How to Deactivate Your Cat

Co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Last Updated: October 12, 2024 Approved

You can "deactivate" most cats with a binder clip. Sometimes called PIBI, or Pinch-Induced Behavioral Inhibition, this procedure is safe and comfortable for almost all cats.^{[1]
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Research source} This works best if the cat knows you. Use this procedure only when necessary, not just for fun.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Testing the Cat

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Use this only when necessary. In one study, thirty out of thirty-one cats reacted positively, and none showed signs of pain or fear.^{[2]
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Research source} Still, your cat may not enjoy it. Many vet technicians consider "scruffing" techniques old-fashioned, and too intense for regular use.^{[3]
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Research source} Some say this technique is a more gentle option, but this is controversial.^{[4]
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- Try this when you need to trim the cat's claws or give it medicine.
You'll need full access to the cat's neck. If you leave the collar on, it could choke or pinch the cat.

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Cats have a loose fold of skin at the back of the neck, called a scruff. If your cat has an unusually small scruff, that you cannot easily grab, be careful. You don't want to pinch too hard.
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Grasp the scruff and watch the cat's reaction. Firmly grasp the scruff and watch your cat's reaction. If the cat relaxes, it will most likely respond well to the next step: deactivating.^{[5]
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Research source} If the cat struggles or meows, let go and try a different tactic, such as wrapping the cat.
- If the cat neither relaxes nor struggles, look for dilated pupils, rotating ears, or rapid breathing, which are signs of fear.^{[6]
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- The closer to the ears you hold the cat, the more control you have over the cat's head.^{[7]
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- Never try to pick up your cat by the scruff of its neck.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Deactivating the Cat

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Place a clip over the cat's scruff. If the cat relaxed when you grabbed the scruff, the clip should have the same effect. In one study, two-inch (5 cm) binder clips had the best results.^{[8]
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Research source} Place the clip over the scruff, just behind the ears.
- You can try using a kitchen clip or clothespin. Smaller or more forceful clips may cause a painful pinch, but cats' reactions vary.
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Gently push the cat onto its side. A relaxed cat may flop over on its own. If it doesn't, a gentle push on the back legs should convince it. A fully relaxed cat may bring its paws up near its face, and/or curl up with its tail straight down or between its legs.
- If the cat is standing, the tail between the legs is a sign of fear, not comfort.
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Add additional clips if necessary. Some cats may not relax fully, but do not show any signs of fear or discomfort. If this happens, put one or two more clips on the scruff, in a line along the spine. Stop and remove the clips if the cat struggles, meows, or breathes heavily.
- Some cats respond to clips placed anywhere along the skin above the spine, down the entire back. This typically has less effect than the neck.^{[9]
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There are no expert recommendations for how long the clips can be left on. Most clips shouldn't cause any damage to your cat's skin, but your cat may become annoyed after a while. Aim for a short, positive experience to make future procedures easier.

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Is this a good way to calm a mad cat?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

If the cat is already angry, then no, it's unlikely to help. This method works best when you have a cat that is calm but you need to do something they will not like, such as apply a flea treatment or give a pill.

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Tips

Some companies sell clips marketed as "clipnosis" clips for cats. It's unclear how these are different from regular clips. Some customers complain that these clips are stronger than binder clips and cause pain in some cats.

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Wash your hands with plain water or unscented soap before handling the cat. Cats may react to the smell of perfume, lotion, or other animals.

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Warnings

If the cat becomes aggressive, stop the exercise immediately.

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Never lift a cat by the scruff alone. If you need to move the cat, support its back legs with your other hand.

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Don't try this exercise frequently on your cat. Use only if necessary as it may make your cat feel upset or aggressive.

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