Vet's 'Squish That Cat' Video Helps 23M Handle Felines

If your cat turns into a tiny tornado every time you try to pick it up, you're not alone, and a viral video might finally help.

Dr. Uri Burstyn, a Vancouver veterinarian, has shown 23 million viewers how to pick up and hold cats without triggering their scratching instincts. His 2019 video "How to pick up a cat like a pro" teaches techniques that make cats feel secure instead of scared.

The secret? Squish that cat.

Burstyn explains that cats scratch and scramble not out of spite, but because they feel unsupported and unsafe. When you pick them up with one hand under the chest and one under the abdomen, then gently press them against your body, they suddenly feel protected.

"If you're trying to hold the cat down, whether it's to trim their nails or to give them a pill, or whether you just want to have a cat not run off for a moment, squish that cat," Burstyn calmly explains in the video. His two demonstration cats, one-year-old Claudia and 14-year-old Mr. Pirate (a shoulder-loving chonky kitty), show just how effective the method is.

The technique works even with frightened cats. Burstyn demonstrates how placing a towel over an anxious cat and gently pressing down helps them feel secure without hurting them or their handlers.

And no, you won't hurt your cat by squishing them. "They're very, very tough little beasts," Burstyn reassures viewers. "Squishing them against your body's never going to do them any harm. In fact, they tend to feel more safe and secure when they're being held tightly."

Why This Inspires

This video proves that understanding replaces force when it comes to animal care. Burstyn's calm, educational approach has helped countless pet owners build better relationships with their cats, turning stressful vet visits and nail-trimming sessions into manageable experiences.

One commenter shared a particularly touching success story: "I tried to squish the cat. And she loves it! She is turning into quite the snuggly bug." Her rescue cat, who had trust issues from previous owners, finally felt safe enough to be held after two years.

The video's popularity shows how hungry people are for kind, effective solutions to everyday challenges.

Watch Dr. Burstyn's full tutorial on his YouTube channel, Helpful Vancouver Vet, and discover that sometimes the best way to handle life's struggles is with a gentle squish.