It's extremely difficult not to start picking them up when we get them, especially looking down at those soft pleading eyes. I've never carried them around so to speak. I'm not too keen on having one scratching on my legs to be held or picked up. Don't get me wrong.....I LOVE holding them and I do. I just didn't make it a habit while they were growing up. Now I can hold them, carry them and all that and they don't demand it which is what I like.