Orange Cat’s Upside-Down Antics Spark Joyful Debate

Quick Smiles:

• New York cat owner defends his unique way of holding his orange cat, Nanaki.
• Veterinarian advises against “air jail” despite cat’s apparent comfort.
• Video of the upside-down feline goes viral with diverse viewer reactions.

In a delightful twist of feline antics, a New York cat owner, Zach Hotaling, has found himself at the center of a lively online debate. The buzz began when Hotaling shared a video on Instagram of his orange cat, Nanaki, being held in what he affectionately calls “air jail.”

Despite receiving a “ton of comments saying how awful [he] is” for holding his cat this way, Hotaling is unfazed.

“Does he sound like he’s in pain?” he asks in the video, as Nanaki purrs contentedly.

The playful term “air jail” refers to Hotaling’s method of holding Nanaki upside down, a position the cat seems to prefer over more conventional holds.

“Plus he won’t let me hold him any other way. Have you seen how angry he gets when I hold him in other ways?” Hotaling explains.

While this quirky approach has captured the hearts of many, it also sparked some concern among pet enthusiasts.

Dr. Liza Cahn, a veterinarian, weighed in on the trend, stating, “Most cats don’t like it. All cats are individuals, and there may be the occasional goofy kitten who tolerates or even likes being held up in the air; however, while it may seem harmless to us, this is not a safe or comfortable position for most cats.”

Despite Nanaki’s apparent enjoyment, Dr. Cahn advises against using “air jail” as a form of punishment or play.

“Any sort of punishment is not an effective training method and can lead to increased fear, anxiety, stress, and aggression,” she warns.

Instead, Dr. Cahn suggests consulting a veterinarian or behaviorist for positive reinforcement techniques if a cat is misbehaving.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jess Kirk recommends more traditional holding methods, like cradling the cat or supporting its chest and hind legs, to ensure comfort and security.

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