Any Suggestions on How to Teach a 2 Yr Old Not to Pull the Cats Tail?

J.,

My sister has 4 kids and several cats. What she did was explain to the children that the cats are like babies and you have to be very gentle with babies. Everytime they went to touch the cat(s) she would say "remember, he's just a baby and you need to be gentle with babies". Make sure you praise your son when he does treat the cat well and gently correct him when he's being too rough, you can't just yell at him. He's old enough to understand this concept and I'm sure that he loves the cat and wants to touch and hold it. This should work. Good luck!

Hi J.,

I have a 2 year old too. She is sweet and gentle one moment and physically aggressive the next. While they do understand these simple concepts, it doesn't mean they listen. This is just going to take a lot of patience and a watchful eye. You could always try modeling. You hold the cat, give your son a stuffed animal, one that resembles the cat, and teach him by your example. Sit down, gently stroking the cat and talking nicely. Praising him when he is gentle and correcting him when he is too rough. I hope this helps.

D.

This is a learning moment for your child. Sit down with him and the cat and physically show him what petting is. Make a catch phrase like "gentle gentle" or "be nice or kitty says no" so that you don't always have to yell "stop" or "leave the cat alone". Of course he will mistreat the cat again and again but be patient and try not to interfer too much. Calmly repeat the gentle petting lesson and use positive reinforcement when he complies.

Explain how fragile a kitten is. Teach him to pet nicely. Tell him the kitty may not like him if he doesn't treat it properly. Ask him if he would like it if the kitty would pull his hair?? That is how hurt the kitty feels when you pull its tail.
My 6 yr. old girl is pretty good now, but my 19 month old loves to "hug" the cats and still sometimes pulls their fur.
Just takes time.

We've taught my 1 1/2 yr old by saying no when he's to rough and holding his hand to pet the cat gently. When we pet the cats we say gentle gentle softly to him. It took about a week but he now pets the cats instead of laying on them and pulling on them.