Can handle kittens, but civet cats would be too much for him (3)
I believe the answer is:
vet
'be too much for him' is the definition.
'vet' can be an answer for 'be' (vetting is a kind of being). I'm not certain of the 'too much for him' bit.
'can handle kittens but civet cats would' is the wordplay.
'VET' is hidden within the letters.
However, I am uncertain how the hidden word is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for vet that I've seen before include "Experienced" , "Old soldier (inf.)" , "Check someone for suitability" , "Scrutinise" , "Examine carefully for suitability" .)