Community Guidelines

Community Guidelines

Community Guidelines

Effective Date: 1 December 2025

Operated by: MEOWOOF LIMITED
Company Registration Number (CRN): 755310
Business Name Registration Number (RBN): 775452
Registered Address: 13 Adelaide Road, Dublin D02 P950, Ireland

Contact Email: privacy@cats.ie

1. Welcome to the Cats.ie Community

Cats.ie exists to bring together cat lovers, owners, breeders, rescue organisations, and professionals across Ireland in a safe, respectful, and caring environment.

These Community Guidelines outline the standards of behaviour expected from all users — whether you are posting a listing, commenting on an article, or contacting another member.

Our goal is to ensure Cats.ie remains a trusted space that reflects the same values we hold for cats: care, respect, and responsibility.

2. Our Core Principles

Every action on Cats.ie should reflect:

  • Respect – Treat others with kindness, even in disagreement.
  • Honesty – Be truthful in all listings, comments, and communications.
  • Safety – Protect animals, users, and personal data.
  • Integrity – Comply with Irish law and Cats.ie rules.
  • Community Spirit – Support others and report misuse when you see it.

Cats.ie is more than a website — it is a shared space where everyone helps keep the community safe and supportive.

3. What We Expect From You

By using Cats.ie, you agree to:

  • Use real and accurate information where required (especially for listings and services);
  • Keep your account secure and not share login credentials;
  • Communicate politely, patiently, and constructively;
  • Follow all applicable laws, including Irish animal welfare and consumer protection legislation;
  • Promptly report suspicious, misleading, or abusive content to moderators.

While we moderate actively, community vigilance plays an important role in keeping Cats.ie safe.

4. What’s Not Allowed

Breaches of these rules may result in warnings, suspension, or permanent account removal.

4.1 Prohibited Content

  1. False or misleading animal listings;
  2. Content promoting illegal or unethical breeding practices;
  3. Offensive, discriminatory, or harassing language;
  4. Images depicting animal harm, distress, or unsafe conditions;
  5. Scam, spam, or deceptive advertising;
  6. Infringement of copyright, trademarks, or privacy rights.

4.2 Prohibited Behaviour

  1. Impersonating another person, breeder, or organisation;
  2. Sharing personal contact details of others without consent;
  3. Repeatedly posting similar content to manipulate visibility;
  4. Harassing, intimidating, or “trolling” other users;
  5. Attempting to circumvent moderation or payment systems.

5. Animal Welfare Responsibilities

Every Cats.ie user has a moral and legal duty to protect animal welfare.

All users must comply with:

  • the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013,
  • IPAAG Pet Advertising Standards, and
  • the Cats.ie Animal Welfare Rules

In practice, this means:

  • kittens must be at least 8 weeks old before leaving their mother;
  • animals must be healthy, well cared for, and accurately described;
  • sellers must disclose vaccination and neutering status where applicable;
  • rescue organisations must operate under a valid Charity Registration Number;
  • misleading “designer” breed naming or pricing inflation is not permitted.

Cats.ie reserves the right to remove any listing that raises welfare concerns, even without a formal complaint.

6. Communication Between Users

To protect privacy and safety, Cats.ie provides secure internal messaging.
You agree to use this system responsibly:

  • No spamming or unsolicited promotions.
  • No pressure tactics, harassment, or discrimination.
  • Keep messages relevant to listings or service enquiries.
  • Report suspicious activity immediately via ”Report Concern”

Messages may be reviewed using automated systems and manual checks to identify abuse patterns.

7. Reviews & Comments

We welcome constructive feedback, but reviews and comments must remain fair and respectful.

You must not:

  • Post false, misleading, or defamatory reviews;
  • Review your own listings or those of competitors;
  • Copy content from others without permission.

Cats.ie may edit or remove reviews that breach these standards

8. Moderation & Enforcement

Cats.ie moderation combines automated filters, manual review, and user reporting.
We may:

  • Issue warnings or temporary suspensions;
  • Remove listings or posts without notice;
  • Permanently ban repeat offenders;
  • Report illegal activity to authorities or relevant welfare bodies.

Where possible, users will be notified of moderation actions, unless doing so would risk further harm or abuse.

9. Reporting & Support

If you encounter content or behaviour that violates these guidelines:

  • use the Report button on the site, or
  • contact us at privacy@cats.ie (screenshots are helpful where possible).

Reports are handled confidentially and reviewed promptly.
Cases involving animal welfare, harassment, or fraud are prioritised.

10. Consequences of Violations

Depending on severity, actions may include:

  1. Warnings for minor first-time breaches;
  2. Temporary suspensions (typically 7–30 days);
  3. Permanent account closure for serious or repeated violations;
  4. Referral to authorities for criminal or welfare-related offences.

Decisions are made in good faith and are final.

11. Appeals

If you believe a moderation decision was incorrect, you may appeal within 14 days of notification.

Appeals should be sent to privacy@cats.ie with the subject line:
“Appeal – Moderation Decision”.

Appeals are reviewed by a senior moderator not involved in the original decision.

12. Legal References

These Community Guidelines operate in conjunction with:

  • Cats.ie Terms & Conditions
  • Animal Welfare Rules
  • Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013
  • Criminal Justice (Harassment and Harmful Communications) Act 2020
  • Consumer Protection Act 2007
  • IPAAG Pet Advertising Advisory Guideline

13. Continuous Improvement

Cats.ie regularly updates these guidelines based on community feedback, evolving welfare standards, and digital safety best practices.

Our aim is to remain friendly, firm, and fair — just like good cat care should be.

Contact

For questions about these Community Guidelines or moderation policies, please contact:

Cats.ie Community & Safety Team
Email : privacy@cats.ie
Address: MEOWOOF LIMITED, 13 Adelaide Road, Dublin D02 P950, Ireland