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Litter trays for pupils who identify as cats? It’s not within a whisker of the truth, says school
Deputy head teacher forced to deny rumour that the provisions were available for children who considered themselves as felines
A school has been forced to deny it provides litter trays for children identifying as cats.
Parents of around 1,000 pupils at West Monmouth School in Pontypool, South Wales, were told that the school did not provide extra facilities for pupils who might identify as “an animal of any kind”.
In a letter, Claire Hughes, the deputy head teacher, said: “It has come to our attention that there appears to be a number of queries and concerns raised within the community regarding the use of litter trays at West Monmouth School.
“I would like to take this opportunity to assure you that we do not and will not be planning on providing any litter trays at the school.
“Whilst we are an inclusive and welcoming school, we do not make any provision for any pupils who might identify as an animal of any kind.
“This kind of behaviour is not acceptable at school and as such, no provision is in place at school, such as litter trays.”
A spokesman for Torfaen council said the teacher was “responding to rumours that the toilets had cat litter trays in them”.
He said: “The rumours have circulated on social media channels.”
Misinformation spread on social media
Last year, a hoax spread across North America alleging that certain schools provide litter boxes in bathrooms for pupils who “identify as cats” or “furries”.
In East Sussex earlier this year, children at a school were reprimanded for refusing to accept a classmate’s decision to self-identify as a cat.
A teacher at Rye College in East Sussex was recorded telling pupils they were “despicable” for expressing their belief that there are only two genders after another pupil was believed to self-identify as a cat.
The Telegraph discovered that a pupil at a secondary school in the South West was insisting on being addressed as a dinosaur. At another secondary school in England, a pupil insisted on identifying as a horse, while another wore a cape and wanted to be acknowledged as a moon.
Downing Street intervened in the row after psychotherapists warned that teachers were “dehumanising” children and causing long-term distress. Head teachers were told that they should not be teaching children that they can identify as cats or other animals.
Jason O’Brien, the strategic director for children and family services at Torfaen council, said: “Torfaen council is focused on pupil attainment and wellbeing.
“It’s disappointing when schools are distracted from these priorities by having to quash damaging rumours and misinformation circulating on social media.”
West Monmouth School alumni include Oscar-winner Sir Anthony Hopkins, Welsh rugby player Graham Price and England rugby star Mako Vunipola.