How do I explain scars when a young child asks about them?

I have some cats so I'm saying to them that I played a lot with my cats and that those scars are the result of playing with my cats.

I think the best way is to say they're battle scars.. scars from a war within yourself you just didn't win. But don't be gorey about it.

Tell the child you were in a battle. That the battle left you scars but you were able to get through and fight them. Tell them you were able to do this because you are strong and everyone needs to be strong. The child can veiw you as a hero or a really strong person that in the future they will soon understand that the battle was withing yourself and you were able to overcome your troubles. This will allow them to see that you can do anything and get through everything. It can also give them a powerful outlook on their future life. They might even veiw you as an inspiration.

Tell them that all of the "scars" represent a time you were "sad" , they appear when your feeling down and or lonely.

"I've been through a war. These are my battle scars." You can't really explain that to young kids thoroughly enough

Tell the child that you were in a challenging battle and those scars are what it left behind. It is not shameful to struggle.

I call them my battle scars, which honestly is pretty true. And from what I've seen, that's usually good enough for most little kids

I have in the past said, "These are my battle scars. Life can be a war and sometimes we come out wounded. You may not understand this now, but one day you will understand, though I hope you never come out wounded."

Keep it short and sweet. Kids don't understand, and explaining to them may just make them upset. Say something like, "I was upset and scratched myself. But, I'm all better now."

Tell them the truth in a simple vocabulary. If a child asks something is because he/she is ready to handle that information and it's important explaint things and be open to them. (They understand much more than we think).