It's horrible when you feel helpless in your own house. I agree, the child should have boundaries, not the cats (they are smart enough to stay away from certain people).

The parents are clearly not in control in this situation.

Some cats are fine with children, others not. When my grandchildren came to visit (when they were very young), our cats would head for the hills as soon as one of them shrieked! That's all it took, a loud voice and they hid.

I'm so sorry for you AND esp. for your kitties..............