1. Picking a dog up by the scruff is the most natural way to pick them up, since this is how their mother would carry them when they were puppies. This includes spanking, hitting, kicking, or hurting your cat intentionally. Hold in this position and wait for a yawn. 4. By scruffing your puppy when it behaves badly, you are essentially mimicking what its mother would have done. Scruffing a kitten as a form of punishment can also damage the trust and bond between the kitten and its owner, which can have long-term effects on the kitten’s behavior and well-being. General. scruffed a dog phrase. Firmly Grab Your Dog’s Scruff (But Not Aggressive) 3. Is it okay to pick up a dog by the […] Aug 20, 2019 · August 20, 2019. He may wrinkle his muzzle and pull back his lips to expose his teeth. “Scruffing” is the term used to refer to taking a firm hold on the loose skin around the neck of the cat, and either using this to restrain them or lift them up. What is punishment in dog training Dec 1, 2014 · Punishing a fearful animal will therefore likely increase, not decrease, its fear. Step 2: Identify the Appropriate Spot Nov 1, 2023 · It can make some cats more aggressive. Jan 9, 2024 · Because scruffing was mimicking a natural restraint it used to be considered an acceptable handling method for cats. Say “No” While Maintaining Eye Contact. Aug 12, 2021 · Trying to show a cat a lesson with physical discipline and aggression does not work, resulting in more turbulent and hostile habits. For pups, the scruff is a signal to relax and go limp, to help their mother when she is carrying them around. Find alternative methods of handling adult dogs that are more comfortable and safe for them. It is dangerous and based on flawed understanding of how dogs work. Scruffing hurts, and when you cause a mischievous cat some discomfort, it will aggravate the cat more. The scruff is a very important area of dogs and is often used in communication and power struggles between dogs. Jan 5, 2024 · By using an alternative method, you will save yourself and your cat a lot of trouble. My mom was so mad that she grabbed me by the scruff of the neck and hauled me into We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Jun 6, 2024 · Never discipline your cat by hitting them, frightening them, grabbing them by the scruff of the neck, or other negative methods. Before you go for the scruff, however, have a professional show you the proper way to do so. The most important thing to remember is to never physically punish your cat. Miller. While it might not be inherently cruel, or wrong, it can definitely lead to undesirable reactions, such as fear, pain or aggression, if your dog Oct 20, 2023 · By Paige Cerulli October 20, 2023. It triggers a reflex that causes the dog to become still and docile. The scruffing method is often counterproductive, causing many cats to resist or even fight back more aggressively than when alternative handling is Jan 12, 2024 · Method #2: The Scruff Hold. They instinctively know how to kill rodents in the most effective and humane manner. Scruffing is an outdated method that has no place during handling a cat. I know most people say that you should simply cage the animal immediately after a bite, but I believe biting is a very serious offense which requires a bit more of a serious disciplinary action. It is important to handle dogs with care and respect their physical and emotional boundaries. Luckily, dogs are resilient. As they grow up, the scruff and neck continue to play a very important role. A loud yell, a slap on the table or shake a jar with a few pennies in it. It involves grabbing the puppy by the loose skin on the back of their neck, similar to how a mother dog would carry her puppies. There are many different kinds of methods and techniques for training dogs, but those that emphasize confrontation and punishment-based training are known to Sep 27, 2022 · Scruffing refers to a restraining technique involving firmly grasping the loose skin of a cat’s back, located between the shoulder blades. It carries a high risk of hurting your dog, and it is not even the most effective way of changing the way they behave. Be Clear and Consistent. This is done by gently grabbing your cat’s scruff, the loose skin at the back of the neck. Scruffing doesn't work (either I'm doing it wrong or he hates me and would rather escape) he doesn't relax like what I have read online. Instead of using scruffing as a form of punishment or discipline, it is important for kitten owners to use positive reinforcement training methods to Avoid direct eye contact or staring. Instead of physical correction, alternative disciplinary methods should be employed. It’s a technique commonly used by veterinarians and experienced owners to restrain ferrets during medical procedures or grooming sessions. If you feel the need to discipline your puppy or dog for a bad action it has done, you can do this. Taking their toys away. The same applies to shaking