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)
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.
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.
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. 😢
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!
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.
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.
@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.
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?"😊
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
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”.
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.
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!
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!
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
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!
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.😊
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!
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.
I enjoy and am grateful for the content you and Tom and many of the other Tarantula keepers on RUclips 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. ❤
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
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.
I think some define a "PetTuber" as an individual that acquires animals for the primary purpose of getting views. These RUclipsrs 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.
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.
I think its so beautiful and important to build connections with all living things on this planet. Creating different ways of doing this through a passion and love for it is so inspirational. I am sooo scared of spiders but love looove love all living things. This channel has really helpled me get closer to them without pushing my limits. I can feel the love and the authenticity and it makes me so happy. For us to evolve and create beautiful bonds with spiders and things like that? We need to create the space. I absolutely love this content and think its so cool we are starting to notice that spiders are not just scary...they are so lovely ❤
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.
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 🖤
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
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! ❤
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, RUclipsrs 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.
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.
It would be so boring if all the T channels were all the same. I watch you Kat, Richard, and Tom Moran. I love all the different things each of you do. Keep up the good work!
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.
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 ❤
Kat, you have gotten me over my arachnophobia... I love your content. I still haven't decided whether I should get a spider yet or not. I have cats. If I did decide to get a spider, I would start with a jumping spider because they seem like an easier arachnid to keep rather than a big tarantula but in the future maybe I was thinking that a pink toe would be cute, but I do as a viewer realize that they are completely different. Ne ways, I like I said do love your content and am always looking forward to watching it because it is fascinating, and I feel it does give a good and cute perspective on an animal that otherwise would be killed due to fear.
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
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 :)
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.
You never need to defend making money off your RUclips 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.
I’m a mental health therapist and I initially kept only a jumping spider in my office. Having her there has changed the opinions of more people than I’d ever be able to count. There are different ways of educating others about the hobby. My personal approach is to make it fun! Juniper opened the door for me to have the privilege of introducing my clients to tarantulas! Including Stella. A big hairy Brachypelma who enjoys kicking butt hairs and leaving balls of dead insect parts strewn about her enclosure. I believe you can pair cute with education and have the same outcome: less fear, more respect, and curiosity! The cute hats, name plates, and plushies put out by influencers starts conversations and spins different perspectives on creatures that arguably most people are conditioned to fear. It brings me joy every time one of my clients comes into my office and proudly tells me that they safely relocated a spider in their classroom. Or told a loved one to use a catch cup instead of a newspaper. I even had a little girl tell me today that she would like a tarantula of her own! And this is a child who a year ago, slept on the sofa because she found a spider in her room. Tarantula Kat is one of the first creators that I direct curious clients to, because she makes it informative, relatable, and fun!
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.
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
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!
I think there is some point to be made, I work in a store who sells inverts including velvets and jumpers. A lot of jumper breeders have never kept anything but jumpers and peoples perceptions of spider keeping mostly come from tiktok clips. These people usually don't want to buy crickets weekly, only want a spider who they can get out all of the time, and I have noticed a trend in people not very concerned for the wellbeing of the spider only how they want to care for it (which is already common in other reptiles but is newer for our invert crowd) I don't think any of this comes from Kat videos but likely just tiktok and fb because of the highly curated content only about how friendly and cute they are and not about things like how to monitor their health. From my time keeping I believe that jumpers should get calcium with D3 occasionally as they are diurnal and would be out in the sun getting D3. Over feeding is a big problem in jumpers, as people are told that just mealworms are perfect food, most of this coming from breeders, and you never need to vary their diet. Housing isnt really the concern I feel, as regals especially are highly adaptable but the general wellbeing and doing whats best for the spider is a bigger concern of mine as the hobby grows and the people who sell these animals have little to no experience.
