Rabbits are prey animals.
They are easily frightened – and for good reason. They are yummy and there are few meat-eaters who would refuse an opportunity to eat rabbit. (NOTE: this is not an animal welfare post – I’m building a metaphor – so bear with me)
The way to make a frightened rabbit settle when holding it is to hold it tighter.
They feel secure cradled in your arms with their heads tucked tightly under your arm.
Cats, on the other hand, are predators.
They may be cautious, but they are much less easily frightened. They are among the group of critters that like to eat rabbits (I’m told it is almost the only thing a lynx will eat).
The best way to hold a cat is to apply as little pressure as possible – often, the tighter you hold them, the more they will struggle to get free.
People are much more like cats than rabbits.
The more freedom you can give them to move as they see fit, the more likely you are to get what you want from them.
Some of that is about trust.
Perhaps some of it is also because we too are predators.
