My Nephew Is Cruel To Cats?

Question

I live in an apartment across the hallway from my sister's apartment. My Nephew and Neace come over to play. My Neace is a really good girl. However my Nephew likes to hurt my kitten and make her cry. His parents said that if he can't be over at my apartment then his sister can't come over either because it's not fair that she can come over and he can't. I think that's bull because he should be punished not her. Last night my Neace told me infront of her mom that my Nephew made my kitten cry five times. Her mother scorned her for "tattle telling" and blamed her for the cat getting her by saying that if she didn't come over then he wouldn't come over and the cat wouldn't get hurt. Anyways, why do little boys do this? What can I do about it? His parents won't take him to therapy even though he's been kicked out of pre-school for being violent.

Answer 1

Sorry, but his parents sound ignorant.and neglectful of their children's behavior. The boy needs counseling or therapy. This kind of behavior in young children can lead to much larger problems later on. It is NOT normal. Under no circumstances should your kitten be around the boy.
You have a responsibility to make sure your kitten is not tortured.

Answer 2

You didn't mention your nephew's age. Also, are you sure that your nephew's intentionally hurting your cat, or is he just not aware of the proper way to handle animals? For all you know, he could think she's a toy! If it's clear that he doesn't know better, maybe you could try teaching him how to handle your cat - under careful supervision! Let him know that cats can feel pain, just like he can. The Golden Rule must be implemented here. Be patient, teach him to gently stroke your cat, and how to call her name. Somewhere along the line, your niece learned how to do this, and your nephew didn't.

If he's old enough, and you're absolutely sure he knows better, then there's not a whole lot you can do to ensure an enjoyable encounter between him and your cat. You could try to do what I mentioned in the above paragraph, but if he's displaying sadistic behavior towards cats, the problem is much more serious than a lack of know-how in animal interaction. It's all in his parents' hands now. In that case, since his parents insist that he isn't left out of the visits, invite your niece & nephew over. But keep your cat shut in a separate room (with food, toys, and a litterbox). Allow your niece to enter the room with you to play with the cat, but keep the nephew in the living room occupied (maybe with TV) until your niece is done playing with the cat.

Anyway, I sincerely hope that his parents get this kid the help he really, really needs. It's frightening to imagine how this kid could turn out if he's being violent to animals already. Maybe this kid needs an outlet for his anger - maybe you could give him a punching bag for his birthday! If he ever mistreats your cat again (and he shouldn't, because they shouldn't be in the same room), you have EVERY right to tell him that what he did was wrong. I wish you (and your cat!) the very best.

Answer 3

I'm afraid that you may not be having your neace over very often. If you are unable (or the parents unwilling) to directly punish your nephew, then it would be best not to have the child in contact with your cat. Or, get a large dog and let your nephew make the dog cry, trust me, the dog wont put up with it for very long. I'm just joking about the dog, it would be cruel to the dog. :)

Answer 4

There are several things I would do here.
1. I would talk to your sister and tell her you want to take your niece and nephew out individually so you can give them special attention. That it is not fair that they should never get one on one attention from you.
2. Take your nephew first (this way your sister can not accuse you of playing favorites with your niece) and never let him out of your sight while he is at your apt around the kitten. If he starts to get mean with it stop him immediately telling him you do not allow anyone to hurt the kitty then ask him why, try to find out his reasons for being mean to it. Perhaps you can help him change this behavior since your sister isn't. Then you can take your niece over so she can have alone time with Auntie too.
3. After you have the visits established I would sit down again with sis and calmly talk with her about the disservice she is doing her children, her son because she is allowing him to get away with atrocious behavior and her daughter by blaming her for her son's actions. Her son is going to be shunned by others if his behavior does not change and her daughter will learn to hate her brother and her Mom if her Mom does not stop blaming her.
If it helps print out the opinions you agree with and show them to her... but as I said wait till the separate visits are started (if she allows it) because if they are going well she may let them continue even if she gets mad at you. If she doesn't allow them then just try anyway. Someone needs to help the kids. I have to add I agree with the others about the sociopath /psychopath behavior. Animal abuse IS often an early symptom of things to come.

Answer 5

I have no tolerance for that! Keep the cat away from him. If the mother is that thick-headed and you can't talk to her, then explain to your neice that it's not her fault and applaude her for behaving properly. She wasn't tattling, she was doing the right thing!
This little boy sounds like a real problem and unfortunately if his parents won't do anything then either you punish him ( and I don't mean time-out) or tell them that he is simply not welcome to come over anymore. Tell him this, too. I would keep not only pets away from him either.
I hate to bring this up, but all of the famous male serial killers you have heard of all started off abusing animals in their early years; it's the one common ground. So, if no one thinks this is a problem they are DEAD wrong. Good job for taking action!

Answer 6

omg! i still don't know why boys are like that.( growing up with one strange guy). i would have your kitten be put in your room or something. Talk to his parents. How many times do they come over in a week? Talk to your nephew, tell him that it's not OK to do that. Your right, that's wrong that your niece has to be punished also. Hope this helps!

Answer 7

This kind of behavior can certainly lead to much worse things when your nephew gets older. I certainly do not agree with your sibling that your niece has to be punished for what her brother is doing. I would talk to your sibling about his behavior and maybe talk to him too and ask him why he hurts your pet. There could be a deeper reason than he likes to hurt cats....

Answer 8

I even have been with my animals as they have been placed to sleep and it is not merciless. it is quiet and worry-free. they're sedated and while they're thoroughly asleep, they're given the best injection. it is the best present you may present to an more advantageous half who has enjoyed you with out reservation. (i'm in tears as I write this . . . so if it gets incoherent, it is why). keeping an animal alive while it is needless to say suffering isn't the thank you to tutor how plenty you adore the animal. it is merciless to enable the cat go through. Letting flow, assisting the cat to flow "the rainbow bridge" is the thank you to tutor love. i wish your nephew sees the reality of this occasion quickly. teach your nephew the responses in this web page. each puppy proprietor is going to ask you to love this cat sufficient to enable it flow.

Answer 9

His parents are foolish to not recognize that this behavior can lead to violence against other animals and children. This is a clear warning sign, Jeffrey Dahmer started this way!!
Can you correct him and watch out for this when he comes over? This child needs intervention to stop this behavior now. if I were his parents I would be seriously concerned over his cruelty and lack of compassion for animals.

Answer 10

hi i am with you why should your niece be punished for that little so and so he should be punished why should he hurt your cat , while he is at your house he is under your rules dont let him do it , he might listen to you , the parents are burying their heads in the sand , ina few years another mindless yob will be causing trouble ,.