1. Instinctive Behavior for Protection
One of the primary reasons mother cats carry their kittens by the scruff is to protect them from danger. In the wild, cats need to move their young to safer locations if they sense a threat, such as predators or environmental changes. Carrying them by the scruff allows the mother to quickly and efficiently relocate her kittens without causing them harm. The scruff is a loose, extra layer of skin at the back of the neck, which is sensitive but not painful when grabbed. This behavior is an evolutionary trait that ensures the survival of the kittens, as the mother can swiftly move them out of harm's way.
2. Triggering the Kittens' Relaxation Response
When kittens are picked up by the scruff, it activates a natural relaxation reflex in their bodies. This reflex, known as the "flexor reflex," causes the kittens to go limp and stop moving. This response is beneficial because it prevents the kittens from struggling or trying to escape while being carried, making it easier for the mother to transport them. The kittens' limp state also reduces the risk of injury during the move, as they remain passive and cooperative. This is why mother cats can move multiple kittens at once without encountering much resistance from their young.
3. Gentle and Safe Transport
While it might seem rough to human eyes, the scruff is designed to withstand gentle pulling without causing harm or pain to the kittens. The skin on the back of a kitten's neck is looser and more elastic than other parts of their body, making it an ideal spot for the mother to grab. When the mother cat lifts her kittens by the scruff, she does so with just the right amount of pressure to hold them securely but not too tightly. This method ensures that the kittens are transported safely without causing injury or distress. It's also important to note that this behavior is limited to kittens; adult cats do not have the same physical response to being scruffed, and the practice should not be used on fully grown cats.
4. Teaches Obedience and Discipline
Scruffing can also serve as a way for the mother to discipline her kittens. In addition to transporting them, mother cats will sometimes grab their kittens by the scruff to stop them from engaging in unwanted behavior, such as wandering too far from the nest or fighting with siblings. By scruffing them, the mother asserts her dominance and teaches the kittens to stay close and follow her guidance. This early form of discipline helps the kittens learn essential social and survival skills that they will need as they grow older.
5. Helps During Nursing
In the early weeks of a kitten’s life, the mother cat may use the scruff to position her kittens for nursing. This behavior ensures that all kittens have access to her milk, especially when there are multiple kittens vying for the same space. By grabbing them by the scruff, she can gently guide them to the best spot for feeding, ensuring that they receive the necessary nutrients for growth and development.
6. Not Exclusive to Mother Cats
While this behavior is most commonly seen in mother cats, other cats—such as older siblings or unrelated females in a multi-cat household—may also exhibit the behavior of carrying younger kittens by the scruff. In socialized colonies of cats, this can sometimes be observed as part of cooperative care, where multiple adult cats share the responsibilities of looking after the kittens. However, this behavior is primarily maternal and most commonly associated with the mother cat's protective instincts.
7. A Temporary Method
It’s important to understand that scruffing is only a temporary and early-life behavior. As kittens grow older and become more independent, the mother will stop carrying them in this manner. Once the kittens begin to explore their surroundings, learn to walk and play, and no longer require constant supervision, the need for scruffing diminishes. By the time kittens are weaned, they have developed the necessary strength and coordination to follow their mother or move on their own without assistance.
8. Scruffing and Human Interaction
While scruffing is a natural behavior for mother cats, it should be handled with caution when humans are involved. Some people mistakenly believe that scruffing an adult cat is a safe way to control them, but this is not the case. Adult cats do not respond to scruffing the same way that kittens do, and it can cause them unnecessary stress and anxiety. For kittens, gentle scruffing by humans may be necessary in certain situations, such as during veterinary exams or grooming, but it should always be done carefully and with consideration for the kitten's comfort.
In conclusion, the act of carrying kittens by the scruff of the neck is a vital part of a mother cat's toolkit for raising and protecting her young. It allows her to transport her kittens safely, keep them calm, and teach them essential lessons about behavior and survival. This instinctive behavior is a fascinating example of how animals have evolved specialized methods to care for their offspring. However, it is important to remember that scruffing is a behavior that is unique to kittens and sho
uld not be applied to adult cats.