anyone know where i can find the youtuber kat calls as dion (idk is that’s how it’s actually spelt)in Canada, im located in canada and always have a bit of hard time finding info on canada native jumpers, so if anyone knows please let me know. thank you 💖💖
So, I am pretty new to the spider/invert community. I've always loved bugs- ever since I was a kid running around in the woods- and now that I'm an adult, I've realized I can just buy my own bugs. But, I have to say, this sounds like... Well. The exact same shit I have seen in every other community that I have been in. People who are... Let's say they feel "ownership" over a certain hobby or space. They tend to be pretty rude about anything that they feel lets "normies" into the space that they think they own. (They especially tend to be rude about anything that girls and women like). I experienced this all the way back when I was a damn kid and dealt with boys at school insisting that Bionicle wasn't "for me" because LEGO wasn't for girls, and girls were "ruining" LEGO. When I was in high school, it was that "normies" who were in on the "fad" were ruining Minecraft! IMO, this guy sounds like every single person who has ever insisted that there is a massive problem with people and "fads" ruining a hobby or a space and like... It's the same old BS that it always has been. People not doing their research with animals has always always ALWAYS been a problem. It's not an issue with it being a "fad", it's just... What happens. And honestly? The stuff in that letter would have been FINE... Had it not focused so damn hard on how the writer disliked the "cute" aesthetic and the "annoying" people like. Maybe I'm wrong here but, just say you think the feminine approach is annoying and say the quiet part. Again, I'm new here. But I've been around animals for my whole life, I've been an animal lover my whole life. I've had animals and had friends with all kinds of animals since I was a kid. It is so SO clear how much you love and care for your animals. This guy and people who hold these opinions come across as judgemental and awful, and I sure as hell won't be getting my advice from people who shit on people who just do things in a "cute" way that come across like every gatekeeping jerk I've ever met in every hobby I have been in.
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
And so what if it is a trend?? So what if it's popular??? It's bringing more people into the spider hobby, it's educating people about spiders. What is negative about that? This dude needs to chill tf out in my opinion.
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
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.
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!
My jumping spiders help me get over my fear of spiders. I actually went to tarantulas before velvets. I personally don’t handle any of my spiders. However I deep dived into each spider. My Antilles Pink Toe clearly has different care than my GBB. I just don’t get an animal before knowing their care. Everything has its own care. I feel like as long as research and proper care is done all while you’re respecting your pets there’s no issue. In fact just the other day I looked into a huntsman and decided based on their speed they would not be a good fit for me. I don’t get my pets based on cuteness or fun bright appearance alone. I get them based on if I have the ability to care for them because in the end I’m still learning.
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 ❤
Where do you find those containers? What would they even be called? I keep getting so many baby jumpers from my girls and trying to find the best containers to keep them in when they're first out of the sack.
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.
I think it is a little sad and limited to think that, in order for something to be educational and/or effective, it cannot be entertaining. Some people do not like the bells and whistles, so to speak and just want straight info, but plenty of others can’t engage with that kind of information processing. Having multiple sources of info can only benefit the hobby and the creatures involved.
@tarantula Kat I have enjoyed your content and you were the reason why I decided to keeping tarantulas. I also love watching Tom as well. I have seen some of what Tom is talking about people doing my dangerous Tarantula or my Tarantula tried to kill me LOL. I honestly believe he is more on the people not educating. I came from keeping saltwater and freshwater the same kind of stuff exists. I do believe you and Richard do education not entertainment. Thank you for helping me over come my fear of tarantulas now I have 6 LOL.
When he talks about treating the jumping spiders like human beings (i paused to type this so I don’t know if this will get brought up after) he might be talking about the trend of making them a playground outside of their enclosure. I see that a lot and idk. Like people make the enclosure and then have a playground for them too.
Kat you’re very entertaining and I like your channel a lot. You take really good care of you T’s. Tom is good for scientific/ technical aspects and you are practical I like you both. You funny too
I do not think he is talking about you Kat. Y’all are both similar yet different. Tom works as a teacher he does YT on the side. I watch both of you and y’all both add something valuable to to this space. I think you are being too defensive as maybe trying to validate yourself when you don’t need to. You equally bring education as well as entertainment. Also Tom gets a lot of questions on help as I am sure you do but he does answer all these questions. He is just a more cynical person than you. I didn’t hear anything he said too offensive. I think you should feel equally proud on what you have provided for us. I have to stick up for my man Tom just as i would you .
I don't think Tom is highlighting you or talking specifically about you. He's applauded you several times in the past and you aren't doing anything differently from before. He stated it himself that one of his defects is that if something becomes a fad it makes him less interested.
As I said, maybe not. But the shoe fits in some aspects which makes it about me regardless if that’s what the meant. Several have sent me this and asked who it’s aimed at assuming me. I really don’t know.
I obviously cant know what others are thinking. However, when Tom talks about click bait and damaging RUclips channels, I thought he was talking about those who portray spiders as dangerous and aggressive monsters. Since i watch a lot of tarantula content, those will sometimes be recommended to me, or even more disturbing, having two "opponents" fight to the death. Those videos being marketed as entertaining, but are extremely damaging to the animals and the hobby. I didnt consider him to be addressing someone like you who is very respectful and responsible when dealing with your animals, but not necessarily super focused on the science side. If that makes sense.