a dog by its scruff. You really cannot discipline ferrets from my experience. It is also a discipline method to show the mother dog is unhappy with their behavior. ‘Scruffing’ of a cat is a term used to describe restraining a cat by firmly gripping the loose skin at the back of the cat’s neck – this is sometimes accompanied by lifting the cat up or heavily restraining the cat in other ways. Mar 27, 2022 · Scruffing is a general term for a variety of holds on the skin of a cat’s neck. You should Grip your puppy’s scruff firmly but not too hard. Mothers will also grab their pups by the scruff and gently shake when they are bad. To do this, start with a stop word in mind that you will use each time he is in his bad behavior zone. You may need to spend extra time on this step, depending on if your cat has a calm or skittish temperament. Holding your cat by the scruff for 30-60 seconds doesn’t mean that you should hiss non-stop in the meantime. ” May 3, 2022 · Also, it’s a common myth to think that a mother cat does this to discipline their babies. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Just hiss or say a harsh “No!” in the beginning and then just hold the cat until she calms down. After all, dog training is about changing behavior. For example, if she is scratching your sofa, you would discipline her by making the sofa difficult to scratch. What Is Scruff? A dog’s scruff is the area of skin on the back of its neck. If you’re more careful in the future when picking her up, your dog will warm up to you again. Jun 22, 2017 · Constructive punishment helps your dog learn through conditioning, and quickly understand what’s allowed and what’s not. Dec 5, 2023 · Answer: No, it is not safe to pick up adult dogs by the scruff. Again, this does not harm the ferret, but rather imitates the action that their mother would do if they were being a naughty ferret. And the nastiness of the experience is judged by the dog, not by the punisher. Dominance is also demonstrated by other behaviours as well, such as direct stares or mounting behaviour. Just imagine your 14-year old son "borrowed" your car one day. Scruff shaking is based on the belief that mother dogs correct their puppies by biting and shaking them by the scruff of the neck. Offer an alternative behavior. Feb 20, 2016 · The truth about scruffing cats is that it can actually make bad behavior worse. Hold this gently so your kitty won’t get hurt. Can increase fear anxiety, and stress: There is always a reason for behavior. Reach around your cat's chest with the flat of your hand. Additionally, this action can trigger fear and anxiety in dogs, leading to behavioral issues and distrust of humans. Mar 18, 2024 · Scruff Sensitivity in Dogs. When cats mate: During mating, a male cat will mount the female from the rear and hold her by the scruff of her neck. Position him so that he is resting on his buttocks and back legs. It’s crucial to understand a dog’s body language and signals before proceeding with such actions. 3. Disciplinary methods that are considered to be positive and beneficial are: Time-outs. Feb 12, 2024 · Discipline Does Not Equal Dominance. This one action is sufficient to end the animal's life in Feb 7, 2024 · Step 1: When your dog is misbehaving, give them your preferred command to stop. Koch. Step 3: You can use this clicker for different behaviors like reducing barking or biting on non-toy objects, but make sure you use it consistently. I agree with the consensus that hitting doesn't work, I hit him on the head when he was biting me and it just made him fear me rather than stop his biting. Scruffing is used as a form of communication between animals and is an indication of dominance. So yes, it is okay to grab your puppy by scruff sometimes. Yet despite this, there is a struggle to stop scruffing as a method of restraint. Scruffing your cat roughly when he is in trouble will likely agitate him. The ears are sensitive and sensitive ears can be injured by scratching. There is no difference in this based on breed, age, or size. Attend Training Classes. ”. International Cat Care advocates respectful handling of cats in all Apr 18, 2024 · Prolonged or excessive scruffing can cause stress and discomfort to your ferret. It may cause them to be fearful or distrusting of you, thus damaging the bond that you have fostered. Nothing Jun 20, 2023 · Not only is scruffing a cat a counterproductive way of attempting to restrain or immobilize them, but it can also lead to a lack of trust between you and your feline. Positive reinforcement is a gentle and effective approach to disciplining dogs. Dec 16, 2023 · Proper Technique for Scruffing a Dog Step 1: Assess the Situation. What does scruffing a dog expression mean? Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary. If you must scruff him to discipline him, say the word ‘no’ while you are doing it so that he knows that he has misbehaved. When your cat does an undesirable behavior that you want to correct, simply use your voice to let him know that what he is doing is wrong. The key here is that the dog is given a choice: if I do “X” (or stop doing “X”), awesome things will happen. There is also belief that dogs use scruff shakes with other dogs. When you scruff ferrets, they will usually go limp and many will yawn. Scruffing your cat or lifting them by the skin on the back of their neck is frightening and painful for your cat. Jan 29, 2024 · Proven Ways on How to Discipline a Cat. This should be done sparingly, since scruffing him may actually make the situation worse. Weakness – If the dog accepts you as the dominant one, touching the scruff will be met with lying down, even becoming a Oct 21, 2020 · Scruffing is a way to restrain a cat (or another animal, like a dog) by gripping the loose skin at the back of the neck. Many dog owners immediately punish their dogs for “misbehaviors” like vigorously shaking the scruff of their neck, and their preferred technique is negative punishment. This means adding or doing something displeasing in order to change the behavior. The scruff sensitivity in dogs is a contentious topic, with some believing that it is a robust area that can withstand pain, while others argue that it is sensitive. Experienced staff is the primary trainers for new hires and volunteers. Here are six reasons why you should never scruff a cat. scruffing a dog phrase. Each of these steps can involve a certain amount of effort and research – creating a strong bond with your dog through effective discipline takes time. The ‘Scruffing’ of a cat is a term used to describe restraining a cat by firmly gripping the loose skin at the back of the cat’s neck – this is sometimes accompanied by lifting the cat up or heavily restraining the cat in other ways. This is according to Tufts University’s latest “Ask the Expert” column, in which veterinary behaviorist Stephanie Borns-Weil and emergency/critical care veterinary technician Michelle Damon challenge the practice of “scruffing Mar 3, 2010 · Scruffing can also be used to discipline a ferret, though rather than lifting the ferret up by the scruff, when disciplining, the ferret gets pinned to the ground by its scruff for a few seconds. Scruffing is a technique that’s been used for decades by dog trainers and owners to discipline puppies for biting or other unwanted behaviors. When training your cat, using fear and punishment is not recommended for a variety of reasons. The best definition of punishment for dog training purposes is a behavioral one. It’s never a good idea to be too firm or soft when scruffing. Instead of going limp, scruffing an adult cat can instead cause pain, stress, anxiety, and make an agitated cat even more agitated. It’s quicker and more effective to reinforce alternative, desirable behaviour instead. Mama cats will scruff their kittens via the mouth as a means of safely carrying them around. Animal care professionals may want to reconsider the way they handle their feline patients. Again, the rule here is the antithesis of human behavior. Mar 14, 2020 · Numerous articles, podcasts, and on-demand webinars promote alternatives to scruffing (2). Scruffing is often misused as a training method for disciplining a cat. [9] This video demonstrates how I teach boundaries to a puppy that is continually mouthing and nipping on humans. Mar 21, 2022 · Cats. A lot of times a spraying bottle of water is a great way to discipline your cat. Although doggie moms carry their pups by the scruff, it is not recommended to carry dogs in this way. It should be gentle, but firm enough to prevent the puppy from scratching itself. Step 4: Consistent Training Sessions. Step 2. Lore Haug: “Cats are only grabbed by the scruff on their neck in limited circumstances: by their mother during the first Sep 26, 2019 · You may find it difficult to get her to come to you. Aug 2, 2023 · Positive Reinforcement: A Gentle Approach to Dog Disciplining. <a class Feb 27, 2024 · The Myth Behind Scruffing. Attempting to teach a cat a lesson through physical means does Oct 23, 2019 · Here are some common ways to discipline your puppy or dog without giving it any punishment: 1. Apr 27, 2023 · While it is possible to do this without hurting your pet, there are precautions that must be taken. Most of the time, an aggressive dog’s body will look stiff. As dogs grow older, the loose skin around their neck becomes less pronounced, and lifting them by the scruff can cause discomfort, pain, and potential injury. This addition of energy + voice (stimulus) is meant to reduce the behavior from occurring again. Don't compare your cat to your dog: If you've already trained a dog, you may think that disciplining a cat is similar to how you handled your dog. Definition of scruffing a dog in the Idioms Dictionary. amazon. Playful mouthing is usually less painful than more serious, aggressive biting. This is a great trick, if you are worried about blankets that you sleep with at night. Puppies need proper outlets to channel their d Jan 1, 2017 · The theory behind positive reinforcement is simple: Give your dog a reward (food, praise, or play) when he does something that you like, and he quickly learns that good things happen to him when he repeats that behavior. Nov 11, 2018 · Hey guys! In this video I will tell you and show you how to properly scruff a kitten. 