Many pet owners probably wish they could magically sneak their furry friends into every nook and cranny of their lives, even in grocery stores where they are almost always forbidden. This desire for constant companionship with pets has just sparked new debates, as seen recently with a controversial photo of a cat in an Aldi shopping trolley, raising concerns over hygiene and highlighting discussions about the rights of assistance animals under disability laws.
A photo circulating on social media of a cat happily sitting in a shopping trolley at an Aldi store in Jerrabomberra in Canberra’s south-west, Australia, has divided shoppers.
Taking to the Aldi Fans in Australia Facebook page last week, a customer uploaded the controversial picture with a caption that read: “Here is something that is rare to see in an Aldi store.
A photo circulating on social media of a cat happily sitting in a shopping trolley at an Aldi store in Australia divided shoppers
Image credits: Anne Marie Powell
“It is the first time I have ever seen an assistance cat anywhere in public.”
The picture in question was rather funny-looking, showcasing the cute feline patiently staying inside the baby seat part of a trolley while wearing a green harness around its neck.
While some Facebook users who commented on the post thought the addition of the animal to the shopping cart was adorable, others slammed the move as “unhygienic,” as per The Daily Mail.
An animal must also be accredited as trained to assist people living with disabilities, Aldi said
Image credits: Ibrahim Guetar
A person commented: “So anyone can buy a harness for an animal and call it an assistance pet and take it anywhere. Ridiculous.”
Another commentator wrote: “Yuck! Assistance or not. I don’t believe animals should be allowed in our trolleys where we put our food.”
An additional Facebook user penned: “How unhygienic to have a cat in a food supermarket.”
Other angry Aldi fans pointed out they were allergic to cats and argued that the animal posed a health hazard, as a person wrote: “My kids would be in trouble if they sat there after this cat! They have severe allergies.”
Some people thought the addition of the animal to the shopping cart was adorable while others slammed the move as “unhygienic”
Image credits: rawpixel
A handful of people were more focused on maintaining respect for those who need an assistance animal to help with their disabilities.
A spokesperson for the German supermarket chain said the company’s policy on animals was guided by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Australia), as per the Daily Mail.
The Act states a creature is considered an assistance animal if it is “trained to assist a person with a disability.” Moreover, the animal must also be accredited as trained to assist people living with disabilities under the law of a state or territory.
Additionally, the animal must “meet the standards of hygiene and behavior that are appropriate for an animal in a public place,” as well as help people living with disabilities in conducting everyday tasks.
Cats can be emotional support animals, US Service Animals said
Image credits: InstaWalli
Service dogs are most notably used as assistance animals. According to the United Disabilities Services Foundation, service dogs play a vital role in the lives of people with disabilities ranging from autism to muscular dystrophy. They also help their owners perform day-to-day tasks, and some are specially trained for people with diabetes, epilepsy, or PTSD.
Nevertheless, US Service Animals notes that cats can be emotional support animals, even if they can’t be trained as service animals.
While service animals are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, therapy animals provide comfort and emotional support in various settings. Moreover, emotional support animals offer companionship and support to individuals with mental health conditions.
Each type of animal serves a distinct purpose and has different legal rights and protections.
The cat picture posted on Facebook ignited more divided feelings
That would be illegal in the UK (and, I think, in the EU) Only registered service animals (usually guide dogs) are allowed in shops that sell food. We don't have the same rules as some countries that allow our pet iguana to be our 'emotional wellbeing support critter'.
Not every EU country has regulations/laws about pets in stores, but yes, in general European pets are not welcome in shops unless stated otherwise.
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Hey, I absolutely LOVE cats, have 2, had cats all my life, and would LOVE to bring them anywhere to smooth anxiety... BUT! I'm not alone on this planet. Some people have (severe) cat allergies, some people fear cats, and cats aren't so magical that it makes them okay in a food store for everyone. If I insist cats should be allowed, why not dogs? (any dog, beyond service dogs), domestic rats, parrots, dwarf pigs, and why not your darn full size horse? I think we can agree that for many reasons, pets shouldn't be allowed in food stores, pharmacy, and even in-door restaurants unless they are service animals. And by service animals, I mostly mean life-saving service dogs for the blinds, for seizure detection, and such severe condition. "Emotional support" isn't one of them. Think of the others. You might feel supported while shopping, what about other people?
