Local Kitten Teased At Recess

Edmonds, WA

It was a sad day today on the sunny playground of Lynndale Elementary School, where young kitten Bunion, a 10-month-old, Domestic Short Hair male, was teased yet again about his big ears.

“They said I look like Dumbo...” said Bunion, who was found crying in the corner of the boy’s bathroom mid-recess by a teacher. “Why don’t they like me and who is Dumbo?” Bunion has repeatedly been the victim of nasty teasing by other kittens at the school due to his abnormally-sized ears.

There have been repeated attacks on young kittens at the school by bullies in the past few months according to Principal Tiara. “We are aware that there are a few bullies in our midst.” said the Principal. “It is a normal part of any kittens life and it will pass.”


The site of the bullying, Lynndale Elementary School

Not so certain of that fact however, is Bunion. Bunion said he dreads recess, especially indoor recess, and usually heads for the boy’s bathroom after most kittens have left the classroom. “If I hide in there, no one will bother me.” he said. “I used to go out and play tetherball by myself, but then these three other kittens would come over and take the ball and make it hit me in the face.” Buinion wiped away tears as he recounted the act of bullying. “They laugh at my ears and call me a pansy.”

Bullying is actually a big problem that affects lots of kittens. Three-quarters of all kittens say they have been bullied or teased. Being bullied can make kittens feel really bad. The stress of dealing with bullies can also make kittens feel sick and unwanted.


These three kittens, Malachai, Kiwi, and Parsnip reportedly bullied young Bunion

Bullies often pick on someone they think they can have power over. Getting a big reaction out of any kitten can make bullies feel like they have the power they want. Sometimes bullies pick on someone who is smarter than they are or different from them in some way.

Sometimes bullies just pick on a kitten for no reason at all. The bullies who picked on young Bunion are just such types. Three kittens, Malachai, Kiwi, and Parsnip, accused of bullying Bunion have been repeatedly written up and given detention for acts of bullying.


Dr. Tinycat said to do your best to ignore bullies

Dr. Tinycat, a noted pediatrician and child psychologist from the University of Puget Sound said there are things you can tell your kitten if he or she is being bullied. “Stand tall and be brave, feel good about you, and get yourself a buddy.” Dr. Tinycat said to “…Pretend you don't hear the bullies when they come at you. Walk away quickly to a place of safety near other kittens or cats. Bullies usually want a big reaction to their meanness. Acting as if you don't don't care is giving no reaction at all, and this might stop a bully's behavior.”

After speaking with a guidance counselor and the school nurse, young Bunion was sent home with a note from the nurses office and promptly fell asleep in a large bucket of warm laundry.

Sharyn Thoma-Guay reporter-at-large
Photo: Black cat - Thanks to Eric!