is this "FAD" RUINING the HOBBY? MY REACTION + Wednesday babies feeding/ update!!

Are we ruining it for everyone? Are velvet and jumping spiders the WORST? idk lol
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[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, all! A) Kat, it was NOT about you. I have never said a negative thing about you, even though you've contacted me in the past thinking that I might have been talking about you about certain topics. I'm not sure if you reached out; if you did, I'm sorry. I'm also sorry that you took this to be about you, as you were NOT who I was thinking of, and this wasn't even about one person. If not for you, I wouldn't have people contacting me weekly trying to buy velvet spiders. ;) I haven't had a single person ask me if it was about you, so I had no idea that this was even a thing. B) For all of the folks who are chiming in having not listened to the entire podcast, please give it a listen. I called myself out for being foolish enough to avoid something just because it's popular, and labeled it a character defect. I made no bones about it. I wasn't saying that I was right for thinking that way -- I was saying that I was an idiot. I even called myself an "old fart" at one point. I said that because of that mindset, myself and others are missing out on some truly cool spiders. I pointed out some bad that comes from their popularity, and then spoke about the good that comes from it. As for "gatekeeping", I WANT the hobby to grow...that was one of the pros that I mentioned (I'm not sure if those sound bites are in the video, as I'm typing and it's not over. If not...) C) The husbandry stuff wasn't about you at all. I get links to FB, Instagram, and Tik Tok sent to me daily featuring dangerous setups - none have been yours. D) For those calling me "sexist", the original comment that led to this discussion was made by a younger woman, not me. She was not the only woman who expressed these feelings. I thought that it was an interesting comment and a nice way to segue into talking about the pros and cons of their popularity. E) And for those who didn't or won't bother to listen to the podcast, I NEVER said that people shouldn't keep them or that they were bad for the hobby. I pointed out why some get annoyed, talked about some cons, and then clearly stated that jumpers and velvets were AMAZING and I would have missed out if I kept this attitude. IS THIS FAD RUINING THE HOBBY? No, and I NEVER said that it was. That's all! -Tom (Moran, NOT Patterson)

[@AndrewYeardley]

lol pwned em Tom well done kats are crying 😂

[@roxie10xoxo]

It's not what you said, it's how and the harsh judgement. It's ok to judge people's actions as they can change that readily easily. It's rough when you make strong judgements on people's character. I have autism and it has taken me many years to learn this.

[@ethanmccormack9561]

Fair play Tom. Could I ask what the podcast number/ name is so I can have a listen please mate.

[@sir.tempest5718]

@@FS-qk5uq 🤡

[@sir.tempest5718]

@@AndrewYeardley 🤡

[@tarantulacollective]

I always thought being punk rock or metal wasn't about going against what is popular. It is doing whatever the hell you want despite what is popular or unpopular. Going against something because it is popular is just being a contrarian. Making content against something that is popular is still riding that trend and trying to capitalize on the popularity of the topic, just on the other side of the coin.

[@Tarras.Snake.Treasures]

I totally agree with this comment. Well said.

[@Tarras.Snake.Treasures]

I really wish Tom would stick with educating about his spiders and not getting into the drama and downing on others. I don’t like it. It’s disappointing and makes him look bad. Plus he starts this drama and it doesn’t appear that he even talks to anyone or these other tubers first. 😢

[@krisgibbons7008]

well said. completely agree!

[@williamcozart8158]

🤘

[@ComplacentOtter]

I think he's trying to get at the whole punk rock inventing style aesthetics that become fads but in order to be quitting it because everyone is doing it now you have to be one of the people doing it before it got popular. LOL He TOTALLY comes off as elitist as hell!

[@TerranovasTarantulas]

I think a lot of people need to understand that Kat is not attacking Tom, she’s contributing to a conversation she is passionate about. I wholeheartedly believe that Kat respects Tom and is not looking to start trouble. Adults can disagree and still respect one another and continue to be friends. Tom was able to speak his mind on a topic and Kat is allowed to do the same.

[@SergeantFish]

​@@daniellerichardson6617I agree that Kat shouldn't have to defend herself. Also that Tom is going to face a lot of heat for this since he has a much smaller following. I can get why she made the video though. She's upset for the fact that he's very obviously commenting on her videos and others similar without going about it productivly. He's stirring drama and unrest between keepers in the hobby for seemingly no reason. He just sounds bitter and narrow minded. I don't wish any hate to him but his viewpoint is frustrating. Kat is still being very respectful in the video while trying to steer it into a productive conversation

[@SergeantFish]

​@@daniellerichardson6617At the end of the day though it's just them having a difference of opinion. There shouldn't be any backlash for them on either side since neither have done anything wrong. They're just speaking about issues as they see them

[@SergeantFish]

@@daniellerichardson6617 I felt that way too. I wish I knew the context behind what he was actually thinking about. You can tell that he's referencing specific posts and people but doesn't want to outright say who

[@PinkyJax]

Without healthy debates and conversion nothing is learned. We need conversion and different opinions to further the hobby, and become better keepers as a collective. Thank you both for all you do for this hobby and the knowledge you spread.

[@NorthEastSpiders]

Is Tom's video still up? I can only see one from 3 weeks ago

[@PeculiarPaws]

I think the fact that jumping spiders specifically are given more humanistic characteristics is what helps a lot of people overcome their fear of them. Look at Lucas the spider, for example. People see them as a cute little spider full of personality vs a scary creature they should fear. I can see how some people would find that annoying, but at the same time, I can see with my own children how much it has helped them to not fear spiders and instead learn to appreciate them.