To be fair, cats are cleaner than most small children that sit in those seats and most adults that push the trollies! But the noise etc isn’t suitable for cats and like you say we are not alone on this planet. In the supermarket I nearly had a heart attack and stifled a scream, when I put my hand into the shelf to get some cereal and there was a f-ing humongous furry spider there, thankfully, it was a Halloween decoration, but the fact it was partially hidden threw me! And I would never go shopping if someone was walking around with their emotional support spider on their shoulder!
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Hah that was my thought too. When I read people complaining about how unhygienic the cat would be I was like and a 2 year old would be better? A cat wouldn't really bother me, but I think allowing pets (not service animals, just pets) into stores like this is a problem waiting to happen. Bunnings has been welcoming dogs for awhile now. Recently a small dog was attacked and killed (pretty horribly) in a Bunnings in front of everyone by a large dog. I believe it's better to leave the pets at home. Minimize the risk of problems.
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I love animals, but as an asthmatic, who's asthma is triggered by pet hair/dander, I am increasingly endangered by this concept that pets everywhere is a good thing. I cannot use trains or buses here, and pubs, cafes, restaurants, shops increasingly have animals in. Why is my disability ignored? An animal is 'emotional support' for you but breathing is a necessity for all humans. Service animals - sure (but I am still allergic to them! My lungs don't know the difference) but this is ridiculous.
Guess we should just give the middle finger to anyone and everyone who has an allergy, because the cat/dog/pigeon/lizard is cute. Follow the GD rules, your self-proclaimed therapy panda does not belong in the store. Working animals only.
I'm betting the cat left a whole lot less mess on that cart than some young children. I never put my groceries in that area, because you know what else gets put in that area?
I the US, depending on the state, this could be a problem. Various state health departments have different rules, but having unsecured random animals in a place where food is prepared (butcher or deli sections) could result in actions as severe as shutting the store while it is sanitized and re-inspected and possibly throwing away any food the animal might have come in contact with. And if you say "My pet isn't a health hazard!", well great, but you know there are people who don't get their pets annual shots, let them run around where they could pick up parasites, and eat questionable dead things they found under a bush.
Pets do not belong in a supermarket, period. Service animals, yes. In our area, it is a health violation to allow non-service animals in the grocery stores. Unfortunately, a number of stores do not enforce this rule. It only takes one incident with a non-qualified animal (urinating/defecating on the floor, helping itself to displayed food, snapping at/biting another customer, illness due to food exposure to animal-borne organisms) to bring the legal hammer of Thor down on a business. Not smart.
People claiming allergies need to ask themselves if they feel the same way about those who over perfume themselves. Some of the heavy perfumes and colognes people wear are so strong they trigger migraines.
Yes, people wearing too much perfume are just as inconsiderate as someone who brings a cat into the grocery store, but is that relevant?
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I think cats are much more hygienic than people's babies or toddlers. A cat isn't wearing a thin bit of cloth or plastic and popping in the middle of the food aisle.
That cat is 100 times cleaner than a snot nose kid with a poopy diaper sitting in the cart! I'll take the cat any day over snot nosed kid germ breeders.
I love my kitties. They make waking up every day a joy. Kitty-Kisses are wonderful. But, their place is at home.
They can say a cat is unhygienic all they want, but to be fair, so are kids. Like, they roll around on the floor, touch everything, and they get to sit in the shopping trolley. So yeah, that argument doesn't fly at all. Now, the argument about allergies, on the other hand, is more legit... (though personally, I love cats and would have been over the moon if I had witnessed the scene as described above ♥)
My animals don't sit in carts dribbling poo out of their nappies, just saying...
Totally regular harness to take your cat outside.
