Horrified Cat

[MWB]

My 1 year old male, neutered cat is horrified, terrified, and all other like words - of children.
He has never been in direct contact with any; the closest he would ever have likely to have been is the kids coming home from school by passing my house or on television.(lol) He is a typical moggie, is wary of people; he could never be picked by a stranger without me being around.
Now the thing is, I have a new boarder with a 5 year old girl. My cat took one look - only a look - and scarpered, the child didn't say a word or run up. She got out of the car quietly, didn't even see my cat, but his eyes boggled and vroom - like a rat out of an aqueduct!
Why is my cat like this? If he'd had his tail or whiskers pulled or put under the shower by a child I could see why.
I'm trying to get him used to the child by showing her to quietly walk up to him and speak softly - that is if I can find him. He only emerges when she has gone to bed. No amount of food or calling will entice him out of hiding.
So any ideas why my cat is like this?

[NikkiB]

I've yet to know a cat that ISN'T scared of children. The problem is of course that children run and scream and gesticulate so to a cat this seems like small violent demons come to wreak havoc! Having had cats all my life and now having small nephews and nieces, I'm at a loss as to how to remedy the situation. Even encouraging small children to be extra gentle in handling and voice tone will still make felines cower. When my little relatives come to visit, I just accept that our cat will disappear for the duration. If you have both a small child and a cat in residence I'm sure it's considerably more difficult. Either weather the storm with your cat until your little girl is older and less boisterous or find a new home for your cat?
It's so sad as I know how precious pets are to the owner.

[Misty77]

I agree with Nikki. My cats are just the same with children, but I think thats because they don't like the running about/screaming/yelling etc etc...My cats are used a quiet relaxed life - throwing a small, loud child into the equation just doesn't do for them, they HATE it. They used to hate my 11 year old Cousin, but gradually as she has got a little older and doesn't move around quickly or unexpectedly - they have come around to her.