[@DarthIHE]

and it will hopefully stop some of those people killing wild spiders out of fear..

[@mollymarshall5710]

I agree. It’s like folks who get mad about the whole ‘boop’ and snek thing, it brings recognition to the species that so many people fear. I just don’t understand the attitude, almost mad that others are able to keep them without all the fear and difficulties. Anyone who has to be superior somehow disturbs me.

[@kinglyzard]

​@mollypop6887 Speaking as an enthusiastic dork who keeps fish and Arthropods, I have to concur that anthropomorphizing pets is the wrong approach. And pet fads are the worst! I remember anoles on little gold chains. And hermit crabs, dime store Turtles in those little deathtrap setups. You can be even more passionate about something if you understand it for what it truly is. Research is always important, whether you're getting a dog or a goldfish.

[@kinglyzard]

Jumping Spiders are the perfect gateway bugs for arachniphobes and kids to other spiders, but I cannot stress enough the need for research on any potential pet. Neither can Tom. You can ❤ your pet all day long, just know what it needs and provide it. And your kids should definitely know how to research anything they want to put a name on. "Can I keep it, Mom?"😊

[@kelsey2959]

24:43 i think it’s worthwhile to point out that this character trait is very common for autistic people, which the hobby is absolutely full of. it can be cringe, ridiculous, or whatever, but that’s how a lot of people show their attachment to the little guy.

[@naomijones3731]

Kat...if it wasnt for you, Richard, Dave, Alex, Petko AND Tom, I would never have gotten over my phobia of spiders. And now, I am the one that worries about the spider, that is outside in the corner of the window frame, and now I feed it. ALL of you gorgeous and very knowledgeable people, have EDUCATED me...and I am ever so thankful for that. I keep just Tarantula's, but i have learnt so much about other species from you all too. Be it jumpers, velvet, wolf, other true species and Tarantula's...i am now more educated and I will continue to learn about everything. There will always be 'politics' in any hobby, just play nice and keep the peace is what I feel x

[@tarantulakat]

Petko and Tom have gotten me over my phobia too ♥️ I’m happy to be on your list.

[@daynam5199]

I’ve never owned a spider never will, but love your channel. Started watching just to convince my kids that spiders aren’t scary. Don’t forget that you have a bigger audience than “people in the hobby”.

[@kinglyzard]

Welcome to the Arachniphobia Recovery Club!😅

[@bellowick]

Jumping and/or Velvet spiders are the perfect gateway into keeping a tarantula. They don't live as long as tarantulas, so you aren't stuck with a female g.pulchra for 20+ years and they have the potential to teach the "defensive not aggressive" mantra. Speaking of, my velvet spider absolutely hates me, every time I get close to the enclosure she slaps her webbing, i'm sure she thinks she's a Chilobrachys velvet spider or something 😂

[@stayswampy]

The sibling drama omg their tiny lil arguements is so cute im glad the babies from the second sac are doing well!! ❤

[@katyann4198]

Omg, the wee babies fighting over that fruit fly was too cute! 😂

[@naomijones3731]

I loved that too. Just too precious for words 🥰🕷

[@kinglyzard]

If you knew exactly what this behavior was, you wouldn't think it was so cute. But Velvet Spiders are still beautiful.

[@emilypeck6929]

I like any spider content - jumpers, velvets, wolves, orb-weavers, widows, tarantulas... As long as it's got eight legs, has venom fangs, and some way of making or weaving webs, then I'm happy!

[@JD-Defenders]

Kat he ain't talkin bout you honey child...lol. You are golden! He is talking about these people who keep Tarantulas with no substrate, no hide, some cutsie floor design, signs with it's name hung up, pink french provincial furniture and so on. You keep everyone with perfection my dear.

[@tarantulakat]

I haven’t seen that, but if that were the case I wish he talked about that specifically instead.

[@arthurmorgan8231]

⁠@@tarantulakatI think I see what jd-defenders is referring to but I don’t think that it is the issue, sure i do believe that a small minority of keepers are keeping both t’s and jumpers etc. incorrectly because of seeing maybe one or two of these false keepers but I don’t think it’s any reason to call out a large majority of other keepers. For example I’m one for the more naturalistic enclosures for tarantulas, jumpers, other true spiders, but as a fan of your content and you for example put in a little mushroom or something I think that is totally ok and just adds a little flavor without harming or stressing the animal, same with jumpers I think that the cool acorn hides up top and the little faux wood platforms are completely fine and I’m all for it. But I don’t think there’s a reason to call out those people that are decorating to a point, I’m also a fan of Tom Moran, and watch a lot of his care guides but that doesn’t mean I disregard the way say you and others keep them, I partially agree with Tom but just wish he could make it clearer, sorry for the essay😅 Love your content and toms though❤

[@leleprtk]

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that as long as the spider has a hide, substrate and is being taken care of properly.

[@JD-Defenders]

@@leleprtk I don't believe he uses a hide or substrate. At least the one I watched did not.

[@JD-Defenders]

@@tarantulakat He does, he actually mentions the lego enclosure if you listen to it.

