Not all games work with Ruffle so I didn’t upload everything on archive.org, but you can choose to play the rest on Flashpoint, Pale Moon, or download them from my MEGA drive.
Word of advice to cat owners: please don’t pick your adult cats up by the scruff. The scruff is meant to support kitten weight. You can seriously hurt your cat by carrying it around by the scruff of the neck.
That’s 4-6kg of cat hanging from loose skin. Please don’t.
So this post blew up more than I expected, and I would like to make an addition because I’m getting a lot of people replying with this:
The thing is, scruffing should be your last resort, if not close to it. It’s more than just the body weight.
’In adult cats, scruffing triggers fear and stress rather than relaxation. The only time an adult cat is held by the scruff is during mating—if a female in estrus, or “heat”—or when under attack by a predator. Clinically, what is often seen as “relaxation” in a scruffed cat is actually behavioral shutdown, or learned helplessness that occurs when an animal experiences a very high level of fear and stress.’
Essentially, scruffing in adult cats is a huge issue and can cause more harm than good. Even in veterinary medicine, we only scruff when absolutely necessary, to avoid getting mauled by our patients. Many clinics, especially those certified by Fear Free Pets, dont use scruffing at all.
I’m going to expand on the tags above, and please keep in mind that this is in NO WAY a callout or a reprimand to these folks - you didn’t know, or you thought it was the best choice. That’s not your fault! I’m here to help you expand your knowledge and find other ways to work with your cats.
1. Misbehaving - scruffing will not fix this, but training will! Cats can be trained, some better than others, but it just takes time. If you have to scruff your cat to get them out of a bad behaviour, you should try to work on that behaviour instead. Scruffing a cat for bad behaviour is more of a punishment than help.
2. Stuck in a bad place - This is something that is a little harder. If the cat is stuck in a storm drain or a wall, then okay. You dont really have a choice. However, if the cat is under the bed or behind the couch and you can’t reach it? Either a. Move the furniture or b. Leave it if it isnt an emergency. The cat will come out eventually. If you do need the cat out, and if you can, get your hands around the ribs or hips instead if its safe to do so. (dont get bitten. Please. Thats a post for another day.) Big body parts like the pelvis or shoulders are sturdier than skin, and less likely to be injured.
3. Using a clip to keep your cat still for reasons such as grooming, nail trims or travel is not going to make it better in the future. This relates back again to point 1. Training. If your cat doesnt like its nails getting done, you should work with it instead. Get it used to its feet being touched; use treats, cuddles, and even a professional trainer if you need to! There is no shame in asking for help.
4. Travel. Use a carrier. Top opening carriers are great for this. Get your cat used to it! Put food and toys in there, encourage exploration, play with them around and in it. Cats enjoy small spaces. If you leave the carrier out all the time with the door open, your cat is more likely to get used to it than if its only hauled out for vet visits.
In the end, scruffing should be a last resort. If you ever do have to scruff, support the hips and as soon as you have a good hold, release the scruff. Thank you everyone for your patience, and time, and I would like to leave you with the brilliant and wonderful addition brought to you by @limacine-king
