Does My Dog Need Goggles?

by Britt

Published: November 3rd, 2024

Photo credit: Annabell Gsoedl / Shutterstock.com

Do your dog’s eyes light up excitedly when you reach for their leash? Outdoor adventures with your best friend are a great way to strengthen your bond and create lasting memories, but as a loving dog parent, you also need to consider their safety. That includes protecting their eyes.

Dog goggles and sunglasses may sound a little unusual, but they can offer a surprising range of benefits. Just as we purchase gear to protect their feet in specific situations, we should also consider our options for keeping their eyes safe.

In this article, we’ll explore the many reasons you may consider using goggles for your dog, factors to consider when shopping for the best goggles and tips for successfully introducing this new gear.

What Are Dog Goggles Used For?

For many dog parents, the idea of any gear that resembles clothing is laughable. But goggles aren’t just a fashion accessory – they are a functional item that can help keep your dog safe. Here are a few situations where dog goggles are often recommended:

Sunglasses

One of the most common uses for dog goggles or sunglasses is to protect your dog’s eyes from UV rays. This could be necessary because your dog has very light eyes, making them more susceptible to damage, or because you often engage in activities that increase the risk.

Some of the most overlooked high-risk situations are dogs that spend much time on the water and those that engage in winter sports out in the snow. Both water and snow reflect the sun, which can cause significant damage to your dog’s eyes. By selecting a pair of goggles that offer UV protection, they can enjoy their time outdoors without impacting their vision long-term.

Sticks, Rocks, and Debris

Outdoor-loving dogs, like those who enjoy long days out hiking or hunting, often run through forested areas and locations where sticks and other debris can be found at eye level. If your dog is hit in the eye with a stick while trying to make their way through the bush, it could scratch or puncture the eye.

While a scratch may not sound serious, the eye is fragile, and even the smallest injury can have long-term effects on your dog’s vision. Whether you’re using a clear lens for basic protection from debris or a darkened lens to make it easy for your pup to see on a bright day, goggles can improve their outdoor adventures.

Hitting the Open Road

Whether your dog likes hanging their head out the car window or you’re planning to bring your best friend along on your next bike ride. Most dogs love the feel of the wind in their face, but with that wind can come dirt and debris, creating a significant risk to their eyes!

While there are other risks to consider when deciding if you should let your dog hang their head out the window, one step you can take to make the experience safer is to have your dog wear protective eyewear. Ensure the goggles fit securely so they aren’t blown off with the pressure of the wind during the ride.

Salt Water and Pool Chemicals

While it is safe for your dog to swim in salt water (oceans or pools) and in chemically treated pools (like swimming in chlorine), there are some risks to consider. This is especially true if you have a dog who would enjoy swimming all day, if you let them.

Over time, the salt or chlorinated water may irritate your dog’s eyes, leading to discomfort and irritation. Left unaddressed, this irritation could escalate into something far more severe. Just as you can purchase swim goggles for people to safely open their eyes in the water, dog goggles are a great solution.

Eye Injuries and Conditions

Dogs recovering from an eye injury or living with a medical condition that impacts their eyes may face an increased risk of trouble. This includes treatable conditions, like cherry eye, and those requiring lifelong management, like progressive retinal atrophy and iris atrophy. While these conditions require care and attention, they don’t mean your dog must stay indoors 24/7.

Dog goggles are a great way to prioritize your dog’s safety and allow them to spend time outdoors just “being a dog.” If you’re concerned that your dog already has vision limitations and goggles could limit that further, opt for a pair with a clear lens.

Protection for Blind Dogs

Going a step further, if your dog’s vision is nearly gone or completely gone, they are susceptible to suffering cuts or injuries simply because they can’t see the hazards to avoid them. This was a struggle we faced with our former senior pup, Daviana. She would walk into low-hanging branches without realizing they were there. Outfitting your visually impaired dog with goggles will allow them to enjoy the freedom of exploring while still keeping them safe.

Your Dog is Accident Prone

Some dogs can see fine; they just don’t pay attention to where they are going. No judgement here! Our newest rescue girl, Willow, is a sweetheart, but she gets SO excited that she bolts off while forgetting to watch where she’s going. It’s a typical day if she runs into a tree, a doorway, or even a wall.