[@lovelyme696969]

You clearly love and care your animals and give them safe, comfortable homes, tailored to their needs basied on the type of spider and you care for them appropriately and give out the information needed for others to do the same. Keep doing what your doing, your brilliant.

[@dkraay68]

I think the more people are exposed to spiders, it benefits the spider. It takes away the fears and probably saves a lot of spiders from being stomped or whacked with a paper! If you do your research and take good care of your spiders, I see nothing wrong with having a channel to showcase them. We love you Kat ❤

[@hoibsh21]

We love having you as our Spider Queen. Keep up the great work and tell Bowzer I said hello!

[@tarantulakat]

Lol ty I will

[@karenlee3198]

All support for you Kat, I like how open you are to having a conversation, to agree to disagree with people with different opinions and still encourage and hold respect them for their opinion. There is that fine line as a creative to appeal to others at their level of consciousness and awareness and promoting best practices (which is often not so glamorous). The main thing is learning together as a community. Well done Kat, for modelling courage and civility and conversation. Much 💕.

[@candyscott489]

In my opinion his ideas are not directed or talking about you so that changes everything he is saying to me. Would have to say I agree with most of his ideas, not all. I have 20 tarantulas & wanted a jumper. When she passes I will get a velvet. Your vids are awesome & I love his too 😊 You definitely care about your animals, sure yours husbandry & hopefully everyone husbandry is growing !! We are learning more every day. I can definitely say I have seen the legos put in tarantulas enclosures

[@Phae0610]

Please don’t ever stop selling your merch. My Tarantula Kat shirt is my fave.

[@brittanydybus699]

"If youre just interested in sitting down and learning something accidentally" Exactly this. Your content is fun and not stressful, and not hateful, and real. You even say when you make a mistake or you're nervous or worried. You're just more relatable while also teaching/showing me new things about these tiny creatures. And you also refer us to other channels all the time as well for additional info - I follow a lot of others in this community because you have mentioned them! (Also would love to see a top 10 referral video from you on other KZbinrs you like!) I think you were very mature in your analysis - Expressing where you felt differently, or felt it could be taken as a "turn off" to your content without bashing another KZbinr with a different vibe from you. Your opinion is fair. I dont think he was directly thinking of you, but i do understand the consequences that could have to your content style too and love that you are okay with analyzing how you differ. Love you Kat and your content. Keep creating ❤️

[@emmas_creature_corner]

You are the one who showed me velvet spiders for the first time! ❤ love learning from you and appreciate all you have done in the hobby 😊

[@gregwilliams853]

I’m surprised to hear you get a lot of hate comments, you’re so great with the care you show your animals and I find your videos very informative and enjoyable

[@tarantulakat]

I really appreciate that!

[@Dreamer81300]

I watch all of you for your uniqueness. Richard’s cinematography is *chefs kiss * amazing. Yours is clean, educational while still remaining fun. Tom is educational and uses his edge as a teacher to help us do the research. I’m old, but I can tell you this, a lot of what hes saying is not you at all. You, Dave’s little beasties, Tom Moran and Richard are my absolute favs and I’m old enough to be your and Richard’s mom lol. I feel like a talk needs to be had in private. As an older woman that watches you all for what I do, I think feelings are put into this and everyone might find out, it was never meant to be that way. You’re all amazing. I don’t just think, but I KNOW you’re going to show that leadership that we have all come to enjoy with a private talk and maybe we get to see a podcast/vid discussion after!

[@MisplacedPixie]

I love Kat and I love Moran and I don't need them to be totally on the same page at all times. I respect them both very much. And I thank then both for making excellent content about all sorts of spiders.

[@tarantularamblings3149]

Is obvious Tom is mainly taking about exotics lair who is totally rubbish at tarantula care and doesn't care . Then dark den doing any click bait rubbish for views when he obviously knows better ,I mean no water bowls because they don't look nice 🙃 giant unsafe enclosures , two species same tank , can they swim etc. Its fair to say Tom Morran is the best place to go for care and information and when people get serious into the hobby they find him and even if you don't agree with everything he says it's still very well presented with good reasoning .I got into tarantulas through Tom morran and now I am into true spiders due to Tom. I am part of a small community of UK yt creators who all base everything we do on Tom morran . We judge ourselves by his standards. I do think he comes across as a bit harsh about jumping spiders and velvets being a fad . They are gateway spiders that get People into tarantulas but the context was about them going on to make unsuitable enclosures and treat t's like jumping spiders . This is great publicity for Tom and his podcast though . 😂 I don't think kat needs to get upset Tom only ever has good words for you . 😂

[@tarantularamblings3149]

Well I think she got a bit butt hurt about the comment Tom was reading out although he did agree with it 100% Then the selling thing was not really aimed at her . Or the comments about the popular yt who give out faulty advice but People think it must be the best advice because they have loads of subscribers or followers was not aimed at her either . That's dark den and exotics lair as far as the biggest goes . Tom does confirm that Richard the tarantula collective gives out great care advice even if he comes across as a full time sales man for tarantula Cribbs sometimes 😅 This is just just part of a conversation I was having about this .

[@lindsay6518]

Jumping spiders were my gateway to tarantulas. Now I prefer my big babies :3 I think some old dudes in the hobby are bitter that tarantulas are being viewed as cute and not scary (taking away their weird goth/metal clout) but adorable and loved pets. Tom M sounds jealous that maybe people are not viewing his content as much? I love your channel Kat. Keep representing the ladies!!! I was in that thread girl, misogyny strikes again.

