Aggressive Cat Safety: Restraints, Muzzles, Scruffing

In this lesson, we're going to provide you with some signs of aggression in cats and show you some techniques you can use to safely restrain your cat if he or she becomes aggressive. It's important to note that even docile cats can become aggressive, especially if they're sick or injured.

At the end of this lesson, we'll provide you with a Word about winter safety tips for your dog or cat.

Signs that Your Cat may Become Aggressive

Signs of aggression in cats includes:

• Hissing or yowling
• Flattening or pinning the ears back against the back of the head
• Raising the fur along the back of the spine
• Flicking or moving the tail back and forth
• Crouching or moving away from you

Techniques for Restraining Your Cat

There are a number of methods you can use to restrain your cat, even when he doesn't want to be restrained, and these include:

• Grab the scruff on the skin behind his neck
• Wrap him in a towel
• Place him inside a disassembled carrier and then reassembling it
• Use an empty laundry basket to trap him, then slide a piece of cardboard underneath him

Using the Scruff Behind the Neck

1. Face your cat away from you.
2. Grab the loose skin on the back of his neck.
3. Place your other hand behind the first to hold him more securely.

Using a towel

1. Face your cat away from you.
2. Cover him using a large enough towel to cover him completely, including his head.
3. Wrap him up in the towel; like a cat burrito, if that helps.
4. Scoop him up inside the towel.

Most cats will calm down using this method, and everyone has large towels laying around.

Using a Disassembled Carrier

1. Disassemble your carrier.
2. Face your cat away from you.
3. Coax or place your cat inside the carrier.
4. Once calm and contained within the carrier, put the lid back on.

Using an Empty Laundry Basket and Cardboard

1. Face your cat away from you.
2. Trap your cat inside an overturned and empty laundry basket.
3. Once in place, if you need to transport him, slide a piece of cardboard underneath him.

How to Muzzle Your Cat

There may be times when you'll need to muzzle your cat. However, it may difficult to do on your own, especially if your cat is agitated. A second person may be required to hold him steady.

1. Face your cat away from you or sideways in your lap; whatever works best and is easiest.
2. Grab your cat muzzle.
3. Slide the muzzle over his face, making sure his nose goes into the small hole on the muzzle.
4. Continue to slide the muzzle over his face, making sure the larger portion of material covers his eyes.
5. Secure the muzzle behind his head; many cat muzzles come with Velcro straps making this quick and easy.