2. , hitting) and depriving the pet of what it wants. Support your cat's bottom with your other hand. When a dog finds prey and kills it, the dog generally grabs the animal by its neck and gives it a quick but fierce shake to snap its neck. When an owner grabs a dog’s scruff, it shows that the owner is the alpha. One of the reasons why it was once common practice to scruff a cat has to do with the myth that mother cats do it to discipline their kittens. Pixel-Shot / Shutterstock. The cat won’t associate scruffing with the unwanted behavior but will associate the distressing experience with the person doing the scruffing. An example would be if you use your voice or energy to tell them “No, bad dog!”. Position Statement on Scruffing Cats. Do not scruff your feline. This inborn response causes kittens to become limp and allows a mother cat to carry her kitten by the scruff of its neck without the kitten struggling or becoming agitated. Using your voice to put a stop to unwanted behavior, rather than hitting your dog. Picking a dog up by the scruff can help to calm them down, since it is a natural “off switch” for dogs. Holding the scruff has a stopping power among cats. Regular, short training sessions help your dog learn basic commands and manners. Mar 11, 2024 · Allow your cat to become comfortable with you before you try to scruff him. People tell me all the time “my dog would never bite. Learn more about safe methods of lifting dogs by the scruff in this informative article. Cats and dogs are very different animals, and they don't learn in the same way. My ferrets for months have been digging at my rug to try and get under their gate (they have 2 rooms ferret proofed just for them” and though it annoys me that’s just what they do. Step 3. Behaviorists have since learned, however, that in the mother/kitten relationship, scruffing has nothing to do with discipline. Doing this is good for ferrets as long as 1. Teaching the dog an alternate, incompatible behavior that can replace the undesirable one, is often a successful approach. Step four emphasizes the importance of consistent training sessions. Since we humans don’t have the natural instincts on how to correctly carry dogs by their scruff, we can end up easily causing pain or damage. Training by punishment does nothing to teach the cat the desired Jan 31, 2024 · Scruffing a dog for disciplinary reasons can damage the bond between the pet and the owner, potentially leading to behavioral issues rooted in anxiety or fear. Kindness goes a long way. It is best to consult a professional trainer in these cases. Consider Water Aversion or Other Sprays. Feb 7, 2020 · Positive punishment is the act of adding a noxious stimulus to decrease a behavior. By scruffing your dog improperly, you can cause physical injury, and continuous improper usage of this method can lead to psychological trauma as well. Nov 7, 2009 · Here are seven ways to discipline your dog from the book How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With: Distract. Nov 25, 2019 · It is a common myth to use scruffing to discourage bad behavior in your cats. By rewarding good behavior, such as sitting on command or walking calmly on a leash, we encourage dogs to repeat those actions. Scruffing a dog can be safe in certain situations, such as for medical examinations or during grooming. Use one hand to grab the back of the dog’s neck and using your other hand, pull up sharply. Concentrate on Timing. In conclusion, scruffing is a technique used to discipline, train, and safely handle ferrets. Definition of scruffed a dog in the Idioms Dictionary. Make a loud noise to distract your puppy from whatever they are doing. See How Professional Is Doing First. It is crucial to release the scruff after a few seconds and follow up with positive reinforcement and rewards, such as treats or praise, to reinforce desired behaviors. Grasping the scruff of the neck varies from a gentle squeeze of skin to grasping a larger fold of skin with varying amounts of pressure, and sometimes is accompanied by lifting the cat up or heavily restraining the cat in other ways. Scruffing refers to the act of grabbing a ferret by the scruff of its neck and lifting it off the ground. Lifting or suspending by the scruff is even worse! According to veterinary behaviourist Dr. And the way dogs behave is governed by the laws of behavioral science. If your dog is exhibiting aggressive behavior, it may not be safe to attempt scruffing. Use Positive Reinforcement. … Although doggie moms carry their pups by the scruff, it is not recommended to carry dogs in this