Kitty Kryptonite: The Scruff Stuff

Ah, the age-old feline phenomenon! When you grip a cat by the scruff of its neck, it often goes from a feline dynamo to a purring paperweight in an instant. Why? This behavior is a throwback to their kitten days. When mama cats need to transport their kittens, they pick them up by the scruff, triggering the little fluff balls to go limp.

This immobilization response ensures kittens stay safe and aren’t squirming about while being moved. When adult cats exhibit this same behavior, it’s simply their inner kittens shining through. A word of caution: not all cats appreciate a scruff grab, so be attentive to their reactions.