Most times, Willow’s “moments” result in nothing but laughter. But there is always the risk that something she runs into may poke or scratch her eyes, causing trouble. A pair of goggles is cheaper than the potential of emergency vet bills and also prevents unnecessary pain or discomfort.

High-Risk Jobs and Activities

Dogs hold many vital roles in our society, from members of law enforcement to search and rescue operations. These jobs require them to navigate high-risk situations where they may suffer injuries. Just as we have safety gear for many jobs humans perform, outfitting a working dog with the necessary gear is essential.

In addition to working dogs, there are many dog sports and activities that could introduce a higher risk of injury. For example, hunting dogs often run through sticks and vegetation to retrieve or flush out game. Goggles will help to keep them safe while they are focused on performing their best.

Are Dog Goggles Necessary?

Unless your veterinarian says otherwise, dog goggles aren’t absolutely necessary. But this doesn’t mean that they aren’t beneficial. Emergency vet bills can add up fast, putting unnecessary strain on your bank account. Plus, you wouldn’t want your dog to suffer pain or discomfort if it could be prevented. Consider your lifestyle and favourite activities. Is your dog at risk of injury or eye damage? If so, it may be worth investing in eye protection for your pup’s safety.

Photo credit: Uzo Borewicz / Shutterstock.com

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Dog Goggles for Your Pup’s Needs

So, you’ve decided that your dog should be wearing goggles. Now what? The next step involves finding the best goggles for your dog’s facial structure, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Here are some of the most important factors to consider when weighing your options:

Purpose

Most dog goggles are designed with a specific need or purpose in mind. For example, if you are purchasing goggles for swimming, you don’t want to buy breathable goggles with vented frames designed to allow water to drain as they would also let water in.

Lenses

There are several lens options, each with benefits and potential challenges. For example, clear lenses are the easiest for dogs to see through while still offering UVA/UVB protection. However, if you’re going to be outdoors in bright sunshine, a darker lens may be preferred.

Durability

Will your dog be wearing their goggles while relaxing in a canoe, or will they be barreling through the bushes retrieving game? Some activities are perfect for lightweight goggles, which can be more comfortable. But you may want to consider a more durable option for rugged activities.

Comfort & Preferences

Of course, your dog’s new goggles will not help keep them safe if they refuse to wear them. Take a moment to consider your dog’s personal preferences. Some dogs are great with all styles, while others may need you to accommodate fears or concerns. For example, your dog may hate having anything that goes over their head to put it on, requiring a pair that can be fastened.

Another important consideration when looking at comfort is sizing and adjustability. Start by measuring your dog to find the right size (more on that below). However, every dog is different, and there’s a chance a cookie-cutter sizing guide simply won’t match your pup. For this reason, you also want to choose goggles that offer multiple adjustment points to customize the fit.

How to Measure for Dog Goggles

Once you have chosen a brand, take a moment to consult their sizing guide. This will show you specifically what measurements they consider when determining the size of their goggles.

The most common measurements are:

Head circumference: around the head, approximately an inch above the eyes, where you want the top of the goggles to rest
Muzzle circumference: around the muzzle close to the back of the mouth where it’s widest

If your dog doesn’t fit into the range listed in the sizing guide, the brand should provide recommendations for whether you should size up or size down. For example, Rex Specs recommends sizing up to allow for a better range of vision. Other brands may recommend sizing down for a more secure fit.

Unsure which way to go? Don’t hesitate to reach out and contact their customer service team. Any reputable brand will happily help you find the right size!

Goggle Training and Conditioning

Anytime you add new gear to your dog’s routine, you must introduce it slowly. This allows your dog to become familiar with the item and make a positive association, helping them see wearing their goggles as a sign of good things ahead versus something to be afraid of.

Begin by placing the goggles out so your dog can inspect them without worrying about you trying to put them on. Give them time to check them out, smell them, and become familiar with them. Offer treats and praise every time they interact with them. You can also use a clicker to mark the moment they interact with the goggles, helping to create a solid association between the goggles and the reward.