way. It is a natural behavior that all dogs possess; they use it to explore their surroundings, release frustration, protect themselves, and correct others. In wild dogs, or dogs that are fighting, the dominant one will grab the other dog’s scruff. An article by cat behaviour expert Anita Kelsey C(2014). For example: When your puppy is misbehaving, you can grab your puppy by scruff. Oct 3, 2014 · Breaking the myth on cat scruffing. The final technique governs the use of direct eye contact, and if you study groups of dogs, you will see repeated instances of when eye contact is either withdrawn or avoided. This scent is going to deter your dog from going to the blanket. The scruff is a sensitive area and grabbing it can cause pain, discomfort, and even injury. It’s uncomfortable for the cat, and can make him feel more guarded and defensive, not more relaxed. By grabbing the scruff and gently shaking them, puppies will succumb to their mother’s anger and become more Scruff shaking is based on the belief that mother dogs correct their puppies by biting and shaking them by the scruff of the neck. You honestly shouldn’t scruff unless you’re cutting nails. Nov 8, 2023 · Scruffing a dog is a technique used to restrain it by grasping the loose skin on the back of its neck. “There are some cats whose response is just to get really, really angry The Myth Behind Scruffing. Calmly petting him and allowing him to rub up against your hand will relax him. It’s also sometimes called the nape. This is an ineffective and inhumane attempt at training. It risks teaching dogs to fear hands and the owner and, as seen, it could trigger defensive behaviors. Remove your cat's collar, if he has one. Use Praise, Treats, and Toys. Stop right there. Cats have a natural response that causes them to be still and calm when the loose skin or “scruff” of the neck is pinched. Overtime, your cat may associate the Jun 27, 2018 · Science of Dogs Feeling Their Scruff. The objective is to assert “who’s boss”, and for the dog to reach what popular media has dubbed “calm submission”. However, since this time research has shown that aggressive handling techniques such as scruffing and full body restraint causes increased stress to the cat, shown in an increase in stress behaviours such as lip licking and Jun 17, 2023 · Scruffing a dog is a type of physical punishment for unwanted behavior. If you do choose to grab your dog Oct 16, 2019 · HOW TO RESCUE A NEW SCRUFF-A-LUV REAL RESCUE! another fun video in partnership with Moose Toys! -- https://www. Always remember to support her body weight. Use Your Voice. For cats that are more laidback, the scruff hold may actually work. Nov 17, 2022 · 6 Reasons You Should Never Grab a Cat by the Scruff. This is not recommended as a method of restriction or transport for adult cats. To lift a dog by the scruff of the neck safely, first make sure that your hands are strong and stable. You can grab your pooch or dog’s fur under its ear on its neck and then shake. Discover more about this practice and risks. For example, if the doorbell rings, you can use the opportunity to practice sit and stay or impulse control exercises with your dog. Kitten's mothers carry them like this, and it does not harm the kitten. Rub Essential Oil on the Blankets. com/dp/B07NSS34SLLET'S BE FRIENDS -- ht Apr 26, 2023 · Scruff shaking doesn’t teach the dog which behavior is desired from the dog. May 28, 2022 · For instance, if a puppy bites excessively, the mother may scruff and shake them to remind them to be softer. For example, when two dogs are fighting, the dominant dog may grab the other by the scruff, telling the other dog that he is the dominant one. These include physically disciplining (e. Mar 3, 2024 · Scruffing a dog, especially an adult dog, can border on unwanted behavior if done incorrectly. "People should never hold or restrain a cat by their scruff, as it could compromise their trust with the human handling them," say Dr. Make the bad behavior undesirable or impossible. However, some people also use scruffing as a form of discipline or punishment. However, it should only be done by trained professionals and should not be used as a method of discipline or punishment. Nov 11, 2014 · This technique has been dubbed “Clipnosis. May 6, 2021 · For example, stop your dog while it is chewing your shoe, or as it is about to put the shoe in its mouth, by firmly saying “no” and taking the shoe away. Don’t pick her up by the scruff, under the arms, or in any other Apr 13, 2024 · According to the theory behind “scruff shaking,” mother dogs discipline their pups by biting and shaking them by the scruff of the neck. While scruffing might make some cats freeze, other cats will lash out in fear. When you correct a negative behavior, offer your dog an alternative, positive action to take instead. As mentioned, several television shows and some books have promulgated a dangerous “scruff shaking trend” in the past years suggesting it as a Jul 8, 