@daniellerichardson6617 I can also understand that some people are not going to differentiate and go after any RUclipsr. I also suspect that Kat gets more flak because she is a woman, which sucks. I hope this can be a conversation and doesn't end up a versus between communities.
Lmaoooooo girl. You’re legit. You care about your spooders. If people don’t think you’re educational, they’re probably not paying attention. You are definitely more on the fun side but like…….. if you need straight up education, it’s out there. Maybe I’m not as informed as I could be but you seem to have pretty dang educational videos. Someone is always going to have something to say. And I just want to tell you that I do NOT, in any way, think that you are here for money. At all. I appreciate what you do and the biggest complaint I’ve ever had for you is being a little overwhelmed by the insta add lol. But I love your content so much. I have been using it to listen to while I sleep for probably a month and a half.
hey random question, are either you or Mr tarantulakat into motorbikes? I see your knuckle duster tattoo and it just reminds me of the bike clubs my dad was a member of over the years (club not gang, not all bikers are scary most are lovely). Would you ever consider a video on your tattoos? No pressure as I understand they can be deeply personal things so whatever you're comfortable with :)
For people with ANY pets even invert tend to anthropomorphise with their pets. Pets become a part of your family so of course you start to see personalities in them. It’s a human trait to find similarities between us and them.
Oh mate they're everywhere in my back yard if ur ever in Australia feel free to come down and collect as many spiders as u like in fact please take them all!!! 😂😂😂❤❤❤ u got balls I tell u that nope still couldn't do it!!!
”She said she was afraid of spiders, and I laughed. Then something lifted out of the dry grass, perfectly concealed, bigger than my wagon. I tried to scream but it caught in my throat. The thing leapt over the corral fence. It snatched a lamb in its fangs, then was up and over the wall. I grabbed a torch, some armor, a helmet and then rode into town. It would take the whole town together to keep it from the rest of the flock...and me! Now when she cries ”spider”, I don't laugh.” -Farming the Frontier, by Paulo Deen
I worry about you. You are so sweet, compassionate and nice. people are just jerks. I enjoy Tom Moran's Podcasts and Big spiders, he is always 100% honest and does not say anything just to upset. he is honest and offers his opinion. The problem the trolls use this information to incite controversy. RUclips and the internet love controversy and conflict. I would love a podcast between you, Tom Moran, and Richard. You are all different aspects of the tarantula hobby and your differences would be fun to hear you have a pleasant discussion. The problem the internet would rather encourage people to fight because "Us vs Them" mentality is is top of their agenda. Please be careful you're too nice to be made sad
I've been a fan of Tom's for many many years now I'm from nursing I like what is best for the spider I agree with Tom on a lot of stuff after being in it for a while I do not have dogs or cats anymore and I missed that interaction so yes I do talk to my spiders knowing full well I'll get nothing in return. But I still do it. I do like to know what is the best way to keep x species of spider what are the basics what are the dues and the do not do. Decorate a little bit but that's for me not the spider as long as it's safe and will not have a spider a little bit is okay. Love your channel
It would be so fun if he had you on his podcast. Tom's podcast is my favorite. Also the Charlotte he is talking about is not me, I promise, I actually missed the episode you featured in here lo
I really don't watch a lot of jumping spider or velvet spider content because I don't keep them, I only watch stuff about them when you happend to be doing a video on them, they are very cute but I don't have any and a lot of times everyone is sharing the same type of content.
"I think there's plenty of information out there about jumping and velvet spiders" "i cant stand all of the misinformation about keeping jumping and velvet spiders" he contradicted himself several times. And idk. I just feel like talking about someone and not having the gal to call them by name is very 7-8 year old kid and he's a grown man. It's weird.
right, like if you think people aren't doing their research in the right places why don't you give some examples of good sources of information. otherwise you're not doing much other than talking to hear yourself speak lol
I don't care what that woman had to say, I also enjoy all the spiders, and making fun artistic enclosures. As far as her "Decorations that are unsafe" That has nothing to do with keeping jumpers, or any other spider before Tarantulas, it has everything to do with a person not being responsible, and researching before they get an animal. People can be irresponsible even if a Tarantula is their first pet. Tom also needs to understand that we dont all keep them as a scientific study, the spiders dont care what the enclosure looks like, so as long as it is not harming them, let people have their fun and enjoy them how they want.