When your dog is comfortable moving around their new gear, try bringing it to their face. Hold the goggles up to their face, praising them when they allow them to touch their face before taking them away. Over time, you can work up to fully putting the goggles on and then work up the length of time they are wearing them.

Our Go-To Dog Eye Protection: Rex Specs V2 Dog Goggles

There are many different options for goggles on the market. As an outdoor-loving family, we spent a lot of time researching and testing options to keep our pups safe while hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and enjoying our many travels. Ultimately, we decided that Rex Specs V2 Dog Goggles are the more reliable solution.

Rex Specs is a well-known brand in the pet space, having supplied goggles for many working dogs, including police K-9s, military K-9s (at home and overseas), border patrol agents, and search and rescue dogs. Why do they all trust this brand? They are incredibly durable, offer better overall coverage across the face, and boast 99.9% UV protection.

While these goggles are a little pricier than some other options you can find online, we firmly believe in investing in quality gear – especially when purchasing safety gear. You get what you pay for, and there’s no price I wouldn’t pay to keep our pups safe!

Pros

Protect your dog’s eyes from dirt and debris that could damage the eye
UV Protection
Some dogs will find gear comforting when facing stressful situations

Cons

Some dogs are very opposed to wearing things on their face, refusing to use them
High-quality goggles are an investment
If not properly fit, they could come loose or move around, causing injuries

Final Thoughts: Dog Googles and Your Pup

While dog goggles might seem like a funny product at first glance, they are a great solution to protect your pup in a variety of situations. Whether it’s shielding their eyes from harmful UV rays, preventing injuries from flying debris, or accommodating dogs with eye conditions, goggles can open the door to fun, safe, and enjoyable outdoor adventures.

Remember, the key to successful goggle use is finding a comfortable fit and introducing them gradually.

The next time you’re gearing up for an outdoor adventure, consider adding a pair of dog goggles to your list. It could be the difference between happy moments bonding with your dog and a trip to the nearest emergency clinic.

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Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Jinx and Theia. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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While there isn’t always a bacterial infection, there is almost always an environmental or emotional trigger. Cats are very sensitive creatures; changes in their home or routine, like a new pet, a move, a change in work schedules, or even the placement of furniture, can trigger enough stress to manifest physically in the bladder. If your cat is otherwise healthy but suddenly starts having urinary issues, stress is often the root cause. Bladder Stones and Crystals For some cats, the issue is physical rather than stress-related. When minerals in the urine (such as magnesium, ammonium, and phosphorus) concentrate too much, they can form microscopic crystals. These crystals act like tiny shards of glass, scraping the delicate lining of the bladder and urethra and causing pain, inflammation, and bleeding. If these crystals are left to accumulate, they can bond together to form bladder stones (urolithiasis). These stones range in size from grains of sand to large pebbles and can cause significant pain, blockage, and bleeding. Certain dietary habits and lower water intake can significantly increase the risk of crystals forming, which is why hydration is such an important part of long-term urinary health. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)It is a common misconception that every cat with blood in their urine has a bacterial infection. In truth, true urinary tract infections are actually quite uncommon in young, healthy cats. Their urine is naturally very concentrated, which usually discourages the growth of bacteria. However, UTIs become much more prevalent as cats age or if they suffer from other chronic health issues. Senior cats are at a higher risk because their immune systems aren’t as strong as they were when they were younger, and they may have underlying conditions that impact the chemistry of their urine, creating a more welcoming environment for bacteria. Broader Systemic Health Concerns Sometimes, the urinary symptoms are a red flag for a condition affecting the entire body. For example: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Common in senior cats, this affects how the kidneys filter waste and concentrate urine Diabetes: High blood sugar can spill into the urine, which changes its pH and makes the bladder more susceptible to infections Hypertension and Hyperthyroidism: Both conditions can put additional stress on the urinary system and influence your cat’s overall healthBecause these issues are complex, a vet will often recommend bloodwork along with a urinalysis to ensure the bladder is just the site of the symptom, not the only part of the body that will require treatment for your cat to be healthy once again. Physical Trauma and Other Factors While far less common, we must also consider physical causes. Trauma, such as a fall or impact, can occasionally cause a bladder injury. In older cats, the presence of blood or abnormal tissue in the urine can sometimes be a sign of benign polyps or, more rarely, malignant tumors within the bladder lining. Additionally, exposure to toxins or certain household chemicals can sometimes cause severe irritation to the urinary tract. This is why, regardless of how mild the symptoms may seem, a vet appointment is needed. It allows you to move past guesswork and identify whether you are dealing with a lifestyle-related issue, a dietary concern, or a more serious underlying medical condition. Warning Signs to Watch ForIn the wild, showing signs of pain or weakness makes an animal vulnerable. For this reason, your cat’s natural instinct is to go about their day as if nothing is wrong, hiding any signs of discomfort. We must look beyond the obvious signs to spot the more subtle behavioral shifts that occur when a cat is dealing with urinary problems. Visual Changes in the Litter BoxThe most direct indicator is a change in the color of the urine itself. You don’t always need to see bright, deep red pools to know there is a problem. Urine mixed with blood can range from a faint pink hue to a dark, tea-colored brown. If you use a traditional clay or clumping litter, look for a pinkish tint around the edges of the clumps. If you use a light-colored paper or pine pellet litter, the discoloration will be much easier to spot, which is why many senior cat parents shift to these options. You might also notice small drops of blood left on the floor or the rim of the litter box after your cat steps out.

