How to be kind to cats
Being a cat hero means standing up for cats, whether they’re pets or living on the streets. It means knowing the truth and knowing when to call for help. Start your training now.
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Being kind to cats
We see cats every day, on TikTok and in real life. But do you really get them?
Have you ever seen a cat act a certain way and not understood why? Or seen videos online that made you laugh but left you confused about how the cat might feel?
Social media & internet ethics
We've all seen "funny" videos of cats being scared by cucumbers or forced into silly costumes. But from the cat's perspective, these aren't jokes, they are terrifying.
- Scaring for likes: Intentionally frightening a cat causes a massive spike in stress hormones. It can make a cat permanently anxious or afraid of their owners.
- Harmful trends: Trends like catapulting cats or making them do things that hurt for a video is animal cruelty.
If you see a video where a cat looks stressed (their ears are back, eyes are wide, and they’re trying to hide), do not like or share it. Social media shows more of what people engage with, so if we stop liking them, people will stop making them.
Are you a cat expert?
How can we show respect for cats in our everyday lives?
Give them space
Let cats choose when to interact and don’t force attention or touch.
Learn their language
Watch their body signals to understand how the cat is feeling.
Don't laugh at fear
Videos that scare or tease cats might seem funny, but they cause real stress and harm.
Keep them safe
Make sure cats have food, water and somewhere quiet to rest, and never encourage cruel behaviour.
Be kind online
Think before you share – if a video or trend shows an animal scared or hurt, don’t like or repost it.
Speak up
If you see a cat that’s sick, injured or being mistreated, tell an adult or report it to the RSPCA.
If you see an animal that is injured or being treated cruelly, here is what you need to do:
- 1 Tell a trusted adult immediately.
- 2 Contact the RSPCA online or on our phone line.
