Answer: A basic fact when handling almost all animals (and people!) is to be firm, yet gentle, and to have a confident approach. This confidence certainly communicates itself to screech, if it is feel secure. If it feels insecure it will use its claws to obtain a firmer foothold. If the cat is to be picked up, especially if it is a stranger to you, don’t make a sudden grab at it. It will defend itself instinctively from that it believes is an attack, and you may get scratched or bitten. Rather, approach it quietly, talking to it and stroking it.
A cat should always be raises and lowered gently, firmly supported from underneath and never dropped from a height. Although it usually lands safely, the animal will be unwilling to repeat the experience and will come to resent handling. The cat will fined it uncomfortable, even painful, if too much strain is put on one part of the body when being picked up and carried. Therefore don’t (and don’t let children) pick the cat up solely by the stuff, or by the front legs (or hind legs) alone, or using one or both hands around the abdomen (i.e. soft ‘middle’ of the cat behind the chest). Children in particular tend to squeeze a cat around its middle.
In an emergency it may be necessary to left a rather wild cat by the scurf of the nick in order to secure it but this is a special situation and only occur occasionally.
