Vet's 'Squish That Cat' Video Hits 23M Views

A veterinarian's surprisingly simple advice for handling nervous cats has become an internet phenomenon, helping millions of pet owners finally understand their feline friends.

Dr. Uri Burstyn, a Vancouver veterinarian, shared his "How to pick up a cat like a pro" video in 2018. Since then, it's racked up over 23 million views with its counterintuitive but effective message: squish that cat.

The video features Burstyn demonstrating proper cat-handling techniques with his own pets, one-year-old Claudia and 14-year-old Mr. Pirate. His calm demeanor and practical advice turned what could have been a dry instructional video into something viewers describe as "the Bob Ross of veterinary medicine."

The secret behind those painful cat scratches? Most cats claw when picked up because they feel unsupported and unsafe. When they're scrambling for footing, those razor-sharp claws come out.

Burstyn shows how to properly support a cat with one hand under the chest and one under the abdomen. The key is squishing them firmly against your body so they feel secure and supported.

"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 explains in the video. Even scared cats generally feel more secure when held tightly.

For particularly nervous cats, Burstyn recommends using a towel. Simply drape it over the cat and gently press down, which keeps both human and feline safe while creating that secure feeling cats crave.

He even demonstrates an emergency "football hold" for quickly transporting a cat. Tuck the cat under your arm facing backward, with their head under your arm and their rear in your hand, pressed tight against your body.

Sunny's Take

What makes this video truly special isn't just the practical advice. It's watching people's relationships with their cats transform.

One viewer shared that her rescue cat had trust issues from previous owners and wouldn't let anyone hold her for two years. After watching the video and trying the squishing technique, her cat became a "snuggly bug."

The comment section overflows with gratitude and humor. Viewers requested "Squish that cat" t-shirts, praised Mr. Pirate as "an absolute unit," and joked that "cats are liquid" based on their squishability.

Even people without cats watched the entire tutorial, captivated by Burstyn's gentle approach and the obvious comfort his technique brings to anxious animals. The video proves that sometimes the simplest solutions, delivered with kindness and clarity, can reach millions.

Dr. Burstyn continues sharing helpful pet care advice on his YouTube channel, Helpful Vancouver Vet. And don't worry about squishing too hard—as he reassures viewers, cats are tough little beasts who actually prefer feeling securely held.