‘Don’t take cats on the tube’ warns charity after ‘shocking’ video released

An animal charity has criticised Transport for London (TfL) for a video on how to take cats on the Tube.

Cats Protection said cats would suffer danger and stress if taken on public transport in the way displayed in the video and said it was ‘staggering’ that TfL would disregard their safety ‘in favour of clocking up a few more likes’.

The London transport provider had uploaded a social media video which shows two pet owners taking their cats on the Tube.

The cats are seen sitting loose on top of their carriers and on the floor of the carriages while on leads.

In the video viewers are told cats are allowed on the Tube, but owners should follow four rules, be well equipped with, for example, a carrier and harness, don’t allow the cats to sit on the seats, if possible choose lifts or stairs as opposed to escalators and ensure your cat isn’t overwhelmed.

But Cats Protection said owners should try to avoid taking cats on public transport altogether, but when necessary they should be kept inside a carrier.

The charity and TfL had a meeting on Wednesday and Jeff Knotts, Cats Protection Director of Advocacy & Influence, said he thought it had been ‘constructive’.

However, he says they have since heard that the video will not be removed, only the captions altered.

‘For TfL to disregard cat welfare and safety in favour of clocking up a few more likes on social media is staggering to say the least,’ he said.’

‘The evidence is clear. Changing a few words simply isn’t good enough.

‘We strive to encourage people to see the world through cats’ eyes and we made a strong case to protect cats from the unnecessary stress and dangers of being carried on busy, noisy tube trains.’

Mr Knotts said he was confident that public opinion was with them and the charity was not planning to ‘let this matter drop’.

Nicky Trevorrow, Cats Protection Senior Behaviour Manager, added: ‘Our next steps are to ask the London Assembly to meet with us to discuss improving cat welfare on TfL. This isn’t over.

‘It is shocking to think that anyone would travel on the underground with their cat on a lead or held to their chest.

She said travelling with a cat in this way was not just putting the cat’s welfare at risk, it was also unsafe.

‘Busy stations and crowded underground platforms with loud noises, trains arriving, announcements and crowds, should be off limits for cats,’ she explained.

‘Imagine if a panicked cat got free and ran along the tracks. It could shut down the tube line and bring London to a standstill. Irresponsibility comes with consequences.’

The charity would like to produce a joint video with TfL providing tips on how best to care for your cat on essential public transport travel, such as visits to the vets.

A number of people posting on social media appeared to agree with the charity.

One wrote: ‘99% of cats would find this incredibly stressful.

‘As someone who works with cats I strongly encourage you to leave your cats at home where they feel safe.

‘A cat’s territory is so important to them and taking them out like this will make them feel vulnerable and at risk.

‘Cats are not dogs, please do remember their care is very different.. Some cats may have the right experience and temperament to cope with this but most will not.’

Another wrote: ‘This is awful. Do not encourage cats to be taken from home. It’s extremely stressful and scary for them. This is so stupid and irresponsible. REMOVE THE POST.’

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