Charity urges removal of Tube cat travel video

Taking cats on public transport is a "shocking" idea, the Cats Protection charity says

An animal protection charity has asked Transport for London (TfL) to remove a "disturbing" social media video giving advice to cat owners on how to take their pets on public transport.

The video, posted on TfL's Instagram account, shows cats being carried on the Elizabeth line in backpack-style pet carriers, with a caption that reads: "This is your sign to start travelling with your pet around London."

The Cats Protection charity called the idea "shocking", and warned such travelling conditions would be "hugely stressful" for the animals.

A TfL spokesperson said animals were permitted to travel on the network but this should only happen "safely and in line with our conditions of carriage".

These conditions allow assistance dogs and "any other dog or inoffensive animal" to be taken on public transport, and state that owners "must keep it under control on a lead or in a suitable container and must not allow it on a seat".

TfL's video advises cat owners "not to overwhelm your pets"

The Instagram post shows the cats resting on top of their owners' body-worn carriers and on leads, on platforms and on board trains.

The cats are seen playing on the floor of an Elizabeth line train, with a voiceover telling owners they can "place them in or on their carrier or let them relax on the floor".

'Off limits for cats'

"It is disturbing to see Transport for London apparently normalising passengers taking cats on the Underground with a social media reel aimed at young people," said Nicky Trevorrow, senior behaviour manager at Cats Protection.

"Busy stations and crowded Underground platforms with loud and sudden noises, such as trains arriving, announcements and crowds, should be off limits for cats.

"It is shocking to think that anyone would travel on the Underground with their cat on a lead or draped on their shoulders.

"It is not only poor welfare, it's unsafe."

The TfL video advises cat owners to follow four basic rules for travelling with their pets on public transport, including going equipped with pet carriers and escape-proof harnesses, treats, water and toys.

It also tells owners not to allow their cats to sit on passenger seats, but to place them inside their carriers or on the floor if kept on a lead.

Cats Protection has asked TfL to remove the video from its social media channels

Cat owners should also use the lift or stairs when possible, and keep their pets in or on the carrier when taking the escalator, the post said.

Finally, the video advises cat owners "not to overwhelm your pets", and to consider off-peak travel and "routes that provide space and comfort".

Cats Protection said it had contacted TfL to ask for the video to be removed from its social media channels.

"Promotion of cats travelling on the Tube risks encouraging more people to take an action which can be hugely stressful for cats," a spokesperson said.

The charity advises that when a cat needs transporting, such as for a vet visit, a safe and sturdy carrier with a secure door should be used, rather than a cat backpack or a lead.

Sarah Elliott, central veterinary officer at Cats Protection, added: "Restraining a cat on a lead or taking it on unnecessary journeys in backpacks can cause significant stress and inhibit a cat's natural behaviours.

"Cats are territorial and like to roam freely, rather than go on leisure outings away from their familiar home.

"Cat harnesses prevent the flight response, and feeling trapped can significantly escalate stress in cats."