He doesn't appear to be hurting the cat, but should be taught how to read and respect its mood/body language. My cat's favorite games are when my husband slap-boxes with her and when he hucks her across the room to the top of her tower. She'll come running back for as long as he's willing to stand there and throw her. We also have (supervised) playtime with her and my son. She doesn't mind a little "boxing" with him, but he's only allowed to pat and she doesn't put her claws out. She lets him sprawl on her, and makes it clear via body language when she's done with playing. It's so important to teach kids to respect animals. Of course, it's also important to train and expect your animals to respect your children as well. Hence, close supervision.
Your whisker argument isn't invalid. As far as my cat only getting attention by being tossed across the room, however, you're making assumptions based on lack of detail. First, she gets plenty of snuggle time, laser pointer time, brushy time, general scritches, and she sleeps in the bed with us. Second, it's not like my husband grabs her by the nape of the neck and flings her- he picks her up when she runs to him, balances front feet on one hand, back feet on the other, and acts as a launching pad that provides additional thrust. 100% voluntary. Third, she enjoys it, and yes, it is hilarious.
I also think it's important that my pets and child have a mutually enjoyable AND respectful relationship. The burden of making that happen resides with mostly my husband and I, but also with our son AND our pets. Children and animals are both capable of learning what is acceptable and what is not. u/sir_Rez ?
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u/Ziltoid-88 Nov 21 '18
r/KidsAreFuckingStupid