How do you change cat haters around?

I work at a grade school and I thought that with all the cat lovers at this site, someone can help me come up with something to say to these young children that say they 'hate' cats. I'm sure they hear it from their parents. When I ask why, a lot of them say it's because cats 'stare' at them. What can I say that will get them to change their minds, or at least keep them open? I already have a lot of kitten and cat posters around, and I tell them I don't care for some animals but I would never hate them or hurt them. I need more!

Yes, I know what you mean. I had a grown woman tell me she was afraid of a kitten. I explained they were more afraid of you than you are of them. She didn't quite believe me until I said, you look like King Kong to them. Then she understood. And when I was feeding the cats every day, two girls came by and said they were afraid of them. They couldn't really articulate why.

"They stare at you because they want to get to know you better"
"....because they are curious".

Are you permitted to bring in some kittens for 'show and tell'? Or, show videos? There are some really cute ones. A field trip to a cat sanctuary if possible.
Depending on the age--and if there is a French immersion class - "Henri" are cartoons which might appear to the older grades.

I am surprised at children being so opinionated about hating animals. I hope you can get some of them to change their minds. What I did won't work in this case you have. I married one and now he loves cat as good or better than I do.:lol3:

Thanks for your help. I'm hoping that these kids will change their minds as they get older and maybe will form their own opinions. Kittens have been brought in and you would think their 'cuteness' would change anyone's mind! I married a man that didn't like cats too, and now he talks to them like a human! I'll just keep stressing the importance of not harming these beautiful creatures, I don't like how some of them tell me how their parents kick or hurt cats, I even called the humane society on one who said his dad pulled a cats teeth for biting! It makes me sick to my stomach to hear of abuse. I hang as many posters as I can of kittens and then I listen to what kids say. I'll do what I can to make cat haters change their minds!

Yeesh, it is a pity. You wouldn't teach kids to judge/bully other people and say that you hate them without knowing them first, so why should it be ok to do that to animals? Maybe if you mention that, it could clue in.
 

I reckon just try and educate them as best you can, tell/show them a cats true personality (social, affectionate, funny, clever etc)  their history as a species and that cats can feel emotions and pain like any other living creature, and even if you don't have to love them one can at least treat them with kindness - and altogether remember the importance of learning and inpedendent thinking before making conclusions. Like the above mentioned, you can try showing a video if possible, or bring a cat to class. Or even encourage doing some sort of project, where everyone is individualy given an animal and they must research it then give a presentation? sneak a couple of cats into that mix!
 

Here is to hoping anyway! Best of luck

This probably wouldn't be allowed, but is there nay way to bring some cats into the classroom for a visit?

AbbysMom said:

This probably wouldn't be allowed, but is there nay way to bring some cats into the classroom for a visit?

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I was thinking the exact same thing.

AbbysMom said:

This probably wouldn't be allowed, but is there nay way to bring some cats into the classroom for a visit?

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LaRussa said:

 
I was thinking the exact same thing.

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this might not be the BEST idea, because a lot of kids are allergic or asthmatic, and might have some sore of attack around any animals, or cats....

it could be that some kids "hate" cats because they are allergic and are told by their parents to stay away from them?

Kids hate a lot of things, and really they don't "hate" it

i think people should be able to form their own opinions as they get older. Kids hating cats or dogs, or the color pink, or dora the explorer, it doesn't mean anything at this age...

How about showing a few funny or cute u tube videos during free time. Kids love u tube and cats are the most popular videos on there. How can anyone hate keyboard cat or angry cat?

allenkm said:

How about showing a few funny or cute u tube videos during free time. Kids love u tube and cats are the most popular videos on there. How can anyone hate keyboard cat or angry cat?

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great idea!