[@rhyspieces7099]

exactly this. same thing happens in snake communities too. once people, especially women, start loving what was previously considered 'scary' or 'against the norm' suddenly its not cool and its a 'fad'

[@madhokte]

Not an accurate assessment of Tom. Try watching his content first

[@kinglyzard]

FFS. I see NONE of this. What I get is the viewpoint of the _spider_ What is being discussed here is animal husbandry and common stupidity among fad minded people who watch one video and run out and buy a $200 tarantula and base its care upon what they know about jumping spiders. With all respect to Kat, she is an embassidor to anyone considering a spider as a pet. Maybe I'm a stickler for providing natural surroundings, but that is what they need and deserve. No toys or nonsense. I saw nowhere in this entire video any misogyny or triggered toxic masculinity. What I do see is a shitload of projection in your man bashing. People who look for the worst qualities in people sooner or later will find them. Good luck.😢

[@makeracistsafraidagain]

Well, I find you to be both educational AND entertaining. I hope you keep doing what you’ve been doing. Thank you.

[@Lancashire_Lass]

How boring would it be if all channels did the same. The channels I follow are informative, different and give differing perspectives on caring for their spiders. Yes call out those who don’t do their research, but everyone is entitled to keep what the heck they want. Keep doing what you do Kat, you’ve got this. Xx

[@palespoon1673]

I think maybe you’re taking his comments a little too personally? You are not doing ANYTHING wrong and the fact that you are feeling attacked is confusing me a little bit. I feel like you do not belong to the group of people he is talking about. That group being people who handle their animals too much and show them off in an irresponsible way, house them improperly, etc -That’s not you. You are the person who helps people get over their fears and hypes up species that deserve more love. You share your passion and commitment with your audience and I think that’s beautiful. Don’t let them make you think you’re not giving it your absolute all and don’t make them doubt your own expertise. You know what you’re doing.

[@jaimem-portillo6781]

Kat, I just got my 1st tarantula in December 2023. And because of watching you, Tom Moran, and several others over the last 4 years has brought me to finally jump into this hobby. It took all of your all's varying styles and information to get me comfortable to get here today. I think it is important to learn from several people, and take the time to learn. I now love this hobby, and no longer fear spiders or tarantulas. We all need to stick together, and try to respect what each other can bring to the table. So thank for trying to tactfully point that out. We all may not 100% agree on everything, but being open to other perspectives will only help strengthen the community and hobby. Thanks Kat and all the others who have helped me get here today.😊

[@stephanieshubert1247]

Kat, I am sorry that there is any tension. We all love watching you all. There is stuff I like about each and everyone of you. Seeing the positive in things is the way to go. Overall you made me continue to watch you and learn about spiders and that's all that matters. And I have to tell you, your outro is AWESOME! I takes me back to October in the 90s watching Disney. I wonderful feeling.

[@DMcC]

I don't understand the controversy here. Tom Moran is a very down to earth and serious keeper who will always tell you what he thinks and I actually love that he does. I don't like to be lied to. If I wasn't getting what I need from what he's telling me, I'd just move on. I love Tarantula Kat content, I love Tarantula Collective content, and I love Tom Moran content. I see no controversy...you're 3 different people, doing what you do. I appreciate that you do it as I get something from all of you (I even watch some Petko content even though I agree with less of his opinions...doesn't stop me learning from him anyway).

[@renaeblocker1701]

I also Watch Tarantula Collective, TK and Tom Moran

[@stephaniegalt]

I love your content Kat. I definitely do thorough research before getting any species of spider or animal for that matter.. but something just draws me to your content because it’s fun and light hearted and entertaining but, you do also learn things along the way! Keep being you 🖤

[@ABigRadWolf]

You make excellent content and care for your animals well. I actually ran into you years ago on a Facebook community about frogs and I was impressed seeing you learning and trying to gather more in-depth information to polish off what you already knew. I’m actually pissed people are slandering you about not knowing and taking care of your animals. You are worthy of your platform and I’m glad you are here and keep bringing a different aspect to the hobby and community of invert keepers.

[@lorefables8658]

Every hobbiest has their own way of handling and caring for their critters. I have never had a spider/tarantula, myself, but since finding these content creators, I am finding that I am no longer afraid of the multi-legged creatures and one day, I hope to actually keep them. For now though, I am in love with your, (T-Kat), content, among others, and I hope to continue seeing your content for many more years to come!! Thank you for having a hand in making me, (and others), unafraid of the multi-legged lovelies that inhabit this world with us!

[@tonydeluna8095]

Love your content Tarantula Kat! Keep it up 👍

[@cheyannarayburn4480]

I absolutely love your channel. I feel like it’s definitely entertaining but also super educational. I love to put on your videos for my little cousins and my younger siblings.

[@jackiej.5269]

Older video but I felt I had to tell you how much your channel has helped me. It is 100% exposure therapy for me and having just found it a few days ago, I already feel my intense arachnophobia getting better. I doubt I will ever keep a spider myself but your content is helping me appreciate them nonetheless! 🖤 And I feel like that alone proves there is real merit and worth to content like this.

[@nutmeggs]

I watch your channel and also watch Tom's channel too. I find the content of BOTH your channels to be both educational AND entertaining, despite how differently you both present your content. ❤❤ Love both channels!