I think that you, and the content you put out, is very well informed. Tiktok is a cesspool of ill-informed and frankly ignorant people. Thats how it is, period. But I do feel its unfair to group everyone who keeps jumpers or velvet spiders, into those ill-informed and ignorant people. You clearly care a lot about your critters, and it shows in every video. It’s frustrating when people make baseless claims about you, and your platform. I think a lot of it is because you’re a woman, and men can be gatekeepy. You put all of the same effort in, but put your own spin on it. Which is really awesome to see! I think men are intimidated by that. I experience the same thing, working in a male dominated industry. Love your videos!
I don't really feel like it is a fad because velvet spiders are hard to find. They are available in waves, so of course there is going to be alot of content when alot of people get them, especially if it is some of those people's first velvet spider. I love listening to Tom Moran too & like his content, but from what I've heard him share, he got into the hobby because he liked tarantulas or "big spiders" as he once called them. Velvet spiders & jumping spiders are more small & dainty, so I feel like more females keep them, so of course the content put out is going to be "cute" & "fad-ie".
I'm so grateful to you and your content as I feel like the spider community where I am (UK) can be very male heavy and is quite intimidating to me, so your care tips and general informative videos have made things so much more fun and accessible while still covering the importance of proper husbandry and research. I'd been keeping mostly mantis', jumping spiders and isopods until I came across your videos, and I was so excited when I found a velvet spider vendor at a local show. The only reason I found them is because they had one of your first Wednesday plushes on display and I knew I was in the right place. Had my girl ever since and she's really boosted my self confidence with spiders to the point where I will be looking out for my first tarantula pretty soon. These so called 'Fads', like it or not, increase the spotlight on a species that most people would squish in a heartbeat, and for the most part it seems to be positive which is what the focus should be over the trivial things. There will always be people with awful husbandry, whatever hobby you are in, it's unfortunately part of the problem with keeping any animal, lots of people are stupid. Great video Kat, thank you for keeping these conversations going 💜 I hope you know how much you have contributed to the hobby.
A jumping spider was my way into the hobby. For me keeping jumpers gave me confidence to get tarantulas. Some elements of husbandry are similar, but doing research is the key. And, I think the more content creators you watch, the more information you have to make the best decisions for your spider. Yes you will find bad information. You will find differing opinions. We have so many contested husbandry issues that create different content. Unfortunately, a novice keeper has a higher potential of finding questionable content; worse yet from a chain pet store! With any luck they will find you and other tarantula content creators with the right information. Love your content Kat! Keep up the great work!
Here's my stance: I kept Jumpers first for ~2 years before getting a tarantula. Of course I researched heavily and started with an arboreal because that's what I felt more confident with. But without my Jumpers, I would have never gotten into the hobby at all. Jumping spiders fueled my curiosity. Everyone has their own unique experience and story on how they got started. I also don't think you should read into who he's talking about. Don't give haters a platform. You can do everything right and still receive hate. Love your channel!
I don't think he was attacking you over your merch. Many creators have merch. I might be biased though since I have all your spiders except the first Wednesday. And your stickers are just adorable. You are so mindful on what you put into each of your enclosures. You don't just make them all identical. You take the time to make sure you are providing the necessities for the individual spider. Jumping spiders can live in the cutesie enclosures bc they will gladly live in your house uninvited, in the most random places. I spotted one just last week on my stove while I was cleaning. But say a trapdoor, well that's obviously going to need a safe space to burrow to make it's home. As you and Tom both said, research, research, research. You do an amazing job. And don't let anyone tell you different.
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)
lol pwned em Tom well done kats are crying 😂
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.
Fair play Tom. Could I ask what the podcast number/ name is so I can have a listen please mate.
@@FS-qk5uq 🤡
@@AndrewYeardley 🤡
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.
I totally agree with this comment. Well said.
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. 😢
well said. completely agree!
🤘
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!
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.
and it will hopefully stop some of those people killing wild spiders out of fear..
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.
@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.
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?"😊
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
Petko and Tom have gotten me over my phobia too ♥️ I’m happy to be on your list.
The sibling drama omg their tiny lil arguements is so cute im glad the babies from the second sac are doing well!! ❤
Omg, the wee babies fighting over that fruit fly was too cute! 😂
I loved that too. Just too precious for words 🥰🕷
If you knew exactly what this behavior was, you wouldn't think it was so cute.
But Velvet Spiders are still beautiful.
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”.
Welcome to the Arachniphobia Recovery Club!😅
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.
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!
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 😊
We love having you as our Spider Queen. Keep up the great work and tell Bowzer I said hello!
Lol ty I will
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!
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
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!
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.😊
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!
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.
I enjoy and am grateful for the content you and Tom and many of the other Tarantula keepers on RUclips 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. ❤
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
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.
