The girl grabs the pet to attack with criticism (6)
I believe the answer is:
scathe
'attack with criticism' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'the girl grabs the pet' is the wordplay.
'the girl' becomes 'she' (I've seen this in another clue).
'grabs' indicates putting letters inside.
'the pet' becomes 'cat' (cats are often kept as pets).
'she' enclosing 'cat' is 'SCATHE'.
'to' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for scathe that I've seen before include "Carpet" , "Harm, injure" , "To scorn" .)