Are you kidding?? Overnight the no-rec!!
An 8th grader is around 13 years old. Even if 4 years have passed, unless she is in therapy, she most likely hasn't changed. And if her parents truly believe she can do no wrong, chances are she *hasn't* been in therapy. People can change, but from what I've read here, that probably isn't the case.
And James, it doesn't take a lot of physical strength to hold down a small cat, particularly if it's been declawed - sad as I am to say it.