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.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 The phenomenon also occurs in other animals, such as squirrels and mice.The one myth about cats that's actually true by Robbie Gonzalez. Retrieved 21 May 18.
See also Tonic immobility Vulcan Nerve Pinch
References