Tips and Products for Keeping Your Pet’s Things Organized

You need a variety of supplies to help keep your pets happy and healthy, but finding a place for everything can become a challenge. Whether you’re hoping to declutter or want more stylish options to keep your pet’s things within reach yet out of the way, here are some tips and product recommendations to consider.

Are Senior Pets Cheaper to Adopt Than Puppies? The Surprising Truth

Bringing a new furry family member into your home is an exciting time. As pet lovers, our instinct is to focus on the joy: the first nights together, finding the perfect bed, and starting a lifelong bond. However, a major question to consider when making adoption decisions is: how much will that first year actually cost? If you are choosing between adopting a playful young puppy or a gray-muzzled older pup, you might assume that a senior dog is the more budget-friendly of the two. However, a recent study by MetLife Pet Insurance, surveying 1,000 pet parents, revealed a surprising truth that may just turn that common assumption on its head. The study found that 73% of people believe a senior pet will cost the same or less than a puppy or kitten. Because of this, and the emotional pull of raising an animal from this adorable young age, nearly half of pet parents (48%) prefer to adopt puppies or kittens. Meanwhile, just 2% actively seek out senior pets. But if savers are choosing older animals under the assumption that they will cost less right out of the gate, they may be in for a surprise. When it comes to the lifetime costs of an animal, public perception doesn’t quite match the actual numbers. The financial reality of the first year catches many new parents off guard. Overall, 28% of those surveyed found their first-year expenses higher than they anticipated. In fact, more than a third of respondents spent $1,500 or more, and 17% said their initial pet expenses were greater than a single month’s rent or mortgage payment. When we break those numbers down by the age of the pet at adoption, the surprising truth becomes clear. Senior pets are actually the most expensive group to welcome into a home! Here is the average spending breakdown by age during the first year: Under 1 Year: $1,132Young Adult (1-3 Years): $1,027Adult (4-7 Years): $1,070Senior (8+ Years): $1,555Why Do Senior Pets Cost More? To give our pets the best possible quality of life, it helps to understand why these numbers look the way they do. First-year costs for puppies and kittens are usually driven by upfront, one-time expenses, such as vaccinations, spaying or neutering, microchipping, crates, and basic training supplies. For senior pets, initial costs are less about gear and more about medical care. When an older pet enters a new home, responsible pet parents invest heavily in health screenings to ensure their new family member is healthy and comfortable. This often includes senior blood panels, urinalysis, X-rays to check for arthritis, and professional dental cleanings (which frequently require anesthesia and tooth extractions). Financial Planning for Your New Pet There is no wrong choice when it comes to saving a life, and older animals bring a calm companionship, established training, and a deep level of gratitude that is truly rewarding. However, being financially prepared ensures you can provide the standard of care they deserve without stress. Knowing the real numbers allows you to budget for key expenses, like routine vet care and pet insurance, ahead of time, so you can focus entirely on enjoying the joy of having your new best friend by your side. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

