Spaced out
1 Like
Best way of stopping a toddler tantrum? āOooh look a cat!ā Iām forever thankful for the cats enroute to nursery. There are a LOT of cats in HOP.
1 Like
Hi, I am new here and still finding my way around. Sorry to begin with a criticism, but I would think that cat owners are entitled to object to their pet being photographed and details given of the road (in one case even the house number) where to find their particular cat. To me it seems irresponsible to publish these details without regard to the feelings of the pet owners, or to encorage āoutingā local pets as personalities when there have been a number of very worrying incidents in south east London lately that have been widely reported in the press.
If a pet owner objects to a photo of their pet being shared then I will ensure the photo is taken down.
If there was any evidence to suggest the pet killer specifically targeted internet celebrity pets then I wouldnāt have started this thread.
But thereās no evidence to suggest that, as far as I know, and IMO it would be very sad and unnecessary to stop sharing photos of cute pets because of the actions of one deranged person somewhere within the M25. Similarly, a blanket ban on sharing photos of our children because of the existence of one paedophile somewhere in the country would be an overreaction IMO.
What do others think?
1 Like
Hi Chris, I would like to add that a pet is like a family member, so it does seem a bit of an intrusion to take photographs of domestic cats for use on a web site without first seeking the ownerās approval. I donāt think permission can be assumed in every case, nor is everyone aware of this forum, so they may not know to object (esp. the elderly).
You may not have seen all the press coverage so please do take a look at the article linked below which reported the incident which took place in Forest Hill:
Evening Standard Tuesday 12 April 2016
ā¦Pat
Hereās my take as a cat (and dog) owner.
First, I donāt think posting photos of cats here will attract this lunatic cat killer. These attacks have taken place over a huge area. If anything, knowing locals are keeping an eye on local felines would be a deterrent.
Second, Iāll admit I felt the same when I first saw this thread - it seemed rather impudent to take pictures of other peopleās pets and post them here. But for the life of me I canāt rationalise that reaction. Itās not logical. And if I found a picture of mine here Iād be flattered rather than offended.
The argument that people who donāt know about the forum might be upset to know their petās picture is on it is self-defeating. If you donāt know, you canāt be upset by it.
This is HUGELY different from taking picture of peopleās children.
3 Likes
Notwithstanding as the proud parent of two cats myself, Iād be thrilled to know how they were interacting with the local community.
There is another more positive aspect to this thread. If a precious puss goes missing, the familiarity of that cat to others through a forum like this could help in tracing or finding the pet. Iām not a big fan of letting cats roam freely because of the possible dangers they face. I liken it to letting your cherished child go wondering the 'hood in the wee hours of the morning. Iād be much happier if my cats were becoming part of the community through a forum like this.
3 Likes
And if you see either of these two pudgy pussies around the neighbourhood, let me know immediately. They shouldnāt be.
7 Likes
Agree with Chris
1 Like
Ah how wonderful!! Yes heās with me & has been for the last 3/4 years - heās so funny & just a really lovely loyal cat friend! X
Not sure of this guys name (Bags Maybe??) but he hangs out all day in Shannons Garden Centre - generally sleeping and being made a fuss of by the likes of me!
2 Likes
Met this gorgeous girl on Thorpewood Ave yesterday. Begged for tummy rubs and very chatty. Then walked with me for a bit.
4 Likes
WE JUST GOT A KITTEN!! 
Sheās too young to be spotted on the streets of SE23 at the moment, but keep an eye out from October time.
Sheās called Tally, and is (supposedly) a bengal-cross.
Apologies for the ropey picture - sheās not too keen on sitting still for photosā¦
9 Likes
I live on that road - never seen him before! He looks like a fluffy version of my cat Otis! 