2007-02-12 11:13:34 · 7 answers · asked by oreo29 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
My kitten scratched my 4-year old and left 3 sratches on her arm my husband is having a panic attack this is our first kitten and he is thinking that the kitten is mean.
2007-02-12 11:30:37 · update #1
Kittens are never mean by nature. Some can become so if they are mistreated. Your four year old may have been trying to restrain the kitten and the kitten wanted to get away. It was most likely accidental and you need to clip the kitten's nails regularly as they are very sharp. And you should make sure that your child understands the kitten's need to be independent and active. Kittens are like young children and want to run about and play - they are not like stuffed toys that you can cuddle whenever you want. Also make sure your child only uses a cat dancer or feather toy is she wants to play with the kitten. Playing elicits prey behavior in a kitten and she may very well put her claws out when she gets overstimulated.
Children have many lessons to learn in life, some of which involve some physical pain. Nothing bad can come of that and your child will benefit in the long run from learning about the "weapons" any cat will use if provoked and the attachment of love and understanding to another creature. The benefits do outweigh a negative experience.
2007-02-12 12:11:17 · answer #1 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's possible that your daughter unintentionally did something to frighten your kitten or made it feel cornered. Cats/kittens don't scratch people for no reason. Some cats will play a little rough, but it sounds like there is more to this story since visible scratches were left on your daughter. I doubt you have a "mean" kitten. If this type of behavior continues with your cat then she may have behavioral issues. Keep an eye on how your daughter is interacting with the cat. Kids that young can sometimes provoke animals (without meaning to) into acting defensively.
2007-02-12 20:17:04 · answer #2 · answered by HobbesMom 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You need to keep an eye on your kid for they don't know how to handle cats and could be hurting the kitten. They will not scratch unprovoked so the kid could have hurt or scared the kitten.
If you don't teach the kid to respect the kitten it will defend itself.
2007-02-12 22:32:19 · answer #3 · answered by kathyk214 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe she is trying to play. Is this behavior any different than normal? How long have you had her? Have you ever owned a cat before. We really don't know enough to answer this question.
2007-02-12 19:22:13 · answer #4 · answered by Pamela V 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what do you mean by mean ? maybe its just being a kitten and playing and biting.
2007-02-12 19:19:53 · answer #5 · answered by Calais 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u tell by the size of her eye pupils and the mood she is in.
is her pupil is small she is mad but if they are big shes having fun
2007-02-12 19:27:10 · answer #6 · answered by beastyboy95 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does she have a bad day every day?
2007-02-12 19:18:21 · answer #7 · answered by Pink P 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