[@amandaschell]

Appreciate your content. It's authentic, informative, AND entertaining. Exactly the sort of animal videos I seek out. ❤

[@SpiderLove70]

Love all your videos 🕷❤🕷 Grateful for you, love Tom and Richard too...(and Dave, Petko, Alex, etc, ) I learn so much. ..You do nothing wrong, don't take what he said personally, and you deserve income, you work very hard and teach us, and entertain us and you are so likable ❤Anyways, those babies were brats fighting over flies 😂

[@tarantulakat]

They are totally brats! Always fighting but it’s unserious lol. Ty

[@sgdersho]

Ordered Maple for my son's birthday! He is going to be so excited! Thanks for making these; it feels like it might be a good starter spider for a young lad. I had ordered him a spider and canceled my order after watching your videos more. I realized he wasn't ready and it would not be good for spider friend to be in our house at this time. Thanks Kat!

[@mollymarshall5710]

I love your content and have learned loads from you! Everyone learns differently and your way just works for my brain. And I think it’s awesome you earn money from your channel.

[@TerranovasTarantulas]

As a fan of yours as well as Tom Moran’s, I just want to ask Tom: What is the line between being a “PetTuber” and not? In my opinion he is a PetTuber, maybe he does not make money but that does not make him any better, any smarter, any different. He’s a great keeper and so are a lot of the popular “PetTubers” you, Richard, Dave, etc.

[@kiki-drawer2669]

I agree! I'd love to hear his thoughts!

[@r1verman]

I think some define a "PetTuber" as an individual that acquires animals for the primary purpose of getting views. These KZbinrs often don't provide proper husbandry and unless the animal is pulling in views, you may only see it once. I differentiate "PetTubers" from channels like Tarantula Kat and Tom's Big Spiders because they always put the animals and their care first.

[@dawnt7950]

I would personally love to hear a podcast on this topic. Being an analytical person, I love to see the scientific stuff that some creators make, but also I love watching your content because you are the one who brings it “home” and highlights the hobby in a more household relatable way, which in my opinion is just as important since many keepers have the spiders in a home with family, other pets, etc. absolutely love your content whether it’s jumpers, velvet, or tarantulas!!!!❤

[@graveyardmom]

You deserve the love. You are the reason why I love true spiders now. I no longer panic when I find them, I tend to let them be or I catch them and take care of them. Jumping spiders are adorable and help a lot of people get over arcana phobia, this is why they are so popular.

[@Juani-Lo]

I personally love your videos! I'm obsessed with you and Richard from Tarantula Collective! You guys really make educational content fun to watch. Great personalities. Lotsa love from Florida

[@jayelann6131]

you are the reason i got my jumper and now love him so much, never be discouraged you're a great contribution to the hobby!

[@sweetleafills]

You're my favorite spider person. 🙏 I just realized I commented already, but I just want to reiterate that I genuinely appreciate your content so much, and admire your approach. I relate to you a lot in feeling the constant need to create, and love to educate, and it's amazing to see someone I relate to in that sense thriving so much! You're an incredible spider mom, and teacher! Also, total boys club mentality lol. Like honey, girls can be cutesy and smart.

[@sandynix5268]

I really don’t think that Tom is talking about you, Kat. You have a wide range of knowledge, combined with your passion and experience makes you a fantastic KZbinr. Of course it’s necessary over the years to get paid for this bc it’s a full time job. It’s not just entertainment, it’s teaching, sharing your knowledge - beside the work behind the camera, which takes much more time than filming, I would assume. People love you and your content and what is better to be able to have the opportunity to give your subscribers/followers/fans - how ever you wanna call it - a little piece of you in form of a plushie! Everyone loves -and needs! - to make some extra money, nothing bad about that. Stay real as you always do. Much much love and respect from Germany.🥰🕸️🧡🖤🕷️🇩🇪

[@stephensarahcarr]

I enjoy and am grateful for the content you and Tom and many of the other Tarantula keepers on KZbin that you mentioned offer. I do feel like I especially connect with your story, being a fellow Mom wanting to find something for "me" again, and realizing that something I loved as a child (all things bugs!) is a legitimate hobby I could return to with fellow adults! I didn't think Tom's podcast was targeted toward you at all, though, like you said, your excitement about jumping spiders and velvet spiders and sharing about them openly likely highly sparked and continues to influence the intense interest! My takeaway was that it is mainly about the issue of getting a pet for the aesthetic value alone vs truly caring for your pet. I think inverts are such an awesome mix of both for so many keepers! But where people like the person who made the comment on Tom's video see cutesy decor and baby talking as the "pure aesthetic" side born from sheer bandwagon popularity, (which I can understand), it's not hard for me to see that same choice or behavior as all part of an intelligent, well-researched keeper enjoying their pets. I think we all agree but might just have different perspectives on where that line is or what strikes us personally as that unprofessional/unscientific/flippant/careless/all for the aesthetic/ignoring the actual creature side. ❤

[@Flipperwi715]

You're amazing. I never doubted it for a second. You bring giggles (sometimes at your expense) and education. I don't zone out with your work. I.e. you're appreciated for sure.

[@rexcatlover]

I love your shows. You are entertaining as well as informative.