I agree! I'd love to hear his thoughts!
I think some define a "PetTuber" as an individual that acquires animals for the primary purpose of getting views. These RUclipsrs 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.
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.
I think its so beautiful and important to build connections with all living things on this planet. Creating different ways of doing this through a passion and love for it is so inspirational. I am sooo scared of spiders but love looove love all living things. This channel has really helpled me get closer to them without pushing my limits. I can feel the love and the authenticity and it makes me so happy. For us to evolve and create beautiful bonds with spiders and things like that? We need to create the space. I absolutely love this content and think its so cool we are starting to notice that spiders are not just scary...they are so lovely ❤
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.
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 🖤
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.
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.
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).
I also Watch Tarantula Collective, TK and Tom Moran
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.
I appreciate that 🙏
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
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! ❤
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, RUclipsrs 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.
I love your shows. You are entertaining as well as informative.
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.
It would be so boring if all the T channels were all the same. I watch you Kat, Richard, and Tom Moran. I love all the different things each of you do. Keep up the good work!
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.
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 ❤
Kat, you have gotten me over my arachnophobia... I love your content. I still haven't decided whether I should get a spider yet or not. I have cats. If I did decide to get a spider, I would start with a jumping spider because they seem like an easier arachnid to keep rather than a big tarantula but in the future maybe I was thinking that a pink toe would be cute, but I do as a viewer realize that they are completely different. Ne ways, I like I said do love your content and am always looking forward to watching it because it is fascinating, and I feel it does give a good and cute perspective on an animal that otherwise would be killed due to fear.
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
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 :)
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
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.
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!
Well, I find you to be both educational AND entertaining. I hope you keep doing what you’ve been doing.
Thank you.
At the end of the day, it’s all well meaning in a place of concern for the health and safety of these lovely animals.
you have got a good channel keep it going just do your stuff that you like doing
You never need to defend making money off your RUclips 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.
I’m a mental health therapist and I initially kept only a jumping spider in my office. Having her there has changed the opinions of more people than I’d ever be able to count. There are different ways of educating others about the hobby. My personal approach is to make it fun! Juniper opened the door for me to have the privilege of introducing my clients to tarantulas! Including Stella. A big hairy Brachypelma who enjoys kicking butt hairs and leaving balls of dead insect parts strewn about her enclosure.
I believe you can pair cute with education and have the same outcome: less fear, more respect, and curiosity! The cute hats, name plates, and plushies put out by influencers starts conversations and spins different perspectives on creatures that arguably most people are conditioned to fear.
It brings me joy every time one of my clients comes into my office and proudly tells me that they safely relocated a spider in their classroom. Or told a loved one to use a catch cup instead of a newspaper. I even had a little girl tell me today that she would like a tarantula of her own! And this is a child who a year ago, slept on the sofa because she found a spider in her room.
Tarantula Kat is one of the first creators that I direct curious clients to, because she makes it informative, relatable, and fun!
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.
I personally love your work ❤
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
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!
I think there is some point to be made, I work in a store who sells inverts including velvets and jumpers. A lot of jumper breeders have never kept anything but jumpers and peoples perceptions of spider keeping mostly come from tiktok clips. These people usually don't want to buy crickets weekly, only want a spider who they can get out all of the time, and I have noticed a trend in people not very concerned for the wellbeing of the spider only how they want to care for it (which is already common in other reptiles but is newer for our invert crowd) I don't think any of this comes from Kat videos but likely just tiktok and fb because of the highly curated content only about how friendly and cute they are and not about things like how to monitor their health. From my time keeping I believe that jumpers should get calcium with D3 occasionally as they are diurnal and would be out in the sun getting D3. Over feeding is a big problem in jumpers, as people are told that just mealworms are perfect food, most of this coming from breeders, and you never need to vary their diet. Housing isnt really the concern I feel, as regals especially are highly adaptable but the general wellbeing and doing whats best for the spider is a bigger concern of mine as the hobby grows and the people who sell these animals have little to no experience.
We love you and your content Kat x I don’t keep spiders but I love watching you and finding out more about them ❤
anyone know where i can find the youtuber kat calls as dion (idk is that’s how it’s actually spelt)in Canada, im located in canada and always have a bit of hard time finding info on canada native jumpers, so if anyone knows please let me know. thank you 💖💖
Reptiliatus- he’s great! (Sorry if I misspelled his name)
@@renaeblocker1701 aww thank you so much 💖💖
So, I am pretty new to the spider/invert community. I've always loved bugs- ever since I was a kid running around in the woods- and now that I'm an adult, I've realized I can just buy my own bugs. But, I have to say, this sounds like... Well.