The 3 Border Collie Facts Every Dog Lover Should Know

Border Collies rank at the very top of the canine intelligence charts, and that brainpower is no accident. This breed was shaped over centuries by shepherds who cared about one thing above all else: how good a dog was at its job. If you share your home with one of these gorgeous dogs, or you simply admire them from afar, here are three facts that explain what makes the Border Collie so remarkably special.

Is Food Guarding the Same as Food Hoarding?

Both focus on access to food. But that's where the similarities end.

Signs Your Indoor Cat Has Fleas (And How They Got Them)

We keep our cats indoors to protect them from traffic, predators, and contagious diseases, and that’s a valid choice. There are many threats that outdoor cats face that we can prevent by keeping our furry friends safely inside. However, the four walls of home aren’t an impenetrable shield. The reality is that our home is a living environment, and fleas are incredibly resourceful pests that don’t require an open invitation to come in through the door (or the window, or even a crack in the wall). Believing that an indoor lifestyle means zero risk is a dangerous myth that often creates a false sense of security and a full-blown household infestation before you even realize there is a problem. Understanding how these tiny hitchhikers find their way inside is the first step in protecting your cat from an itchy, uncomfortable situation. Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article, but at no cost to you.The Myth of the Indoor Safety Net Many loving cat parents are surprised to learn that a clean home can still become a breeding ground for fleas. This confusion comes from a fundamental misunderstanding of how these pests survive and thrive. We tend to view fleas as an outdoor risk that only affects animals spending time in tall grass or wooded areas. However, the modern, climate-controlled home creates the perfect year-round environment for fleas to flourish, completely insulated and protected from harsh outdoor weather. Skipping preventive care because your cat is “indoor-only” leaves them entirely defenseless. To understand how easily your home can be compromised, it helps to break down the flea lifecycle: The Hidden Majority: When we think of a flea infestation, we picture the jumping adult insects. In reality, adult fleas living on your pet make up only about 5% of the total population during an infestation. The remaining 95% is hidden throughout the home as eggs, larvae, and pupae. The Resilience of Flea Eggs: A single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day. These eggs are smooth and quickly roll off your cat’s fur, scattering wherever your pet walks, sleeps, or relaxes. They slip deep into carpet fibers, cracks in hardwood floors, bedding, and furniture cushions. The Pupae Stage: Once the larvae spin cocoons to become pupae, they are encased in a sticky outer shell that protects them from household vacuums and standard insecticides. The Waiting Game: Fully formed adult fleas can stay dormant inside their protective cocoons for weeks or even months. They will patiently wait to emerge until they detect specific cues that a host (your cat) is nearby, such as body heat, carbon dioxide, and the physical vibrations of their steps. Because of how incredibly resilient they are, a home does not need to be dirty to harbor fleas, and a cat does not need to step a single paw outside to become a target. Treating your home as an impenetrable bubble often means that by the time you spot a single adult flea on your cat, a full infestation has already quietly established itself in your living room. How Indoor Cats are Exposed to Fleas If your indoor cat isn’t outside exploring the brush, how do these little pests manage to make their way into your home? Fleas do not need your cat to go to them; they are master opportunists that use a variety of methods to bridge the gap between the outdoors and your living room. This includes: Other Pets in the Home The most common path to a household flea infestation is living in a multi-pet household. If you share your home with a dog, every potty break, neighborhood walk, or trip to the local park is an opportunity for exposure. A dog can easily pick up adult fleas from the grass or come into contact with microscopic flea eggs dropped by the local wildlife. Once the dog steps back inside, those eggs roll off into your carpets and furniture, or the adult fleas leap directly onto your defenseless indoor cat. Even a brief visit from a friend’s seemingly clean pet can leave behind enough eggs to kickstart an unwanted population explosion. Humans (The Clothes We Wear)You do not need another pet to introduce fleas into your home; you can inadvertently do it yourself. Fleas are elite athletes of the insect world. On average, fleas jump a distance of 8 inches, with some jumping a horizontal distance as far as 19 inches. If you walk through an area where an infested animal has recently rested, such as a hiking trail, a park bench, or even your neighbor’s porch, adult fleas can easily hitch a ride on your shoes, socks, or pant legs. Once you walk through your front door and kick off your shoes, those fleas immediately begin searching for the nearest warm-blooded host, which is often your resting cat. Wildlife and Micro-InvasionsOur homes are not completely sealed boxes. Small wildlife like mice, rats, squirrels, bats, and raccoons often seek shelter in people’s homes, nesting in attics, basements, crawlspaces, or wall cavities. These wild animals are notorious hosts for fleas. As they move through the hidden spaces of your home, they shed flea eggs, larvae, and feces. These tiny particles can drop through gaps in floorboards, heating vents, or light fixtures directly into your main living spaces, delivering a ready-made infestation right to your cat’s favorite sleeping spots. The Open Door and Window EffectMany indoor cats live for “ Cat TV,” the view of birds, squirrels, and chipmunks through your window. They spend hours pressed against window screens or patio doors to watch their “prey” and catch a cool breeze. Unfortunately, this creates a prime target zone. Fleas thrive in the shaded, moist soil found directly beneath porch steps, under decks, and along foundational garden beds where wild animals or stray neighborhood cats might rest. If an adult flea senses the heat or carbon dioxide of a cat sitting just on the other side of a low window screen or a slightly open door, it can easily slip through the mesh or under a worn weatherstrip. Moving or Used FurnitureFlea pupae can stay completely dormant inside textiles for months at a time. If you purchase secondhand rugs, thrifted couches, or used cat trees, you may unknowingly bring dormant pupae right into your home. Similarly, moving into a new apartment or house that previously housed pets may mean walking into a waiting landmine. The vibrations and warmth of a new family moving in acts as a wake-up call, causing hundreds of dormant adult fleas to hatch all at once, emerging from the carpets and baseboards, instantly targeting your indoor cat.

