Does it hurt to scruff a cat as is sometimes done for restraint in an animal hospital?
No, it does not hurt a cat to restrain it by the scruff. The mother will hold her kittens by the scruff to move them around at a young age. Even as adults, many cats will become calmer when held by the scruff. This is not always the case, though, and other options may need to be employed. Adult cats should never be picked up by the scruff at least not without supporting their bodies as well.
