Shock on Vinted
After spotting a tortoiseshell cat listed for sale on the second-hand clothing app, Vinted, English reality television personality Zara Nicole McDermott took to social media to share her distress. The listing, which was quickly removed, has sparked a wave of conversation around pet welfare and the challenges of regulating animal sales on online platforms.
Albus and Cedric: Zara's gorgeous flame lynx & blue point ragdolls 😻The Listing: A Cat Among the Collars
Screenshots of the listing began circulating on TikTok, showing a one-year-old tortoiseshell cat advertised in the “collar category” of Vinted. The seller requested £130 for the cat, mentioning that the animal was neither spayed nor microchipped. The advert described the cat as being in "very good" condition and stated it would be available for collection only.
It's unclear whether the listing was a serious attempt to sell the cat or if it was posted in jest, but Vinted was quick to respond. A spokesperson for the company confirmed the listing’s removal, explaining that Vinted has strict rules prohibiting the sale of animals. “We absolutely don’t condone this kind of behavior,” a spokesperson told The Independent.
Zara McDermott’s Response
Zara McDermott, known for her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing and her strong advocacy for animal welfare, shared her emotional reaction on Instagram stories. “I’m just actually in shock,” she said. “How are people allowed to own animals if they’re not willing to put in a little bit of effort to take care of it? It’s so not hard to take care of a cat.”
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| Pic: Instagram |
McDermott, who owns two Ragdoll cats herself, went on to say that seeing the listing made her sad enough to consider adopting the cat. Her followers, along with many TikTok users, shared her dismay, questioning how a platform like Vinted could allow the sale of pets, even briefly.
Social Media Reactions
The listing quickly gained traction on TikTok, where it received numerous reactions from concerned viewers. “People don’t deserve animals if they can’t look after them,” commented one user. Another added, “Why don’t people take them to the RSPCA? They’d find them a proper home with checks on the people too.”
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) advised against using second-hand apps like Vinted for rehoming pets. They highlighted the difficulty of ensuring the animal is going to a responsible home. An RSPCA spokesperson noted, “We understand that circumstances can change, and especially with the cost of living crisis, some owners may be struggling. However, we’d urge those in this situation to seek help from friends, family, or animal charities.”
Vinted’s Response
Vinted, a popular platform for second-hand clothing and accessories, has faced criticism before for similar listings. In their statement, they emphasized the safety of their community, explaining that prohibited items like animals are removed promptly. They also reassured users that they have “processes and procedures in place to make sure members have a safe and pleasant experience.”
The Bigger Picture: Rehoming Animals Responsibly
This incident highlights a broader issue regarding the rehoming of pets online. While some people may face genuine challenges in caring for their animals, animal welfare organizations like the RSPCA and the Cats Protection League encourage rehoming through reputable channels. Shelters and charities often have the resources to vet potential adopters and provide ongoing support.
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| RSPCA: Cats & Kitten Rehoming |
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| Cats Protection: Adopt a Cat |
If you or someone you know is struggling with pet ownership, there are alternative options to consider. Reputable animal charities can often assist in rehoming, and many offer programs to help with pet care costs. Taking a moment to reach out can ensure pets find safe, caring homes with owners who are ready for the commitment.
What Do You Think?
This story has raised questions about responsible pet ownership and online sales.
Should platforms like Vinted have more robust checks for listings, or is it the responsibility of the pet owner to seek proper rehoming channels?
Have you encountered similar situations online?
This issue of responsible pet ownership and the welfare of animals is one we’re exploring more at Kitten Kaboodle, especially as we approach Global Cat Day. Advocating for stray and feral cats is just one part of the picture, and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is a key practice in helping manage feral cat populations.
Share your thoughts in the comments below! At Kitten Kaboodle, we’d love to hear your experiences and ideas.
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