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Service animals are also for mental health support, not just visually impaired or seizures, as such it's hard to dictate to people who suffer from a debilitating illness of what they should have (even if some know it all self appointed experts here would do it). I've seen far worse, 3-4 years olds in dirt nappy, filthy tops with nose running, mum barefoot and i was wondering when (if) she had the last shower, talk about unhygienic, i rather have a well groomed, clean cat or any other animal. As for allergies: yes, it's serious, but how about looking after yourself instead expecting the whole world to treat like you're special? Wear gloves or disinfect the trolley before using it and if your mum is allergic to a dog or cat make sure she won't sit in the trolley :p
I adore my kittens. They have made it so nice to wake up in the morning. But their place is at home, in my bed, my chair, on top of me, NOT in a grocery store. I have 5 different PSWs. 3 claimed to be allergic & I am a severely asthmatic, but ALL my PSWs take care of the kittens water dish, litter box & food bowls before they help me. They all have to have a sit down with kitty kisses. So much for being allergic.....lol
Hahaha I find it hysterical, seriously that people are all in a twist because the woman put her cat in the front of the carriage 'where we put our food!, soooo unhygienic!" Uh sorry to ruin your day, but you obviously haven't looked too closely at that little section in the front. With the open holes? IT'S FOR SMALL CHILDREN TO SIT! Yes with their nasty, pissy diapers, their other nastiness in their pants. Soooooo how long have you been putting your food in that section? People put pocketbooks there, that have been on the floor, on subway car seats, in taxi's. Just saying and you're worried about the hygiene of a cat. Let me assure you that a cat is far cleaner than you. Period. And if you're allergic to cats, wear a mask. I'm allergic to COVID, FLU, Pneumonia and colds. But no you'll go in a store cough on the foods, sneeze, touch everything and that's okay huh? Please stop.
Sorry, I don't want to put my food in a cart thay had filthy cat a*s sitting in it
I'm not defending the post or anything, but you realize what normally goes in those seats, right? Filthy toddler a*s isn't something I want on my food either.
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How have we even come to this, here in the US? It's just ridiculous. I'm all for the REAL service dogs, the ones that have actually been through months of training; but not little fluffy dogs who aren't trained to do anything at all. If you can bring your pet dog with you, why not bring your cat?
Could say the same thing about a child, blowouts, drool, filthy hands, and people don't say anything when THEY'RE seated in the cart.
Because most people can't leave their infants at home alone while they do the shopping, like you can for a pet. Also, kids don't have dander, which some folks are highly allergic to.
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I agree, they are very clean creatures. It doesn"t mean it's okay to let them shed hair on fruits and veggies. Some people are allergic. A shop should be a safe place for everyone. It's not just about this cat, it's about EVERYONE. If you let random cats in, why not all pets? I'm not sure I want to shop in a place I have to slalom between dogs and pet pigs and whatnot. Toddlers and bitter grannies are hard enough to dodge.
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I have 3 cars myself, I dont take them out to the stores or anything like that but if anyone need an emotional support and want their pets with them then they shoud be allowed too. People complain about germs but do you realky think those shopping carts are cleaner than my cats, I seriously doubt that. If the store have no problems with anyone bringing their cat in then its no one else problem. Anyone of us need a little support sometime, please be kind!
Blah blah blah allergies blah blah blah fear of animals blah blah blah Yet no one complains about unhygenic kids screaming their way through supermarkets. Give me a well behaved pet in a shop anyday over a jam-fingered germ factory using aisles as go-kart courses.
As long as the cat is chill I'm okay with it. If someone is THAT allergic they'll also be triggered by all the pet allergens on my clothing.
Sadly, not true sorry. Cats or other furry things in the vicinity or regularly welcomed will make me ill within minutes but walking past you with hair on your clothing won't. Unless I cuddle you or am in a confined space with you. It is a nightmare for those who have this - I love animals, but my health is so much more important.
Load More Replies... That would be illegal in the UK (and, I think, in the EU) Only registered service animals (usually guide dogs) are allowed in shops that sell food. We don't have the same rules as some countries that allow our pet iguana to be our 'emotional wellbeing support critter'.
Not every EU country has regulations/laws about pets in stores, but yes, in general European pets are not welcome in shops unless stated otherwise.