The exact same shit I have seen in every other community that I have been in. People who are... Let's say they feel "ownership" over a certain hobby or space. They tend to be pretty rude about anything that they feel lets "normies" into the space that they think they own. (They especially tend to be rude about anything that girls and women like). I experienced this all the way back when I was a damn kid and dealt with boys at school insisting that Bionicle wasn't "for me" because LEGO wasn't for girls, and girls were "ruining" LEGO. When I was in high school, it was that "normies" who were in on the "fad" were ruining Minecraft!
IMO, this guy sounds like every single person who has ever insisted that there is a massive problem with people and "fads" ruining a hobby or a space and like... It's the same old BS that it always has been. People not doing their research with animals has always always ALWAYS been a problem. It's not an issue with it being a "fad", it's just... What happens. And honestly? The stuff in that letter would have been FINE... Had it not focused so damn hard on how the writer disliked the "cute" aesthetic and the "annoying" people like. Maybe I'm wrong here but, just say you think the feminine approach is annoying and say the quiet part.
Again, I'm new here. But I've been around animals for my whole life, I've been an animal lover my whole life. I've had animals and had friends with all kinds of animals since I was a kid. It is so SO clear how much you love and care for your animals. This guy and people who hold these opinions come across as judgemental and awful, and I sure as hell won't be getting my advice from people who shit on people who just do things in a "cute" way that come across like every gatekeeping jerk I've ever met in every hobby I have been in.
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.
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
And so what if it is a trend?? So what if it's popular??? It's bringing more people into the spider hobby, it's educating people about spiders. What is negative about that? This dude needs to chill tf out in my opinion.
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
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.
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!
Hi Kat.! new in the hobbie well nearly a year love your episodes! Hello from Australia!!
I watch your content because I trust your information and enjoy all the spiders and other animals you have. 😊🖤
My jumping spiders help me get over my fear of spiders. I actually went to tarantulas before velvets. I personally don’t handle any of my spiders. However I deep dived into each spider. My Antilles Pink Toe clearly has different care than my GBB. I just don’t get an animal before knowing their care. Everything has its own care. I feel like as long as research and proper care is done all while you’re respecting your pets there’s no issue. In fact just the other day I looked into a huntsman and decided based on their speed they would not be a good fit for me. I don’t get my pets based on cuteness or fun bright appearance alone. I get them based on if I have the ability to care for them because in the end I’m still learning.
I love spiders, I have a rosy-haired tarantula. This is the only arachnid I own, but I love her and I enjoy watching Kat interact with her spiders.
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 ❤
Where do you find those containers? What would they even be called? I keep getting so many baby jumpers from my girls and trying to find the best containers to keep them in when they're first out of the sack.
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.
I think it is a little sad and limited to think that, in order for something to be educational and/or effective, it cannot be entertaining. Some people do not like the bells and whistles, so to speak and just want straight info, but plenty of others can’t engage with that kind of information processing. Having multiple sources of info can only benefit the hobby and the creatures involved.
@tarantula Kat I have enjoyed your content and you were the reason why I decided to keeping tarantulas. I also love watching Tom as well. I have seen some of what Tom is talking about people doing my dangerous Tarantula or my Tarantula tried to kill me LOL. I honestly believe he is more on the people not educating. I came from keeping saltwater and freshwater the same kind of stuff exists. I do believe you and Richard do education not entertainment. Thank you for helping me over come my fear of tarantulas now I have 6 LOL.
When he talks about treating the jumping spiders like human beings (i paused to type this so I don’t know if this will get brought up after) he might be talking about the trend of making them a playground outside of their enclosure. I see that a lot and idk. Like people make the enclosure and then have a playground for them too.
Kat you’re very entertaining and I like your channel a lot. You take really good care of you T’s. Tom is good for scientific/ technical aspects and you are practical I like you both. You funny too
I love you Kat
I do not think he is talking about you Kat. Y’all are both similar yet different. Tom works as a teacher he does YT on the side. I watch both of you and y’all both add something valuable to to this space. I think you are being too defensive as maybe trying to validate yourself when you don’t need to. You equally bring education as well as entertainment. Also Tom gets a lot of questions on help as I am sure you do but he does answer all these questions. He is just a more cynical person than you. I didn’t hear anything he said too offensive. I think you should feel equally proud on what you have provided for us. I have to stick up for my man Tom just as i would you .
