Expert: Becky - 1/22/2006

Question
My boyfriend and I brought home a kitten at six weeks of age.  Shortly after we watched his nephew, who was not very nice to the kitten (e.x. hitting, tail-pulling, chasing her about).  Now, whenever our friends come over or bring their small children over our cat hisses and swipes at them, regardless of age.  Is there any way to correct this problem?

Answer
Hi Amber,

The nephew should have never been allowed to mistreat your kitten!  I can hardly blame your cat now from reacting to children this way.  The only thing I can think of is to hold your cat and let the children pet him/her.  If that doesn't work, then put the cat in a room alone while company with children are there. Your cat is only reacting to the way it was treated as a kitten.  You may be able to undo it if you make sure it doesn't happen again.

God Bless,
Becky