How to Pick Up a Puppy or Kitten With Proper Support

By Dr Duncan Houston

A puppy or kitten may be small enough to scoop up easily, but they still need support and a predictable approach. Sudden lifting or dangling hind legs can turn an ordinary interaction into something they try to avoid.

Use the shortest necessary lift and make putting them down as careful as picking them up.

Quick Answer

Approach calmly, support the chest and hindquarters with two hands and bring the animal close to your body without squeezing. Keep their body supported throughout the lift and lower them until their paws reach a stable surface. Do not lift by the legs, tail, collar or scruff, and stop optional handling when the puppy or kitten becomes uncomfortable.

Do you need to pick them up?

For affection or play, sitting at their level often works better than lifting them. Let them approach and leave freely. Being small does not mean an animal wants to be carried whenever someone enters the room.

If a lift is needed, prepare the destination first. Clear the route, use a stable surface and avoid carrying other objects at the same time. If you cannot support the animal securely with both hands, ask an appropriate adult for help.

How to pick up a puppy

1. Let the puppy notice you. Approach without startling them and avoid grabbing while they are sleeping, eating or hiding.
2. Support the front of the body. Place one hand beneath the chest, behind the front legs, without lifting by the legs themselves.
3. Support the hindquarters. Use the other hand or arm beneath the rear of the body so the back legs do not dangle.
4. Lift smoothly. Keep the body naturally aligned and bring the puppy close to your chest.
5. Keep the hold brief. Maintain support without squeezing or gripping more tightly when the puppy becomes worried.

As puppies grow, the same approach may no longer be manageable for one person. Ask your veterinary team to demonstrate suitable lifting for the dog’s size and any individual needs.

How to pick up a kitten

First check whether the kitten is comfortable with your approach. Many cats prefer keeping their paws on the ground and may enjoy contact without being held.

1. Come down to the kitten’s level and allow a calm introduction.
2. Place one hand under the chest behind the front legs.
3. Use the second hand to support the rear of the body.
4. Lift gently and hold the kitten close with front and rear support maintained.
5. Remain still where possible, and return them to the floor when the necessary handling is finished.

Do not carry a kitten by the scruff. Small size does not remove the need for two-handed support. The kitten should not be suspended with their hindquarters hanging down.

How to put them down safely

Move slowly towards a stable surface while maintaining both points of support. Lower the animal close enough for all paws to make contact before releasing your hands.

Avoid encouraging a jump from your arms. If the animal starts wriggling, focus on a calm supported return to the ground rather than prolonging the hold or tightening it into restraint.

Read comfort throughout the interaction

• Comfortable: The body stays relatively relaxed and the animal accepts the brief support. Finish while it is still easy.
• Uncertain: They turn away, become tense or try to avoid the hands. Pause optional lifting and return to a gentler interaction at ground level.
• Stop the hold: Struggling, growling, hissing or repeated escape attempts mean the animal needs to be lowered safely and given space.

Do not keep repeating the lift to prove it is harmless. If handling seems painful, becomes unexpectedly difficult or creates established fear, speak with your vet before practising further.

Build familiarity in small steps

Practise gentle, brief contact before adding a lift. Let the animal become comfortable with a hand near the chest and hindquarters while their paws remain on the ground. Reward relaxed participation with something appropriate they enjoy.

Keep sessions short and choose a quiet setting. A puppy or kitten who walks away is giving you useful information. Go back to an easier step rather than increasing the handling time.

For an animal recovering from injury or surgery, use the veterinary team’s specific instructions. A general lifting guide does not cover every painful area or movement restriction.

What should children do?

An adult should manage lifting and closely supervise contact. Have children sit on the floor for calm interaction rather than carrying a puppy or kitten around the home.

Teach a simple rule: the animal can choose to leave. Resting, hiding, eating or moving away is a reason to stop the interaction. Adults should step in before excitement turns into chasing, grabbing or squeezing.

Common handling mistakes

• Lifting by the front legs or under the armpits without supporting the body
• Letting the hindquarters hang down
• Carrying a kitten by the scruff
• Walking around with a wriggling animal while also holding other items
• Releasing the animal before their paws reach a safe surface
• Assuming tolerance means the animal wants longer cuddles

Frequently asked questions

Can I pick up a kitten with one hand?

Use two-handed support, including the rear of the body. A small kitten still needs a stable, supported lift.

What if my puppy keeps wriggling?

Lower them safely, pause and make future practice easier. Seek advice if the response seems painful or consistently fearful.

Should I hold a kitten until they stop resisting?

No. Finish optional handling and work on comfort gradually. Prolonged restraint can make the next interaction harder.

Can children carry a puppy or kitten?

Have an adult manage lifting and keep children’s interactions seated and closely supervised.

Support first, then lift

Prepare the space, use both hands and keep the interaction brief. A calm supported return to the floor helps make the whole experience predictable.

Sources

• Cats Protection: supported lifting for cats and kittens
• Dogs Trust: gradual, positive handling
• Dogs Trust: supervision and respectful family interactions

ASK A VET™ supports gentle, practical care for young animals. Ask your veterinary team for a hands-on demonstration if you are uncertain about supporting your puppy or kitten.