No, Never, You can’t throw a cat .
My neighbor Siam has a cat. One day, I found Siam getting furious with his cat as he broke his favorite coffee mug. In a fit of anger, he threw him from their two-storied building. I just wondered and thought, is the cat okay? Can you throw a cat like that?
Actually, no, you absolutely cannot throw a cat like this. First of all, it’s profoundly inhumane and a clear act of animal abuse. Secondly, it can severely harm the cat, both psychologically and physically. Serious physical injuries, including broken bones, internal bleeding, spinal trauma, or even death, can easily happen if a cat is thrown from any height, especially a great one.
However, I often see cats jumping from considerable heights and still appearing unharmed. Is throwing them truly different and can it actually hurt them? How can they even manage to stand still after a big fall? Let’s find out more about why throwing a cat is never acceptable.
The Grave Dangers: Can You Throw a Cat?
You already know what Siam did to his cat. I’ve got a cat also; her name is Muezza. She is a 2.8-year-old mixed Persian cat. A similar, though accidental, incident happened to my cat.
My cousin Safir once came to our house. He was a little boy, just 4 years old. Safir loved to play with my cat. One day, he, without realizing the potential danger, threw Muezza out into the yard from our house.
Unfortunately, Muezza broke her right front leg. It took almost two months of careful veterinary care for her leg to heal. So, from my experience and the overwhelming evidence, you should never throw a cat or any other living creature.
Throwing a cat can cause severe harm, debilitating injury, or even death to the animal. Cats are sensitive and delicate creatures, and they can easily get hurt if mishandled or subjected to sudden, forceful impacts. Beyond broken bones, it can result in internal injuries (like organ damage), concussions, disorientation, and extreme stress. Moreover, such actions can deeply damage the trust and bond between the cat and its owner. As a result, this often leads to significant behavioral problems, fear, and aggression in the cat. Always prioritize gentle handling and a safe environment for your feline companion.
How Can a Cat Survive After Being Thrown or Falling?
However, you may be asking yourself then how my Muezza, or my neighbor’s cat, has survived previous falls. Okay, it happens sometimes due to an incredible natural ability known as the cat righting reflex.
Cats possess a unique and incredibly flexible skeletal system. They have over 30 vertebrae in total, significantly more than humans, and cushioning disks between each of them. This allows for remarkable flexibility in their spine and body. Their inner ear also contains a sophisticated vestibular system, which helps them sense their orientation in space.
So, if someone throws a cat from a relatively short height, they can often quickly reorient themselves in mid-air to land on their feet. They can even manage to stabilize themselves and land relatively safely even from greater heights, provided they have enough time to right themselves and don’t miss their landing or strike an obstacle. However, this reflex does not make them immune to injury, especially from forceful throws or impacts with hard surfaces. The righting reflex reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of serious harm.
Do Cats Like to Be Thrown?
As a cat owner, I can confidently say cats do not enjoy being thrown. They are independent creatures with a strong sense of self-preservation and personal space. Yes, they are renowned for their ability to land on their feet from great heights due to their righting reflex.
But this incredible physiological ability doesn’t mean they want to be tossed around. In fact, it’s crucial to hold them with immense care and gentleness. Properly supporting their hind legs and feet is absolutely essential for their comfort and to build their trust in you.
Never mishandle them or do anything that makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Doing so can cause them to become fearful or anxious, which will negatively impact your relationship with them and may lead to behavioral issues.
Is Throwing a Cat Animal Abuse?
Yes, throwing a cat is undeniably a form of animal abuse. It is classified as abuse because it intentionally or negligently causes harm, suffering, or distress to the animal. Moreover, beyond physical injury, it can lead to long-term psychological trauma for the cat, manifesting as fear, aggression, or withdrawal.
Cats rely entirely on their human caregivers for protection, safety, and care. Throwing them is a profound betrayal of their trust and a violation of their well-being.
I had gone through a hard time with Muezza when I first got her, as I had never had a cat before and didn’t know the best ways to care for her. Initially, she was quite energetic and destroyed a few things in the house.
But even then, I never considered throwing her or harming her. Instead, I committed to spending more time with her, learning about cat behavior, and patiently teaching her good manners through positive reinforcement. With time and effort, we overcame the initial problems, and our bond grew incredibly strong.
So, I firmly believe it’s essential to handle cats with consistent gentleness, patience, and care. If you’re struggling to handle a cat’s behavior, or if you feel overwhelmed, it’s always best to seek guidance from a qualified veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist. They can provide invaluable advice on appropriate, humane methods for handling and training cats, ensuring both your safety and your cat’s well-being.
Can I Throw My Cat on the Bed?
While throwing your cat onto a soft bed may seem like a playful or harmless act, it’s still essential to prioritize your cat’s comfort and safety.
Cats generally dislike sudden movements or being handled roughly, even if the landing seems soft. It can be startling and stressful for them. Instead of throwing your cat, try to create a safe and inviting space for them on the bed.
Cats typically enjoy warmth and cozy spots, so providing a soft blanket or a dedicated cat bed on your bed can be a great idea. Allow your cat to approach the bed in their own time and let them decide if and when they want to hop up. Encouraging them with treats or gentle petting when they voluntarily come to the bed can also foster a positive association.
Is Throwing a Cat Crime in the USA?
Yes, throwing a cat is indeed a crime in the USA if it causes harm or is done with malicious intent. Animal cruelty laws vary from state to state, but all states have laws that criminalize animal abuse and neglect. These laws are in place to protect animals from mistreatment.
The penalties for animal cruelty can be severe, ranging from significant fines and mandatory probation to lengthy imprisonment. The exact punishment depends on the severity of the offense, the extent of the animal’s injuries, and the specific laws of the state where the crime occurred. Many states consider severe animal abuse a felony.
As far as I remember, there have been numerous cases, such as a 16-year-old boy arrested for cruelly throwing a kitten onto a busy road. This highlights that such acts are taken seriously by law enforcement. So, never even consider doing this kind of madness; it has serious legal consequences in addition to being morally reprehensible.
FAQs
If you still have any further questions, check these out. Here, I’ll answer some of the most common questions people ask about throwing a cat.
Q. Is throwing a cat in the air abuse?
Yes, throwing a cat in the air can be considered animal abuse. It can cause them mental suffering. Animal abuse is generally defined as any act of cruelty or harm inflicted on animals, intentionally or negligently.
Q. Is it cruel to throw a cat outside?
Throwing a cat outside is considered cruel. Cats are domesticated animals accustomed to living indoors or in controlled environments. Releasing them outdoors exposes them to various dangers, such as traffic, predators, and harsh weather conditions.
Q. Is throwing a cat a form of exercise?
No, throwing a cat is not a form of exercise and is considered an act of animal cruelty. Exercise typically involves physical activity that benefits the body and promotes health. Throwing a cat can cause harm and distress to the animal.
Conclusion
Okay, let’s finish today by repeating the same question again: Can you throw a cat? And I’ll tell you the same answer once again: no, you absolutely cannot. The act of throwing a cat is both profoundly cruel and entirely unnecessary.
It causes severe physical injuries and deep psychological harm to the animal, and it goes directly against the fundamental principles of responsible pet ownership and humane treatment. Cats are sentient living beings that deserve to be treated with unwavering care, respect, and unconditional love. Instead of resorting to such harmful actions, it is critically important to explore and implement safe, positive, and gentle ways to interact with your little feline friends. If you ever find yourself struggling with a cat’s behavior, remember that professional help from veterinarians or animal behaviorists is readily available and always the best course of action.
