Cats have unique personalities and each breed has its distinctive qualities and behavior. Some cats are affectionate while some are content with minimal attention. Also, some cats love to interact and be picked up by humans while some do not. Among the cat breeds, only Ragdoll cats are known to generally go limp when you pick them up. Ragdolls have affable personalities and are laidback and docile. These cats are famous for being lap cats and they love to be with their humans.
Why do cats go limp when you pick them up?
The reason why cats go limp when you pick them is not known but it may be an instinctive reaction that has its roots in the time the cat was a kitten and went limp when the mother cat picked it up. Kittens relax when the mama cat carries them by the scruff and this is attributed to a reflex which makes them relax and go limp if picked up by the scruff.
As stated above, the Ragdoll is the only breed for whom this behavior is common in adulthood. Here are some other fun facts about Ragdoll cats:
- it is a new breed and created in the 1960s by an American breeder, Anna Baker
- they are quiet and rarely meow
- they are dog-like cats because they are playful, affectionate, and love to follow their humans around
- they have beautiful blue eyes
Cat breeds that are affectionate and love to be picked up and cuddled
These are the cat breeds that are considered to be affectionate and enjoy being cuddled and picked up:
1. Exotic Shorthair
This breed loves to snuggle in their human’s lap. It is the short-haired version of Persian cats. These cats are fun-loving, playful and curious. They have a calm and gentle demeanor and are friendly to both people and other pets. This breed is also affectionate, loyal, loves to be picked up and are excellent lap cats.
2. Scottish Fold
This cat breed has a dog-like character since it is playful and needs lots of attention from its owners. They are good-natured, placid and very sociable. These cats are affectionate and tend to become attached to their humans. They are also intelligent, playful and need lots of human interaction and they like being picked up and cuddled.
3. Ragdoll
This cat breed is known to go limp and become relaxed when picked up and held in your arms. They are dog-like cats because they love to follow their humans around the house and are extremely affectionate. They also get along well with other pets and they are tolerant which makes them good family cats. You may also check our earlier article on Ragdoll vs Maine Coon to know more about this breed.
4. Sphynx
Sphynx cats are very affectionate and love to entertain their humans. They like to demand your attention and have a sweet nature. They are also very playful and energetic. They love to be picked up and cuddled and are great lap cats.
5. Persian
Persians are companionable, affectionate, and laid-back. These long-haired felines make good lap cats and require regular grooming but they are not needy and clingy. They are quiet and placid in nature and love to be cuddled and picked up by their humans.
6. Ragamuffin
This cat breed is said to be a variant of the Ragdoll breed and was acknowledged as a separate breed in 1994. They are affectionate, friendly and have thick fur. They love to follow their humans around the house and like to greet you at the door. They are patient, intelligent and can be taught some tricks. These cats love to be picked up and will happily snuggle against you while you’re watching TV.
7. Abyssinian
This cat breed is smart, athletic, people-oriented, curious and very sociable. It is also considered as one of the oldest cat breeds. These cats love to hang out with their humans and like to be picked up although they are not known as lap cats. They are intelligent, extroverted, affectionate and have an outgoing nature although they may also tend to be quiet. They like to be picked up and cuddled and famous as the clowns of the cat kingdom.
8. Russian Blue
These good-looking cats are affectionate, sweet-tempered and loyal to their humans. They like to follow their owners around and love to be picked up and cuddled. They are devoted and sensitive to their owner’s moods, and tend to become quiet but they are also playful and like to fetch toys during playtime.
9. Maine Coon
This cat breed is known for its calm and affectionate nature. It is a large breed and they’re aptly called gentle giants because they love to cuddle and are good-natured. These cats are highly intelligent and easy to train. They are independent and not clingy but also love to be picked up and cuddled. They also get along well with other pets like dogs.
10. Birman
These blue-eyed felines are considered as one of the most affectionate breeds and like to be picked up and cuddled. They also get along well with dogs and other cats. These cats are docile, smart, sociable and people-oriented.
How to pick up a cat safely
To pick up a cat safely, you should place one hand under your cat’s front legs and place your other hand so that it supports her back legs and hindquarters. Make sure that her hind quarters are supported by the crook of your arm. See to it that your cat is securely cradled or sitting on one arm just like a rabbit while your other arm acts like a seat-belt. Your cat’s legs should never dangle as it may make her feel unsafe.
Be sure to make slow and steady movements since cats are easily startled by sudden movements. See to it that your cat is in a good mood and that she wants to interact and be cuddled. However, if you sense that she is stressed it is better to wait for a more suitable time.
Once you place your pet back on four legs, make sure to lower her to the floor. Do not grip her too tightly and if she squirms, take it as a cue that she wants to be let go.
Conclusion
You are one lucky pet parent if your cat is affectionate, sweet-natured, and loves to be picked up and cuddled. While each cat is unique, certain breeds are known to love human interaction. Ragdolls in particular go limp when you pick them up and they relish the attention and affection. Aside from Ragdolls, certain breeds like the Birman, Maine Coon, and Sphynx are also affectionate and love to be picked up by their owners.
Image: istockphoto.com / Alina Rosanova