Is there a safe way to pick up a cat?

I used to have 2 cats. They both died of old age. One was 19 and the other was 11.
Anyway, mine loved everybody if they took it slow with them. Let the cat explore them first.
The only person my calico bit was my step mother in law from hell. But she deserved it.
I could pick mine up from the arm pits, or scoop all of him up at once. They didn't care.
I never trimmed my cats nails. They used to trim their own nails. They would pull at their nails until they shed the outer sheath. Only a couple times did they scratch me. And, like you, they were afraid of something. Usually loud noises.
Watch the tv show My Cat From Hell. A lot of helpful ideas there. I still watch even though I don't have cats anymore. :(

They showed me at the Shelter where I adopted my cat from. Your supposed to pick it up under its arms, this way, their facing out. And you won't get scratched. Don't ever pick it up by the scruff unless you know what your doing. Ok be humane to cats please.

A person who works with grooming would probably be prepared for handling a slightly violent cat.

Otherwise I doubt there's anything you really can do if the cat easily gets scared. Thank you for not de-clawing him/her though! I wish more people cared for their animals like that.

Unless your cat has dark claws cutting them some yourself should not be that much of an issue. I place mine on their backs and then I just cut, though I have done this since both were kittens and I only cut when they get stuck in textiles and the likes.

I suggest try with small steps, maybe chose one friend/family member who will always be there to help you so that you can create a safe environment for your cat.

Regarding people picking him up: You tell your guests to not pick up the cat, they should respect the cats wishes to not be carried around by just anyone. One of my cats really don't enjoy to be carried around, she prefers to sit really close and lick my fingers.

The other cat sleeps ON me and LOVES to be close as ever.

People need to understand that cats, just as people, have different personalities and different comfort-zones.

I usually pick my cats up by first grabbing under it's chest and then grabbing it's lower body, and then placing it over my shoulder like a parent about to burp a baby.

That might not be the correct way to do it though,
I dunno, it's just that picking it up under it's arms looks a bit uncomfortable for one, but I could be wrong.

Cats are independent creatures on their own,
but you can't forget that all cats have different personalities and different behaviors.
My kitten doesn't like to be pet all the times and he loves to explore on his own. So he doesn't enjoy being held :( unfortunately. He would lay down on you for hours, but on one condition. No petting. It sounds like your cat doesn't enjoy being held, which you should try to avoid. Take your cat as it is. Hold him only once in a while, but try trimming his nails first! You should probably take him to a pet store tat does grooming and cutting nails. Or research on the internet how to do it. In risk of injuries.
Kitten themselves depend highly on you and then when they get older they usually have a don't touch me vibe that only a few don't have. Be sweet and loving to the cat. Approach it slowly, but not stalking like a predator about to pounce.

Your life with this cat might be greatly improved if you cut it's nails, once in a while!
Go online and read up on the care of house cats.

no better affection for cats, then enforced loving =D

The best way to pick up a cat is with Kitty's permission of course!

Also, as soon as your cat scratches you, wash the wound and put honey on it. Honey is a natural anti-bacterial and it will work wonders on the wound, while also preventing you from forming an infection.

I have a kitten too. She doesn't like strangers and will often hide from them if she is too unfamiliar with them. Because of her breed, she never uses her claws in aggression but do come out during other activities. There are some herbs that you can give to your cat to help ease his anxiety. There is this book I have that tells you everything you need to know about owning a cat. I can't remember what it is called, but if I can remember to, I'll write the name down if I find it. As for the nails, you can trim them yourself. It would be a pretty good idea to get one of those scratching post-like toys. Don't get one that has carpet, because the carpet is often treated with formaldehyde. Good luck.

The biggest thing when picking up a cat is not so much the technique itself ( as long as its safe) it's how much the cat trusts you to pick it up

The safest way i have found to pick up a cat is by resting one arm underneath the can, lifting it up slowly and then wrapping the other arm around its neck in a choke position and then while the cat is dangling stick a finger up its tight cat asshole to hold it in place. Works perfect, and as a little treat for being so good at lifting a cat you can sniff your fingers afterwards.

If you're going to pick up a cat buy her a drink and have some good conversation.