Zara McDermott was left in tears after coming across a Vinted user seemingly attempting to sell their cat on the second-hand clothing site. The advert featured a tortoiseshell cat under the “collar category”, with a price tag of £130. The listing specified that the cat, aged one year and two months, was not spayed or microchipped, contrary to recommended practices, and was available for collection only.
It remains unclear whether the listing was a serious attempt to sell the cat or made in jest. However, past incidents of pets being advertised on second-hand platforms have been noted. A Vinted spokesperson confirmed the existence of the listing and promptly removed it for violating their terms and conditions, which prohibit the sale of animals.
Reacting to the distressing discovery, Zara McDermott took to Instagram to express her emotions. The 27-year-old, who owns two ragdoll cats, shared her shock and sadness at the listing. She questioned how individuals could own pets without making minimal efforts to care for them, emphasising the responsibility of looking after animals.
Expressing a desire to adopt the cat herself, McDermott’s heartfelt response highlighted the importance of responsible pet ownership. Vinted reiterated their stance against such actions, swiftly removing the listing and emphasising member safety as a top priority on their platform.
Social media responses echoed outrage at the listing, with viewers noting the importance of proper animal care and rehoming procedures. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) advised against online pet rehoming due to the challenges of ensuring animals are placed in suitable homes.
In light of rising living costs, the RSPCA urged struggling pet owners to seek assistance from friends, family, or charities rather than resorting to online sales. The incident serves as a reminder of the responsibilities associated with pet ownership and the need for compassion towards animals in all situations.