When a cat is held by the scruff of its neck, it becomes docile, mainly because kittens are often moved by having their necks bitten by their mothers, which over time forms a conditioned reflex. This conditioned reflex causes the cat to exhibit certain physiological behaviors, such as curling and arching its spine, remaining still, and obediently tucking its tail between its hind legs.
This behavioral inhibition phenomenon is not unique to cats; it is also observed in other animals such as wolves, tigers, and lions. When the scruff of a cat's neck is pinched, it interprets this as a sign of affection from its mother and becomes quiet and compliant. However, it's important to note that this method does not work for all cats, and this response gradually weakens with age. Furthermore, pinching the scruff of a cat's neck may frighten or make it uncomfortable, so caution is advised when using this method.
