Looking for any wonderful suggestions on making a good relationship between kittens and kids...our kittens are fab ...but I have a problem with my nearly 4yr old daughter who despite strong words, supervision and explanations of how delicate kittens are and that they are little babies that she could hurt if too rough is still being caught handling them not the gentlest. I don't let her alone with the kittens as I have caught her out trying to hug and play with them, not in a nasty way, just a child way. Don't get me wrong I don't have the child from hell but I just can't seem to get through to her how delicate these little babies are

Anytime I have spotted her being a little rough than she should be with them, I take her away from the kittens to her room or the 'naughty step' which works for everything else. Explain to her the consequences if she is to rough of the kitten being hurt and having to go the vet, even the possibility of her hurting it so bad that it might die (don't panic people she is not that bad...though hoping harsh words might have helped) or that if she doesn't behave then I have no choice but to find them a happier home (which I would be heart broken to do and don't think it has got anywhere near that stage).

She has never had small pets whereas my older daughter has and I never had this issue before, she's used to a bg bouncy black lab dog at my mums so delicate animals are new to her.

The kittens have never scratched her to say stop it, which in some ways I wish they would that way she might understand that she might be hurting them. She has improved since we got them a couple of weeks ago where she would chase them everywhere wanting to hold them, she does understand it's better to sit down and they will come to her, and she does love them....just wish I could get to her to be less full on with them!!???

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Hi

My youngest is 4 but luckily she is very gentle with our kittens, probably because she has been brought up with rabbits and a dwarf hamster!

I would suggest that instead of punishing the 'rough' handling of them that you reward the 'gentle' handling either through charts that build up to a rewards or little rewards there and then whatever you think might work for her.

Also, have you taught her how to pick them up etc without hurting them?
My little one instinctively knows how to pick up and carry the kittens but i have had to show my friends children how to do it which has worked for them.

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Bless her, I would let her have play time, supervised (you probably do this anyway).
Play the "can you", pick up kitty like this, game (show her then let her copy).
Can you stroke kitty like this.
When she does it gently & the way you want her to, praise & treat her.
Then get her to show Daddy how to do it gently, so she is then taking on the teacher.
Then other family members & friends.
She will probably start telling everyone what they are doing wrong in the end. I hope. Good luck.

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Dogs have owners; Cats have servants

The naming of cats is a difficult matter. It isn't just one of your holiday games. You may think at first I'm mad as a hatter. When I tell you a cat must have three different names...T.S. Eliot

Mummy to Effie (kitten); Sister to Jess (cat) & Alfie (Staffie)

Aww I had this problem with my now 5yr old, she didnt mean to be rough but it happened, she was actually quite jealous of the kitten and the attention he got! (even though she wanted one) she asked me once if I loved the kitten more than her! so with lots of reasurance and guidance she is now fine. its also hard for kids to figure out how to hold cats if theyve never had animals before.

well a friends of mines 5 yr old played roughtly with there kitten and eventhough she was told off it didnt make a diffent so my friend brought her a for real kitten of her own rapped it and put it from the cat and befor she opend it told her the story of the kittens and how she had to look after it a and play nicely with it if not the kittens mum would come and take there kitten back then gave her her the present from her new kitten friend and after that day she didnt play so roughly with the real kitten and when she did her mum reminded her of the kittens mum hope this helps

Thanks all for the hints and tips.....she has been a little better tonight and was rewarded with a contented Trouble purring away as she lay beside her and stroked her gently and lots of encouragement from me

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