[@cheekianne1595]

We love you and your content Kat x I don’t keep spiders but I love watching you and finding out more about them ❤

[@conniesuehalvorsen7926]

I love your channel to start. I am a tarantula keeper and always do the research on them and the jumping spiders.

[@ElizabethAnneBoleyn]

I consider you to be an educator on the topic of multiple species of spiders. I have learned so much from you. I also did other research thanks to your videos, leading me to get over my arachnophobia, keeping tarantulas and a jumper, and literally just today received my e campestratus spiderling (finally!). If it wasn’t for your videos, I’d still be running and screaming anytime a spider was within 15 feet of me. Now I’ve learned SO much about them that I wouldn’t dream of harming or running from one. I wish I had your creativity when it comes to enclosures, I’m more of a basic keeper (just happy to keep them safe and healthy), but you do not hurt your animals, and give them AMAZING care and lives. Your videos have inspired and helped so many people. Please keep up the amazing work, and don’t let criticism meant or not meant for you discourage you. You are incredible. Thank you for all you do.

[@tarantulakat]

I appreciate that 🙏

[@kennybolt4337]

The thing with "click baity" video titles is that they are the only way to get anyone to recognize your videos in the first place. Unless you are already an established youtuber, your videos won't show up in algorithms unless you use click bait titles and flashy thumbnails. So that's not really the keeper's fault there. That's youtube and social media as a whole

[@tarantulakat]

Yes but I do like to use this to my advantage and NOT to the spiders disadvantage. What I mean is, it’s true, but implied something might go bad and when it doesn’t (which it usually doesn’t) it shows how not scary it actually is.

[@kashmereart9330]

I always loved your content, even if it might be as science-y as you say yourself! I did get a velvet because of your content, never heard of them before! But then I went ahead and did some research and watched other people who have own Your content is just lovely because it is low-key and it's just fun to watch

[@Deathtomondays]

I think what some content creators might be missing is how the creators who they see as keeping differently or have a lot of following don’t tend to have an attitude of gatekeeping. I can’t tell you how many creators I couldn’t watch to learn about tarantulas because they did it in a way that besmirched others, or even me if I made a mistake. I found my comfort in the creators who were welcoming and just wanted to share the love of tarantula keeping to guide me as I learned. If you want to put a message out there, it isn’t impossible to do it while being respectful to those who may not be getting it right and just need to find the right person to show them another way.

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

I didn't get the idea that he was alluding to you. If you think it sends flak your way, I would suggest that those are most likely snobby disrespectful dickheads that already didn't like you. It's good that he speaks his mind. He has many important legit things to say. It's important that we have hobbyists of a variety of styles. People are gonna do what people are gonna do. You can't have a hobby without some shameless people trying to make a buck or cringe people who get it all wrong and are irresponsible. I feel like he's speaking out against that in a reasonable and respectful way. This was a good video. It's important that mature experienced conscientious hobbyists with influence be outspoken. You're definitely an amazing advocate for exotic pet keeping. I watch you, Petko, and my main man Dave, and sometimes Tarantula Collective. All of you are shining examples of everything that's great about keeping spiders.

[@su3stantial128]

❤

[@kristenerwin2518]

I over research everything I have to know everything I can know. I watched tarantula videos for 2 years before I got my first one. I appreciate you guys and the info we learn

[@abbieoffman4105]

Kat, you are the reason I got into spiders. I came here looking for jumping spider info, but ended up getting tarantulas first. I absolutely enjoy your content! I think though, that you might be worrying a bit too much about Tom's podcast/video. I have done my research over many different sources and platforms, and I do not see that your husbandry is different from those other sources at all. You absolutely deserve your piece of the spiderverse :)

[@madisonbarry4087]

I would like to add as someone who has delved further into the spider keeping hobby because of youtubers like you, Tarantula Collective, & others that keep tarantulas - you have done so many videos differentiating what is good and bad for a tarantula in comparison to jumping spiders. I have avoided handling tarantulas bc I believe I heard you mention in the past how sensitive they are, but I recognize it’s possible with proper care as well. I learned the difference between new worlds and old worlds, how they should be mostly be left alone, etc. I feel like if it weren’t for these videos, as someone who learns VISUALLY and needs these alongside written guides, it’s helped me so much instead of going to an expo and buying one with little knowledge of their actual behavior. So thank you so much for everything you do for us, Tarantula Kat! :) I wish other parts of bug youtube were as saturated as spider youtube, it’s a lovely community to be in.

[@samanthab4631]

You provide beautiful information and care! I don’t think those negative opinions apply to you! I love your content and art!

[@brendaking2362]

Honestly because of finding your channel, I have done more research on the spiders I love and the spiders I find. Thanks to all of this, I have caught spiders in my home and know where to release them outside of my home. I have taught my daughters all about different breads. Thank you for a safe space to appreciate the beauty of spiders and a resource to learn.

[@tarantulakat]

That’s awesome!

[@lizswank7239]

🫶 love you and your content! I'm happy for you that you are doing what you love and it make you happy ❤ keep the velvet content coming!!!!! 🕷

[@MentulPanda]

As long as you are not forcing handling onto animals or not setting up a proper enviornment for your animals you can talk to em however you friggin please. Even if you aren't, people can learn and grow as keepers, nobody is perfect. We can all follow in Bryan's steps in always learning/teaching and striving to be the best keepers we can. Edit: I implore people to look into choice handling for all animals. Lori Toreni is an excellent resource.