I agree
I don't think Tom is highlighting you or talking specifically about you. He's applauded you several times in the past and you aren't doing anything differently from before. He stated it himself that one of his defects is that if something becomes a fad it makes him less interested.
As I said, maybe not. But the shoe fits in some aspects which makes it about me regardless if that’s what the meant. Several have sent me this and asked who it’s aimed at assuming me. I really don’t know.
I obviously cant know what others are thinking. However, when Tom talks about click bait and damaging RUclips channels, I thought he was talking about those who portray spiders as dangerous and aggressive monsters. Since i watch a lot of tarantula content, those will sometimes be recommended to me, or even more disturbing, having two "opponents" fight to the death. Those videos being marketed as entertaining, but are extremely damaging to the animals and the hobby.
I didnt consider him to be addressing someone like you who is very respectful and responsible when dealing with your animals, but not necessarily super focused on the science side. If that makes sense.
@daniellerichardson6617 I can also understand that some people are not going to differentiate and go after any RUclipsr. I also suspect that Kat gets more flak because she is a woman, which sucks. I hope this can be a conversation and doesn't end up a versus between communities.
4:01
Maybe they're not fighting over the fruit flies but naturally feed communally as a leftover from the time of their matriphagic stage.
Lmaoooooo girl. You’re legit. You care about your spooders. If people don’t think you’re educational, they’re probably not paying attention. You are definitely more on the fun side but like…….. if you need straight up education, it’s out there. Maybe I’m not as informed as I could be but you seem to have pretty dang educational videos. Someone is always going to have something to say. And I just want to tell you that I do NOT, in any way, think that you are here for money. At all. I appreciate what you do and the biggest complaint I’ve ever had for you is being a little overwhelmed by the insta add lol. But I love your content so much. I have been using it to listen to while I sleep for probably a month and a half.
I have the same Indian blanket in the background mine is green lol 😂
hey random question, are either you or Mr tarantulakat into motorbikes? I see your knuckle duster tattoo and it just reminds me of the bike clubs my dad was a member of over the years (club not gang, not all bikers are scary most are lovely). Would you ever consider a video on your tattoos? No pressure as I understand they can be deeply personal things so whatever you're comfortable with :)
For people with ANY pets even invert tend to anthropomorphise with their pets. Pets become a part of your family so of course you start to see personalities in them. It’s a human trait to find similarities between us and them.
Well said 🩷
Oh mate they're everywhere in my back yard if ur ever in Australia feel free to come down and collect as many spiders as u like in fact please take them all!!! 😂😂😂❤❤❤ u got balls I tell u that nope still couldn't do it!!!
”She said she was afraid of spiders, and I laughed. Then something lifted out of the dry grass, perfectly concealed, bigger than my wagon. I tried to scream but it caught in my throat. The thing leapt over the corral fence. It snatched a lamb in its fangs, then was up and over the wall. I grabbed a torch, some armor, a helmet and then rode into town. It would take the whole town together to keep it from the rest of the flock...and me! Now when she cries ”spider”, I don't laugh.”
-Farming the Frontier, by Paulo Deen
Now I'm wanting a velvet spider again. It's the only one I think I'd be comfortable with.... Gotta think on this...
I worry about you. You are so sweet, compassionate and nice. people are just jerks. I enjoy Tom Moran's Podcasts and Big spiders, he is always 100% honest and does not say anything just to upset. he is honest and offers his opinion.
The problem the trolls use this information to incite controversy. RUclips and the internet love controversy and conflict.
I would love a podcast between you, Tom Moran, and Richard. You are all different aspects of the tarantula hobby and your differences would be fun to hear you have a pleasant discussion.
The problem the internet would rather encourage people to fight because "Us vs Them" mentality is is top of their agenda.
Please be careful you're too nice to be made sad
Gatekeepers suck. I want to see more people learning to love and appreciate spiders, and we need a thousand different approoaches to accomplish that.
I've been a fan of Tom's for many many years now I'm from nursing I like what is best for the spider I agree with Tom on a lot of stuff after being in it for a while I do not have dogs or cats anymore and I missed that interaction so yes I do talk to my spiders knowing full well I'll get nothing in return. But I still do it. I do like to know what is the best way to keep x species of spider what are the basics what are the dues and the do not do. Decorate a little bit but that's for me not the spider as long as it's safe and will not have a spider a little bit is okay. Love your channel
13 comment awesome video today Kat you are the best and the greatest ever and happy Thursday 💪👍💯👍
It would be so fun if he had you on his podcast. Tom's podcast is my favorite. Also the Charlotte he is talking about is not me, I promise, I actually missed the episode you featured in here lo
I really don't watch a lot of jumping spider or velvet spider content because I don't keep them, I only watch stuff about them when you happend to be doing a video on them, they are very cute but I don't have any and a lot of times everyone is sharing the same type of content.
