To feel really uncomfortable about this

[lastqueenofscotland]

My friend has a very cute toddler
She posts about the toddler a lot on Instagram and Facebook. Yesterday she posted a lot of videos of him “playing” with their elderly cat. Ie grabbing it’s tail. While it was trying to sleep/get away from him, lying on the cat and basically chasing the animal around in a room it couldn’t leave.
Cat obviously just wanted to lie down and sleep on a hot day.
I sort of want to say something but I imagine it won’t go down well

I’d comment ‘wow, your cat looks well pissed off’ but then I’m like that.

YANBU - I hate videos showing children hassling animals being displayed as ‘cute’. One day when the poor thing finally lashes out in frustration/defence, I’m sure they’ll be straight down the vet to put it to sleep “for the children’s safety”

"Tell Cutetoddler to leave the poor cat alone! He's not a toy!"

My friends would expect a direct approach from me - and know I expect people of all ages to treat animals with respect.

You may need to go with something softer... "Aw, Cutetoddler is so cute! I don't think poor Cat enjoys being pulled about tho".

I’d try and go all passive aggressive with ‘how did you manage to catch that on film? Hope cat was ok once you rescued it.’

I'd say something.

People who let their kids do things like this and think it's funny/cute enough to film or let them get away with are dicks so wouldn't really care for their friendship anyway.

Say something,
Tormenting animals is not cute or funny

Say something. And show her this thread if she thinks YABU. She sounds like a knob

I would have to say something. No doubt they’d be quick to rehome, or worse, when the cat retaliates

Agree there are ways of being gentle with your disapproval if you’re worried about the friendship - even something like “aww, poor kitty!” Keeps it light enough that you can’t be accused of being a downer, and may give others encouragement to post their disapproval as well.

"Poor cat!"

Why are some people totally bloody clueless about letting their kids treat animals like toys? Its no wonder some children end up being bitten.

I’d deffo say something. Poor cat.