My cat loves being held (he will come beg to be picked up and will throw a tantrum if I refuse) and he likes me to hold him similar to how you would hold a baby you would be trying to burp. I scoop him up so he is facing my torso with his head at my chin level, front paws on my shoulder, and one of my arms is under his butt and back legs supporting them in a sitting position and my other arm is free to either pet him or wrap around his back and hug him. He loves being hugged tight or snuggled and pet.

My other cat doesn’t like being held nearly as much, but I’ve found that this is also the position that she’s happiest in. She feels physically supported and also still has autonomy to look around and move and can easily signal to me when she wants down.

Upvote because I appreciate the MS paint drawing… and it’s a good drawing… i just noticed the elastic on the waistband…

Most people would have used AI in this situation.

Can we get an actual photo of cat?

it’s a good way to start. gives them a lot of control

if you’re training to hold them then don’t let them jump, slowly lower them and hold them until they touch the ground

then a treat maybe

I hold one of my cats this way. He loves it. He will, however, launch himself to a nearby landing spot very suddenly when he’s had enough. Which is also what makes this a good way of holding him, since it allows that freedom.

The cat will tell you.

The cat will let you know, either way.

Omg wait this is not only an opportunity for me to share one of the YouTube videos I quote the most, but it’s also a legitimately helpful share! 😄

All you gotta do is squish that cat.

I think thats more of a cat decision then an internet decision. That said, depending how much they want to be out of your arms, giving them a platform to jump from on your arm could result in some desperate breakout attempts.

My cat is not a fan of being held but that’s the way he tolerates it the most

Sir that’s a kangaroo

Supporting the feet can be helpful for cats who are nervous being held

I used to hold my cats this way, normally their preferred way.

I also liked holding their back paws while doing this, and give them a hug.

Or I would hold them like a baby.

Caillou asks

I don’t see anything wrong with it. Looks supported. Every cat I’ve had who doesn’t mind being carried climbs onto my shoulder, though.

I’ve had two cats who loved this and would hang out in my arms as long as I could hold them, and I’ve had one that hates it and would rather I just let his rear legs dangle awkwardly.