[@irene_in_progress]

Just past the bit where tom read the comment he recieved about spider care. Its giving territorial over a hobby. I can understand their passion but more people means more mistakes, more learning and education opportunities. I hope you are able to connect with Tom about these issues. Keeping animals safe and making the hobby inclusive for all sorts and tastes can't be wrong right? Thanks for your kind approach to tough discourse. Thanks for the work you do here Kat 🕷 Eta: as someone thats new to non mamailian pets; the whole jumper care is not equal to tarantula care reminds me so much about how people thing dog and cat care should be transferrable animal to animal and it's just not the case.

[@TheBlubunni]

I watch your content because I trust your information and enjoy all the spiders and other animals you have. 😊🖤

[@nataliealvarez1072]

I started out with jumpers and now I have tarantulas and because of you and this community and doing my research I know how to care for tarantulas

[@ceciliafernandez9376]

I watch various channels & go to different channels to learn specific care, entertainment, creativity. I also do my own research online. I love your channel! If all channels were strictly educational it’ll be kind of bleh ( variety is the spice of life lol ) I honestly think it comes down to the individual person to do their research from multiple sources, KZbinrs shouldn’t be accountable for lazy irresponsible people unless they’re actually endangering animals and giving false information. Keep doing your thing Kat! ❤🕷️Oh, and no one is an expert, some are just more experienced & informed.

[@zramencafe]

Heya TK... I just wanna say I luv your yt style! 🥰 You're more about spider *SNUGGLES* than in depth step by step "how to" tutorials. Your luvable, warm fuzzy feelings towards your web babies has helped me see the *cutesy* side of spiders & see their adorable-ness. lolz... I've *ALWAYS* been on the border of fear/fascination with spiders... since watching your videos I've crossed over to luv & respect for our weaver buddies. 🥰 Hugs-n- Smooches oh... I like @TomsBigSpiders too! 😁 I luv his spider ASMR videos. hee hee

[@starfirex7913]

Rock on kitty kat!!! ❤ You!!! I totally agree with you! Your just all around , such a great KZbinr! Don't let those troll's opinions bother you, cause that's all they are is "opinions" and they aren't talking about you, at least it don't sound like they are targeting you! We ❤ you you Kat , and we have your back girlie!!!

[@cb3391]

I love your channel, don't change a thing. Love the "hanging out vibe". Sounds like dude is a little jealous.

[@rhyskuhl928]

I was a tarantula keeper long before I discovered your channel. I enjoy your videos. I am also a therapist who works primarily with adolescents and teens. Several of my clients get excited when I tell them that I have tarantulas because they have watched your videos. You make fun and engaging videos which encourage children and adults to look past whatever fears they may have had about spiders in the past and approach learning about them with curious and open minds. Ignore the haters and keep doing what you’re doing.

[@HannahTheHorrible]

You never need to defend making money off your KZbin channel. I guess I’m bias because I’m also a creator but dude you should be getting paid for all the work you put in.

[@Aqu181]

you have got a good channel keep it going just do your stuff that you like doing

[@anthonymaier7179]

Hi Kat.! new in the hobbie well nearly a year love your episodes! Hello from Australia!!

[@ashb1598]

I personally love your work ❤

[@kismets685]

I've been looking into getting a spider for a little over a year. I've have still yet to pull the trigger on that commitment. I have kept reptiles for decades though. I do agree the mixing of animals in general with social media presence is, a space to cause concern. It is very trend driven and attracts people who I think Tom has correctly identified (Collectively ambiguous) as not having that animals best in mind over the viewer ship. I doubt he was intending anything toward Kat though. I see Kat a positive voice in this space. Trying to pull a positive out of this; One thing I've heard alot of T KZbinrs say is T keepers tend to avoid the dwarf Ts, which in my mind I guess I could see Jumping/ Velvet Spider keepers not being discouraged by size to keep those Dwarf Ts which would be good for the community. As Someone new to the spider hobby, not even really in the water yet. The whole situation is scary.

[@tonimarquis6565]

Hello beautiful human, Kat! I'm sorry that you have to deal with hate messages and assumptions, you do not deserve that. I love your content and perspectives, keep up the inspirational work! ❤

[@cheekypanda0004]

Just want to say I love your content and how you educate about your spiders and tarantulas. I have a hard time taking in information when it’s not in person. And you have become one of the few that I can watch and take in information and actually be able to process what I’m watching. My sever fear of spiders has gotten so much better just watching your and the dark den videos. I have a much greater respect for inverts in general now because of it. Spiders still scare me but I don’t feel that paralyzing fear anymore because of what I have learned from you, the dark den and Clint’s reptiles. Thank you for everything your have done and will do.

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

Some of the people he's talking about _are_ bad for the hobby but so is excessive gatekeeping and snobbery. Fads at least bring new blood into the hobby and grow it. The negativity doesn't serve the hobby in any way.

[@tarantulakat]

This is a good point.

[@grandmascat9782]

Oh this is gonna be an interesting couple of weeks for the hobby isn't it?

