Pinch-induced behavioral inhibition explained

Pinch-induced behavioral inhibition (PIBI), also called dorsal immobility, transport immobility, clipnosis, or scruffing, is a partially inert state that results from a gentle squeeze of the nape, the skin at the back of the neck. It is mostly observed among cats and allows a mother cat to carry her kitten easily with her jaws. It can be used to restrain most cats effectively in a domestic or veterinary context, however it is no longer recommended as studies have shown significant fear-anxiety responses and aversion in cats who have this technique used on them. The phenomenon also occurs in other animals, such as squirrels and mice.^{[1] [2] [3]}

See also

• Tonic immobility

Notes and References

1. Rodan I, Dowgray N, Carney HC, et al. 2022 AAFP/ISFM Cat Friendly Veterinary Interaction Guidelines: Approach and Handling Techniques. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 2022;24(11):1093-1132. doi:10.1177/1098612X221128760
2. https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-one-myth-about-cats-thats-actually-true-1469745000 The one myth about cats that's actually true
3. 18222719 . 2008 . Pinch-induced behavioural inhibition ('clipnosis') in domestic cats . Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery . 10 . 1 . 82–87 . Pozza . M. E. . Stella . J. L. . Chappuis-Gagnon . A. C. . Wagner . S. O. . Buffington . C. A. . 10.1016/j.jfms.2007.10.008 . 46156902. 10911153 .