I'm sure the cat lovers are going to hate me for this, but the animal will have to learn who is the alpha in the house, or it will end up in the shelter and unadoptable.
Yes, the child shouldn't be pulling on the cat's tail. But, the cat has to learn that it can't attack the child -- or anyone else in the family -- without consequences.
Responsible dog owners know they have to socialize a dog, so that it knows its role in the "pack". If the dog thinks he is the "alpha", you'll never be able to discipline him and will always be in fear of what it might do.
Animals don't understand "reason". If they think they can win a fight with you, you'll never control them.
The concept of “alpha male” does not exist among domesticated cats. They are not pack animals.
One bat to the child by the cat can hardly be considered an attack - it is what cats do when their tails are pulled. Look at the pic of the child - that cat was not trying to scratch the child - probably a bat to get the child to release its tail. Not even a full scratch.
Now, after the guy kicked him, the cat was probably in full attack mode - and I don't blame it one bit.
Cats are not behaviorally comparable to dogs.
Treat a cat like a dog and the cat will bring blood.