My DD, age 6, is totally phobic of our 6 month old kitten, who we’ve had for 3 months now. She was keen to get a cat but the phobia has got worse not better despite the cat being very good natured. DD refuses to be in a room with her at any time, or to walk past her in the corridor, and panics a lot for me to get the kitten away. I am constantly having to shut the cat away. She has explained that the cat often has not put it claws away when she reaches out with a paw, which is true, though she isn’t properly scratching. Also she hates the cat’s unpredictable movements especially when running, and is afraid of her pouncing. The cat is occasionally skittish, but often is just lying there calmly when DD is screaming about her.
Her 9 year old brother is also nervous of the cat/animals in general but very much wanted to get her and wants to keep her and to work on his fears. For background their Dad sadly passed away in January. I don’t know what to do as my DS would be so sad if I rehoused the cat, but it is proving a nightmare with my DD. Any thoughts? Thanks.