My cat hurt a child today

[BeautifulJames]

Little back story - a few weeks back a 2/3 year old was seen running around the cul de sac and in to front gardens of others. I was at my path when I said "can I help you?" To a woman I'm assuming was grandparent and the toddler standing by my door. She then replied "oh no we are OK. Tiring him out before mum comes home".

Thought ok... no problem... bit weird but I've just come back from a 13 hour shift and I just wanted to relax.

Fast forward today... my anxious cat (her territory is only the small patch of front garden and our home) was sitting on the grass when I heard toddler crying. It was the toddler back again in my front garden but this time my cat had attacked little one.... scratch on leg.

Grandparent shouting at me for having such a ferocious feral cat in MY own front garden.

Now I'm getting glares occasionally when I check outside.

I just need a bit of validation thar my cat acted well in her own rights (if you know what I mean) and surely I'm not responsible for a trespassing toddler?

I have a 60kg floofy dog that is utterly petrified of cats since sticking her nose under a hedge to say hello to one. Poor, giant idiot looked like a cartoon dog with all four legs in the air.

My dp told me how when his first childc was young he thought his ex's cat had scratched him so he kicked the cat. Ibtold him in no uncertain terms if the same happens to dd it will invariably be dd's fault, she is to get no sympathy ad the cat is to get attention and treats. And I stand by that.

Always respected friends whose toddler cornered their cat on the stairs and got scratched in the process on the face. They just shrugged and said if he did it again he was stupid. No ill-feeling towards the cat at all.

YADNBU
It’s obvious really that your cat only scratched the kid because it was scared and defending itself.

It’s your cat’s territory and having a toddler running up to it and possibly hurting it or frightening it, will cause a reaction.

Why on earth people allow their kids to go on other people’s property is beyond me and highly disrespectful.

How rude to let the toddler run in and out of people’s front gardens, just that shows her entitlement.
Team cat!

At least the toddler will stay out of your front garden and leave the cat alone now.

Ah, she's a calico (or tortoiseshell and white). I do not really think a cat's fur defines its character, but our calico is erm handy with her claws. She is also really pretty, just like OP's cat.