2023 · Grabbing a dog’s scruff is an indication of dominance. Scruffing is painful “A firm grasp of skin at the base of the neck is undoubtedly uncomfortable for cats,” says Dr. She may hesitate before allowing you to pick her up. Conclusion. • 21 March 2022. The response of a young kitten to his mother picking him up by his scruff doesn’t really persist into adulthood, and you could unnecessarily stress your cat out Sep 24, 2022 · Dog yelps when grabbed by scruff. Sep 24, 2022 · What is a scruff shake? Grabbing a dog’s scruff is an indication of dominance. Never force a dog to move; if it resists, slowly Aug 26, 2015 · Others will think it a mild and harmless correction. To those unaware, alpha rolling is the physical act of forcibly rolling a dog over on his side or back, pinning him there until he is forced to submit. Since cats learn by avoiding an experience that has a negative result, you want to attach a negative association to whichever bad behavior she is doing. Jun 3, 2011 · I was wondering if a quick Scruffing would be a good discipline for a p dog after a bite. As dogs mature, carrying them by the scruff becomes impractical due to their increased weight, leading to potential discomfort and harm. Jun 28, 2023 · When a dog is grabbed by the scruff, it can cause physical and psychological harm. Pledge to Go 'Scruff-Free'. Shake The Scruff Gently. If the experienced staff struggle to stop scruffing, how can we progress with low-stress feline care? Jun 6, 2024 · While it is okay to pick up your cat and remove them from the area, you should never scruff your cat. Serious, aggressive bites are usually quicker and more painful than those delivered during play. This should startle him and focus his attention on you. Thought to mimic the way that a mother cat would pick up her kittens by the scruff, this restraint method has been used by vets, groomers, and pet The scruff is the loose skin around your dog’s neck. HOW TO SCRUFF 5 days ago · 2. Jan 15, 2021 · How To Stop Dog From Peeing On Blanket. Where your dog may engage in the training process by paying Jul 28, 2021 · Hold your ferret from the back of his neck by gently pulling the skin. Jan 19, 2010 · Dogs will use their bite for many different reasons. Before attempting to scruff your dog, it is important to assess the situation. It matters not one whit whether a Feb 22, 2018 · But many dogs are also excellent at rooting out rodents as well. Also, scruff him gently to discipline him. Ignore him. Kittens go limp when scruffed due to a flexor reflex—but this reflex is only present during the first few weeks of a kitten’s life. Whining – If you try to lift an adult dog by the scruff, or even a puppy, but do so improperly, they will start whining and yelping because this causes them pain and might even cause harm. Sep 25, 2022 · The scruff is the loose skin on the back of a dog’s neck. International Cat Care is against the use of scruffing as a method of Jul 28, 2023 · How Do Mom Dogs Use The Scruff? Longtime dog owners are familiar with seeing doggie moms biting their puppies’ backs to bring them to new places. Here's the best way to pick up your cat without scruffing it: Step 1. When attacked by a predator: If a cat is attacked by a predator, most of the time, they’ll be grabbed by the scruff of their neck. Step 2: When they do, command them to sit or come to you, and give them a reward. I’m not a big advocate on scruffing cats and during my cat behaviour consultations I often hear clients tell me that, as a way to get their cats to obey them when they have been ‘naughty’, they scruff them ‘ because that’s what their mummies would have done when they were kittens”. Mar 25, 2022 · 1. For years, scruffing a cat — grabbing the loose skin around the neck — has been touted as a safe and humane way to restrain your pet. Scruffing should only be done for brief periods to minimize distress. May 4, 2018 · The Don'ts of Disciplining Your Cat. As mentioned, several television shows and some books have promulgated a dangerous “scruff shaking trend” in the past years suggesting it as a . g. As stated above, mother cats do not scruff kittens to punish them, and it causes fear and stress. Is Scruffing a dog bad? Scruffing is often used when training dogs. While scruffing is often meant for safely controlling and settling a cat, research shows the contrary. When is scruffing useful? Scruffing is useful in many situations, but the two main times you would use it are for discipline and for restraint during grooming procedures. In addition to this, many people consider scruffing a dominant activity because it makes their pets submissive and quiet. Scruff-Shake. A good solution is to take a little bit of essential oil and rub it along the corners of the blanket. This method of picking up a cat is how a queen lifts her kittens, by carrying them in her mouth when she needs to relocate them or stop them from Scruffing actually relaxes your ferret. zd lr jc np jv dv pz dz vn cv