even if a child wants to hold a cat, an adult will not pick up the cat for a photo. Even if your hostel allows cats to come to your lap, an adult should stand next to you, keep their face away from the cat, and leave an exit for the cat.

If a cat is being held by one person, the cat will not know where to run. Others should keep a distance and do not use flash or make loud noises when taking pictures.

If you get scratched or bitten by a cat

Do not throw the cat out; if possible, lower it to a safe, low place and notify the staff. Wash the wound with running water and consult a medical institution according to the inn’s instructions. Avoid scolding the cat or trying to reproduce the incident to find out the cause.

Summary

“Cuddleable cat” does not mean permission for all cats. The basic idea is to check with your accommodation, prioritize letting the cat sit on your lap, and avoid lifting it for photos.

Also refer to Places where cats are easy to pet and choose a short interaction with the cat on the floor.

Reference materials

Note: Please pick up the cat only if you have permission and instructions from the inn..

Title and URL copied