3 tahun old son killed cat - Child Behavior - MedHelp 

This patient support community is for discussions relating to child behavior, discipline (behavior management), parent-child communications, and social development.

My son will be 4 in July.  Two months ago, we brought a cat into our home.  He played with the cat and loved the cat, and the majority of his interactions with the cat were supervised.  Today he woke before I did and went into our laundry room where he helps with putting clothes into the dryer.  He put the cat into the dryer and turned it on.  When I found the cat, he was on the floor in front of the dryer and had already passed away.  It appeared he was wet and there was a spray bottle with soapy water and the top off on top of the dryer.  The bottle is one I made for him so he could "help" me clean.  From what I can tell, he tried to "clean" the cat by spraying him with the water, then putting him in the dryer.  I'm sure my son didn't know he would kill his cat, but I'm beside myself with grief and not sure how to handle making sure he knows what he did was wrong.  I told him, "what you did hurt the kitty, now kitty is gone to heaven."  I more yelled it when I found the cat, I admit, I was very upset, I've never had a pet die of unnatural causes and never actually seen one of my pets dead.  I'm not getting another animal.  Can someone tell me if he's too young to understand death?  How should I handle this?  I know it was an accident, but I can't help but feel a bit of "what's wrong with you?" as I look at him knowing what happened...my heart is just broken.  I have three other children who don't know yet that their cat is gone.  I know I can't tell them what really happened, it's too gruesome, so should I tell them it ran away, or passed away and leave out the details?  Thank you.

Anyone know of any good tricks to keep the cat from want...[more]

My friend\'s 7 year old daughter is terrified of their 1 ...[more]

Hi, I just wanted to post my 3d pics of my baby if anyon...[more]

I\'ve been told on numerous occasions that cats and babie...[more]

Well...I am going to start off with there is "nothing wrong with you" period.  I really think this was an accident & he didn't mean to do it.  It was kind of nice that he was trying to "help clean the cat"  I feel bad for you & your son, you, because now you might have to face explaining death to a 3 year old & for you son because at 3 he has to know about death.  We have a cat too & sometimes my daughter, who is also 3, will pull her tail, I explained that she will hurt Fiona,  (the cat), after a few times, she was fine & now just gives her hugs & kisses.  I hope all goes well.  Good Luck...

I don't think he had any intention of killing the cat.  I think he was purposely kind of being mean to the cat,  like tail pulling as twokids mentioned,  but I don't think he had any idea it would kill it - 3 year olds don't even understand death.

How awful,  though.  I'm sorry your family is going through this.  I do think you need to find it in your heart to forgive your son,  and maybe even allow him to choose the box to bury the cat in,  and maybe he can plant a plant on the grave so that he can express his grief.  

That is so horrible.  I don't think he meant to hurt the cat either.  My parents once told me my bunny ran away--and then while playing outside, I found it dead.  It had gotten out of the hutch and a dog gnawed on it.

I don't think you have to worry about your children happening upon the cat so ran away might be okay..just have answers on how it could have left--you know how kids are.

I'm terribly sorry to hear about your cat.

I'm not really sure by what definitioin this could be classified as an accident. Your kid didn't trip and knock the cat into the dryer -- he put the cat in on purpose and turned it on. Maybe supervise your children? Especially when they are old enough to take actions like this but are too young yet to have empathy or foresight?

Okay, I think I am offically paranoid. Is there anythin...[more]

i have a question about cats, when my daughter was born ...[more]

Hello everyone. i have a question. im not pregnant yet(a...[more]

Fearing autism, many parents aren't vaccinating their kids. Can doctors reverse this dangerous trend?

Learn which over-the-counter medicines are safe for you and your baby

Yummy eats that will keep your child healthy and happy

Find out which foods you should watch out for.

Autism expert Dr. Richard Graff weighs in on the vaccine-autism media scandal.

Conquer this season’s toughest bugs before they have the chance to take hold with these eight disease-fighting tips

Fend off colds and the flu with these disease-fighting foods

See your pregnancy week-by-week like never before with these 3D ultrasound images

Could your home be a haven for toxins that can cause ADHD?

What you eat could make your symptoms worse. See what to eat and what to avoid if you have ADHD

Could your child be taking ADHD medication for no reason? Learn these 5 signs of ADHD misdiagnosis

These common ADD/ADHD myths could already be hurting your child

Get answers to your top questions about this pervasive digestive problem

Here are seven reasons to stop mid-sip, and put down the soda for good.

If you’re one of the 35 million Americans who suffer from hay fever, read on for what plants are to blame, where to find them and how to get relief.

Angina is a common heart attack symptom — know what to ask your doctor about treating your chest pain

About Us | Advertising | Terms of Use | Privacy | What's New | En español | Report Abuse | Contact Us | Help

Explore Our Android Apps: My Cycles | I'm Expecting | My Diet Diary | Sugar Sense | Pic Healthy | View All Mobile Apps

The Content on this Site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. Med Help International, Inc. is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. We disclaim all responsibility for the professional qualifications and licensing of, and services provided by, any physician or other health providers posting on or otherwise referred to on this Site and/or any Third Party Site. Never disregard the medical advice of your physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on this Site. We offer this Site AS IS and without any warranties. By using this Site you agree to the following Terms and Conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your physician or 911 immediately.

This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.