[@rothstarr1703]

Maybe I missed it, but I don’t really see a problem here. He probably could have said it better, but the way I heard this is like with owning certain types of dogs. Viewers see influencers owning working breeds, then they go buy them because they like the tricks or the obedience but they don’t realize the amount of work that requires, or that maybe an apartment isn’t the best place for a dog that’s going to get bored and destroy the place. He even says “as long as they’re keeping them correctly, I don’t care”. He does seem salty that that he doesn’t want things to become a trend which seems like gatekeeping. There certainly are creators who show improper care for their spiders (or dogs in my example), and use them more as props for views and money and they should be called out for that. But there is absolutely something to be said for the hate that creators unfairly get when they are doing things properly. My take away overall was that he’s upset at the commodification and the trend vs actual care of the hobby, but the way he said that created issues that didn’t need to be created

[@Violablacks]

I think you are totally right about people identifying with content that resonates with them, I have SEVERE arachnophobia and I found you as a way to help that because you started keeping spiders for that reason and you have absolutely helped me start to get over this fear. Through you I've also found Dark Den and Tarantula Collective who are also incredible keepers.

[@nickyjadee2519]

I got my jumping spiders 16 months ago and I started getting more and then got turantulas and stuff after over coming my fear of spiders with my first 2 jumpers moa and mini one female and one male. I didn't do it as a fad but because I genuinely feared spiders I didn't know why and I think it was mostly a dear inherited by my mom. I realised I was pretty ignorant and didn't know what I know know after tons of research and husbandry videos from turantula collective and watching you kat and micro wilderness and others it made me have pretty much hardly any losses made me become more confident and comfortable and knowing of spiders. I now help others who fear them and my family and kids in my family who fear them to see they arnt so bad. I never tell them to get one but to respect that they are not scary they do have minds and to not kill them ❤

[@ikindred]

I don't even keep spiders and I love watching your content because it's interesting and to be honest, it's very therapeutic. Jumping spider content is my favorite!

[@ethanmccormack9561]

Right kat im going to be 100% honest. I dont watch your content for the knowledge, im not watching to learn all the latin names and what the perfect husbandry for them is because people like Dave Fisher and Richard have so much knowledge because of the massive amount of experience they have. The reasons I watch you is because your are so relaxed and chill it genuinely feels like im watching a friend not a youtuber, you like everyone else in the hobby makes mistakes but you admit them and learn from them and that is something I have massive respect for, you can clearly see you care for every single animal you have and I for one can safely say if I was reincarnated as a tarantula I would want an owner like you. Another reason I watch your content is because of how you setup enclosures, honestly you make them look so good and you even beat Richard. Please dont worry about what others say, anyone with a pair of eyes can see you look after all your animals well. At the end of the day the main thing is if all of our animals are getting the proper care they need, so long as you can say yes to that then there shouldnt be a problem. Just because you do things different doesnt make it wrong.

[@alexisklein719]

I should also add your awesome Kat! ❤️ the same people giving you actual hate making threads are probably jumping spider people. lol 👀

[@ryanpoliakoff6585]

I watch and listen to Tom constantly, and I feel very confident Tom's not talking about you. You must not be watching some of the really awful stuff that's out there. You don't do the same thing exactly, but you're definitely not the problem he's talking about.

[@xortel4725]

I got an Eresus balcanicus on the way and am so excited for my first spider, excluding all the tarantulas I would find outside and keep for like a month as a kid. Thanks for showing me this thicc gothic tic lol!

[@paganbeauty2590]

Love u and ur spiders kat, best keeper I've watched yet.. even grow attached to your 8 legged babies ❤❤❤❤

[@kentvikman1086]

As a fairly new keeper I tend to watch a lot of videos to get pointers on how to keep my Tarantulas "happy", along with other research. In the end, though, I try to read my animal and do what's best for that particular individual as in what they do respond to. If I do anthropomorphize I do so to speak in words that most people can understand. I know that my Tarantula doesn't love me, but "look how cute she is when she" does whatever she does. On handling then, I never handle my T's on purpose. If one of them bolt and end up on me surely I'll enjoy that moment of shared space. You are a huge inspiration to me, Kat. Along with Brian Barczyk (RIP) you are the reason for my keeping Tarantulas. Both of you made the idea accesible to me. Stay safe and take care👍.

[@mariestubbs4606]

I don't keep spiders of any kind but have always loved the lil critters I watch a few spider You Tube Channels so I can learn and appreciate the different content so I get an all round view . So keep up the good work Kat .... xxx

[@hippybag]

I think Tom isn't vilifying all other youtubers, I feel that he has a need to denote that he has no reason to tell things anything but exactly as they are, or as he sees them. No stakes, just 100% honesty. Whether he has 1M viewers or 1, he's going to make educational real content on husbandry for the sake of it alone.

[@justmejenny7986]

I enjoy your content. Ignore all the drama and negativity.

[@Becsbeasties]

You are amazing 😍 not everyone likes everyone 🥰 we watch the people we like, you wouldn't watch a film that you don't like. It's entertainment at the end of the day. We learn from you guys, but we mostly like to just see these beautiful animals ❤

[@Sebastianfnc]

You don’t worry to mutch everyone who watched your channel know that you love your animals and take good care of them This is a big part of your life and you do not have to justify it to anyone I enjoy your channel in all its diversity do your thing and leave the haters behind

[@ericwelling1102]

I love your channel and watch it all of the time. "But a fad ruining the hobby?" I mean, you're selling plushies.

[@cj25674]

I'm not the biggest fan of spiders, but your channel has helped me not to feel so negatively about them. I believe that you are doing a great job.