Watch These Ducks Discover Their Love For Swimming

What happens when a bunch of ducks discover a swimming pool for the first time? Apparently, they dive straight into checking it out.In a video shared by Fourlittleducks, the ducks get their first look at the pool, and it’s clear they’re pretty excited about their new discovery.

What Do Ferrets Eat? A Guide to Feeding Your Pet Ferret

There’s a lot to consider before bringing a ferret home, and one of the most important things to learn about is their diet. Providing your pet with the best nutrition is an integral part of caring for them properly so they can be strong, energetic, and healthy for many years. These animals have specific needs that have to be met, and the guide below is a good place to start if you’re ready to dive into what a ferret should and shouldn’t eat.

This Robot Vacuum Handles the Job Every Pet Owner Hates—Now on Sale!

Meet the smarter way to clean floors—no scrubbing, no stress.Most robot vacuums handle the everyday stuff—dust, crumbs, pet hair. But when it comes to dried spills, muddy footprints, or stubborn stains, people usually end up back on their hands and knees.And that’s not a rare scenario. Research shows people spend nearly an hour a week cleaning floors, with kitchens alone getting attention close to 20 times a month.Even with that effort, tough stains remain one of the biggest frustrations—especially in busy households or homes with pets where mess is constant.That’s where the ECOVACS DEEBOT X12 OmniCyclone changes the equation—raising the bar for what a robot vacuum can actually take off your plate. Get yours today for a limited-time promotional price of $1,249 (down from $1,499.99)!

How to Help a Dog That Gets Carsick: A Practical Guide

We discovered very quickly after adopting our dog Charlie that she didn’t take to going in the car well. It seemed like every time we took her in the car, she would inevitably get carsick.Traveling with a dog that gets motion sickness can quickly turn a simple outing into a stressful experience. If this is the case with your dog, a little preparation can prevent unnecessary suffering (on your part and theirs!) and ultimately make trips more manageable for both of you.Follow along for a few tips for car travel with dogs that have helped us when we’ve taken Charlie for a ride.

