Here kitty, kitty

The past couple weeks Alyssa has really taken notice to our two cats. It is actually quite comical. She will crawl as fast as she can and repeat "atttty" - which traslates into a combination of cat and kitty - atty!

I should describe my two cats. First there is Casper. He is quite an energetic and very friendly little cat. He has always taken a liking to Alyssa. When Alyssa was immobile, he would come an purr near her. She would grab his hair and skin and he would just sit there patiently for her to let it go. Now that Alyssa is mobile, if she comes anywhere near him, he runs. He doesn't even give her a chance for her to get near him anymore. (smart kitty).

My other cat, Noah, isn't as social as Casper. Usually when company comes over Noah hides. Noah would NEVER come close to Alyssa. I actually think he dislikes her very much. I think was pissed when we got a second cat (Casper) and I think he is even more pissed that we brought home a baby. Now that Alyssa is mobile, he will lay in a corner and when she comes crawling, he won't even move.

Noah will just lay there until Alyssa comes up screaming "attty" and she goes and pats him. Now her pats are somewhat like a small slap, but I really think she is trying to pet him. One time he got mad and swatted his declawed paw at her hand. She turned to me and cried (real tears) as if he bit her hand off. I told Noah to be nice and I told Alyssa to be nice. So what does Noah do? He moves from the living room to the kitchen. You idiot, she is going to come and get you again.

So, this has continued for the past couple weeks. Alyssa is no longer bothered by Noah's paw taps. Today, Noah snipped. Yep, he stamped her arm with two of his teeth. No blood, but a little red. I felt so bad for Alyssa. I yelled at Noah and comforted Alyssa. I don't know what to do now. Gary said he was going to kick the shit out of the cat, but when Gary got home 6 hours later, the cat would not remember why he is getting the shit kicked out of him. Gary was so mad and said that the next time Noah does this he is out.

Is this right? I mean, I remember getting stamped by my grandma's dog. How much abuse is an animal supposed to take? I think they are both at fault (Alyssa and Noah), because her pats can get a little rough and Noah shouldn't stick around long enough to get so mad.