Load More Replies... Hey, I absolutely LOVE cats, have 2, had cats all my life, and would LOVE to bring them anywhere to smooth anxiety... BUT! I'm not alone on this planet. Some people have (severe) cat allergies, some people fear cats, and cats aren't so magical that it makes them okay in a food store for everyone. If I insist cats should be allowed, why not dogs? (any dog, beyond service dogs), domestic rats, parrots, dwarf pigs, and why not your darn full size horse? I think we can agree that for many reasons, pets shouldn't be allowed in food stores, pharmacy, and even in-door restaurants unless they are service animals. And by service animals, I mostly mean life-saving service dogs for the blinds, for seizure detection, and such severe condition. "Emotional support" isn't one of them. Think of the others. You might feel supported while shopping, what about other people?
To be fair, cats are cleaner than most small children that sit in those seats and most adults that push the trollies! But the noise etc isn’t suitable for cats and like you say we are not alone on this planet. In the supermarket I nearly had a heart attack and stifled a scream, when I put my hand into the shelf to get some cereal and there was a f-ing humongous furry spider there, thankfully, it was a Halloween decoration, but the fact it was partially hidden threw me! And I would never go shopping if someone was walking around with their emotional support spider on their shoulder!
Load More Replies... Hah that was my thought too. When I read people complaining about how unhygienic the cat would be I was like and a 2 year old would be better? A cat wouldn't really bother me, but I think allowing pets (not service animals, just pets) into stores like this is a problem waiting to happen. Bunnings has been welcoming dogs for awhile now. Recently a small dog was attacked and killed (pretty horribly) in a Bunnings in front of everyone by a large dog. I believe it's better to leave the pets at home. Minimize the risk of problems.
Load More Replies... I love animals, but as an asthmatic, who's asthma is triggered by pet hair/dander, I am increasingly endangered by this concept that pets everywhere is a good thing. I cannot use trains or buses here, and pubs, cafes, restaurants, shops increasingly have animals in. Why is my disability ignored? An animal is 'emotional support' for you but breathing is a necessity for all humans. Service animals - sure (but I am still allergic to them! My lungs don't know the difference) but this is ridiculous.
Guess we should just give the middle finger to anyone and everyone who has an allergy, because the cat/dog/pigeon/lizard is cute. Follow the GD rules, your self-proclaimed therapy panda does not belong in the store. Working animals only.
I'm betting the cat left a whole lot less mess on that cart than some young children. I never put my groceries in that area, because you know what else gets put in that area?
I the US, depending on the state, this could be a problem. Various state health departments have different rules, but having unsecured random animals in a place where food is prepared (butcher or deli sections) could result in actions as severe as shutting the store while it is sanitized and re-inspected and possibly throwing away any food the animal might have come in contact with. And if you say "My pet isn't a health hazard!", well great, but you know there are people who don't get their pets annual shots, let them run around where they could pick up parasites, and eat questionable dead things they found under a bush.
Pets do not belong in a supermarket, period. Service animals, yes. In our area, it is a health violation to allow non-service animals in the grocery stores. Unfortunately, a number of stores do not enforce this rule. It only takes one incident with a non-qualified animal (urinating/defecating on the floor, helping itself to displayed food, snapping at/biting another customer, illness due to food exposure to animal-borne organisms) to bring the legal hammer of Thor down on a business. Not smart.
People claiming allergies need to ask themselves if they feel the same way about those who over perfume themselves. Some of the heavy perfumes and colognes people wear are so strong they trigger migraines.
Yes, people wearing too much perfume are just as inconsiderate as someone who brings a cat into the grocery store, but is that relevant?
Load More Replies... I think cats are much more hygienic than people's babies or toddlers. A cat isn't wearing a thin bit of cloth or plastic and popping in the middle of the food aisle.
That cat is 100 times cleaner than a snot nose kid with a poopy diaper sitting in the cart! I'll take the cat any day over snot nosed kid germ breeders.
I love my kitties. They make waking up every day a joy. Kitty-Kisses are wonderful. But, their place is at home.
They can say a cat is unhygienic all they want, but to be fair, so are kids. Like, they roll around on the floor, touch everything, and they get to sit in the shopping trolley. So yeah, that argument doesn't fly at all. Now, the argument about allergies, on the other hand, is more legit... (though personally, I love cats and would have been over the moon if I had witnessed the scene as described above ♥)
My animals don't sit in carts dribbling poo out of their nappies, just saying...