Cat Won't Let You Pick Them Up? No Problem!

(photo credit: Sergil Kuchugurni / shutterstock.com)My one cat, Pumpkin, has to be the most affectionate feline that’s ever roamed the earth. Seriously! He responds to commands just like a dog would do. Come, give a paw, sit… You get the picture. But man, does he hate to be held. Clearly, it’s not because he’s anti-social or doesn’t enjoy affection. He just struggles – literally and figuratively – to be okay with me picking him up.Now, according to one pet insurance company that offered tips on the rationale behind this type of behavior, it’s likely down to the fact that cats evolved as solitary hunters and, due to their smaller size, as potential prey to larger animals. As a result, the “fight or flight” instinct is particularly strong when they feel they’re being restrained, and for me, that makes sense. Even despite the fact that my cat has long evolved past the solitary predator stage and into the treat-motivated one. In the end, I guess I should consider myself lucky that Pumpkin chooses “flight” versus “fight” or I’d be bloody and battle-scarred on a pretty regular basis.How to Help Your Cat Tolerate Being HeldOf course, the cardinal rule of cat ownership is that they be socialized from an early age. Meaning gently handled and comfortable with being picked up from around one week of age. But, if like many, you adopted your feline as a grown kit, then that opportunity has long gone out the window, and you can rest assured their attitude and position on being held are already baked-in.While I tend to respect my pet’s boundaries, it would be a little less stressful if I knew that visitors to my home who often lean down to pick him up, don’t require me to immediately head toward the first-aid box. Or worse, that I have to discourage them from interacting with my pet. That’s why it’s important to help ease your cat into tolerating short, infrequent pick-ups and cuddles rather than resort to, well, violence.Win TrustFor cats, grooming is a very social activity that bonds them with other cats in their pack and can even foster a stronger connection with their human when done in a positive manner. Find a brush they enjoy – mine is a good bristle brush rather than a steel-pin slicker option – and gently brush them while they’re seated next to you. Typically, head, shoulders, and ears are a winning combo to deliver the sensation that will bring your feline back for more.Gradually, over time, try to draw them up onto your lap while brushing. This exercise gets them used to gentle touching and being held in close proximity to their human.Build ComfortAll cats have a favorite sleeping spot, and while we can’t always accommodate these odd little locations, we can emulate what draws them to it. So, gather up their favorite non-catnip toys and soft blankets to create a safe, calming environment for you to interact with them. Brushing, stroking, and offering high-value treats when they allow you to get close help to reinforce the positivity of this special downtimeOnce they’re accepting of you, graduate to belly rubs and lifting your pet slightly up out of their snoozing position. This will help them become used to and comfortable with your hands being under them.Extend The InteractionsRemember, your goal is for your cat to become less agitated and more comfortable with being lifted up and held. So, as they become acclimatized to you interacting with them, it’s important to gradually build on both the extent to which you’re lifting them up towards you and the length of time they will tolerate it. For this, finding that high-value treat that will cause your cat to a) ignore what you’re doing, and b) allow you to lift her for a short period of time, has to be something like these highly flavored tubes of wet cat food. The scent will draw your cat’s attention and, if held above them, the flavor will allow you to lift them up towards the treat. No rushing, no forcing, just let your cat lead the way on this one. If you can, lift and hold for several seconds. Hey, I’ve yet to meet a cat that doesn’t love Churros, so this should be easy.Respect the CuesSome cats will never enjoy being held, and the best you can hope for is that they’ll be happy snuggling up alongside you or sitting on your lap. For Pumpkin, it’s lying behind me on the sofa with one paw resting on my shoulder. Go figure.Picking them up and locking them in a tight hold while talking in a soothing manner and offering treats isn’t the way to win them over. Follow the above steps to gradually encourage your pet to enjoy this type of interaction. If they begin to stress – yowl, hiss, growl, flick their tail or attempt to get away -immediately put them down and let them know that you respect their decision.Then go back to step one, and win them over again. Above all, cats choose when and where to permit friendship and interactions. So, work to their schedule and use consistent, gentle persuasion to get to where you need to be.

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