4 year old Girl wanting to hurt animals and younger children

I am a care provider for a 4 year old girl. I have younger children, a dog, and a cat in my home. I have noticed that the little girl that I care for is very aggressive with younger children and my pets. Sometimes she gets a little too excited and accidentally hurts them (which I know can be normal for this age period). But at other times she tries intentionally to hurt my animals. After lunch today she left the table and kicked my cat. When my cat ignored her, she picked up the play vacuum and swung it over her head and was about to slam it into my cat, luckily I stopped her before she could do it. I am at a loss. I talk to her and try to make her understand why it is not right to hurt animals or younger children. She says she understands, but then she goes and does it again (a few minutes after our discussion). I have talked to her parents about this. I don't know what to do. Any advise would be appreciated. Thank you.

That is not normal for a child to intentional hurt animals or younger kids. It could be something going on at home or maybe she does not like her parents leaving her. or she is needing attention and feels the animals and younger kids are getting attention she wants.. Like if her parents don't pay attention to her at home. Or at home someone is showing her to be mean.. but anyway it is not normal.

Disturbing behavior in a 4 year old. She should understand by now that we don't hurt pets or others. content from pregnancy question and answersRenting&RealEstate

My guess is that she either sees anger/violence in her home or she may be learning challenged.

Or, could she be trying to get your attention?

Future Serial killer.

My 4 year old fully understands not to, and never ever does, hurt animals or people. She has serious mental issues.