Got bitten by a neighborhood stray cat earlier breaking up a fight between it and our cat. I know, I should’ve stayed out of it; but ours was definitely getting its ass kicked and this isn’t the first time.

I did well, grabbed the bastard by the scruff of its neck and lower back skin in a way that I had total control and he couldn’t get me. I made it fairly clear he wasn’t welcome and then when I was trying to let it go at the edge of the garden it spun around and bit my wrist pretty bad.

Kids gloves came off at that point and the cat did a windmill into the pavement by its tail. It limped away, but I don’t know if we’ll see it again.

Initially, my 9 year old was pretty shaken by the level of violence. We sat down and had a talk about it after I’d cleaned myself (and our cat) up.

I’m a firm believer that you shouldn’t ever go looking for a fight but you that you also shouldn’t ever shy away from defending yourself and yours if one comes your way.

This is a bit of a small time example but I think it’s important that kids both know that their parents have the ability and the readiness to look after them, and that in certain situations violence is the right answer.