Totally regular harness to take your cat outside.
Load More Replies... Service animals are also for mental health support, not just visually impaired or seizures, as such it's hard to dictate to people who suffer from a debilitating illness of what they should have (even if some know it all self appointed experts here would do it). I've seen far worse, 3-4 years olds in dirt nappy, filthy tops with nose running, mum barefoot and i was wondering when (if) she had the last shower, talk about unhygienic, i rather have a well groomed, clean cat or any other animal. As for allergies: yes, it's serious, but how about looking after yourself instead expecting the whole world to treat like you're special? Wear gloves or disinfect the trolley before using it and if your mum is allergic to a dog or cat make sure she won't sit in the trolley :p
I adore my kittens. They have made it so nice to wake up in the morning. But their place is at home, in my bed, my chair, on top of me, NOT in a grocery store. I have 5 different PSWs. 3 claimed to be allergic & I am a severely asthmatic, but ALL my PSWs take care of the kittens water dish, litter box & food bowls before they help me. They all have to have a sit down with kitty kisses. So much for being allergic.....lol
Hahaha I find it hysterical, seriously that people are all in a twist because the woman put her cat in the front of the carriage 'where we put our food!, soooo unhygienic!" Uh sorry to ruin your day, but you obviously haven't looked too closely at that little section in the front. With the open holes? IT'S FOR SMALL CHILDREN TO SIT! Yes with their nasty, pissy diapers, their other nastiness in their pants. Soooooo how long have you been putting your food in that section? People put pocketbooks there, that have been on the floor, on subway car seats, in taxi's. Just saying and you're worried about the hygiene of a cat. Let me assure you that a cat is far cleaner than you. Period. And if you're allergic to cats, wear a mask. I'm allergic to COVID, FLU, Pneumonia and colds. But no you'll go in a store cough on the foods, sneeze, touch everything and that's okay huh? Please stop.
Sorry, I don't want to put my food in a cart thay had filthy cat a*s sitting in it
I'm not defending the post or anything, but you realize what normally goes in those seats, right? Filthy toddler a*s isn't something I want on my food either.
Load More Replies... How have we even come to this, here in the US? It's just ridiculous. I'm all for the REAL service dogs, the ones that have actually been through months of training; but not little fluffy dogs who aren't trained to do anything at all. If you can bring your pet dog with you, why not bring your cat?
Could say the same thing about a child, blowouts, drool, filthy hands, and people don't say anything when THEY'RE seated in the cart.
Because most people can't leave their infants at home alone while they do the shopping, like you can for a pet. Also, kids don't have dander, which some folks are highly allergic to.
Load More Replies... I agree, they are very clean creatures. It doesn"t mean it's okay to let them shed hair on fruits and veggies. Some people are allergic. A shop should be a safe place for everyone. It's not just about this cat, it's about EVERYONE. If you let random cats in, why not all pets? I'm not sure I want to shop in a place I have to slalom between dogs and pet pigs and whatnot. Toddlers and bitter grannies are hard enough to dodge.
Load More Replies... I have 3 cars myself, I dont take them out to the stores or anything like that but if anyone need an emotional support and want their pets with them then they shoud be allowed too. People complain about germs but do you realky think those shopping carts are cleaner than my cats, I seriously doubt that. If the store have no problems with anyone bringing their cat in then its no one else problem. Anyone of us need a little support sometime, please be kind!
Blah blah blah allergies blah blah blah fear of animals blah blah blah Yet no one complains about unhygenic kids screaming their way through supermarkets. Give me a well behaved pet in a shop anyday over a jam-fingered germ factory using aisles as go-kart courses.
As long as the cat is chill I'm okay with it. If someone is THAT allergic they'll also be triggered by all the pet allergens on my clothing.
Sadly, not true sorry. Cats or other furry things in the vicinity or regularly welcomed will make me ill within minutes but walking past you with hair on your clothing won't. Unless I cuddle you or am in a confined space with you. It is a nightmare for those who have this - I love animals, but my health is so much more important.
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