"I think there's plenty of information out there about jumping and velvet spiders" "i cant stand all of the misinformation about keeping jumping and velvet spiders" he contradicted himself several times. And idk. I just feel like talking about someone and not having the gal to call them by name is very 7-8 year old kid and he's a grown man. It's weird.
right, like if you think people aren't doing their research in the right places why don't you give some examples of good sources of information. otherwise you're not doing much other than talking to hear yourself speak lol
Hey if ya would get spider tattoo would it be a true spider or new spider or old world spider
I don't care what that woman had to say, I also enjoy all the spiders, and making fun artistic enclosures. As far as her "Decorations that are unsafe" That has nothing to do with keeping jumpers, or any other spider before Tarantulas, it has everything to do with a person not being responsible, and researching before they get an animal. People can be irresponsible even if a Tarantula is their first pet. Tom also needs to understand that we dont all keep them as a scientific study, the spiders dont care what the enclosure looks like, so as long as it is not harming them, let people have their fun and enjoy them how they want.
I think that you, and the content you put out, is very well informed. Tiktok is a cesspool of ill-informed and frankly ignorant people. Thats how it is, period. But I do feel its unfair to group everyone who keeps jumpers or velvet spiders, into those ill-informed and ignorant people. You clearly care a lot about your critters, and it shows in every video. It’s frustrating when people make baseless claims about you, and your platform. I think a lot of it is because you’re a woman, and men can be gatekeepy. You put all of the same effort in, but put your own spin on it. Which is really awesome to see! I think men are intimidated by that. I experience the same thing, working in a male dominated industry. Love your videos!
I don't really feel like it is a fad because velvet spiders are hard to find. They are available in waves, so of course there is going to be alot of content when alot of people get them, especially if it is some of those people's first velvet spider. I love listening to Tom Moran too & like his content, but from what I've heard him share, he got into the hobby because he liked tarantulas or "big spiders" as he once called them. Velvet spiders & jumping spiders are more small & dainty, so I feel like more females keep them, so of course the content put out is going to be "cute" & "fad-ie".
I got into the hobby because I watched Exotic Lair for two years and did research during those two years and then got my 13 tarantulas.
I'm so grateful to you and your content as I feel like the spider community where I am (UK) can be very male heavy and is quite intimidating to me, so your care tips and general informative videos have made things so much more fun and accessible while still covering the importance of proper husbandry and research. I'd been keeping mostly mantis', jumping spiders and isopods until I came across your videos, and I was so excited when I found a velvet spider vendor at a local show. The only reason I found them is because they had one of your first Wednesday plushes on display and I knew I was in the right place. Had my girl ever since and she's really boosted my self confidence with spiders to the point where I will be looking out for my first tarantula pretty soon. These so called 'Fads', like it or not, increase the spotlight on a species that most people would squish in a heartbeat, and for the most part it seems to be positive which is what the focus should be over the trivial things. There will always be people with awful husbandry, whatever hobby you are in, it's unfortunately part of the problem with keeping any animal, lots of people are stupid. Great video Kat, thank you for keeping these conversations going 💜 I hope you know how much you have contributed to the hobby.
A jumping spider was my way into the hobby. For me keeping jumpers gave me confidence to get tarantulas. Some elements of husbandry are similar, but doing research is the key. And, I think the more content creators you watch, the more information you have to make the best decisions for your spider. Yes you will find bad information. You will find differing opinions. We have so many contested husbandry issues that create different content. Unfortunately, a novice keeper has a higher potential of finding questionable content; worse yet from a chain pet store! With any luck they will find you and other tarantula content creators with the right information. Love your content Kat! Keep up the great work!
Here's my stance: I kept Jumpers first for ~2 years before getting a tarantula. Of course I researched heavily and started with an arboreal because that's what I felt more confident with. But without my Jumpers, I would have never gotten into the hobby at all. Jumping spiders fueled my curiosity. Everyone has their own unique experience and story on how they got started. I also don't think you should read into who he's talking about. Don't give haters a platform. You can do everything right and still receive hate. Love your channel!
I don't think he was attacking you over your merch. Many creators have merch. I might be biased though since I have all your spiders except the first Wednesday. And your stickers are just adorable. You are so mindful on what you put into each of your enclosures. You don't just make them all identical. You take the time to make sure you are providing the necessities for the individual spider. Jumping spiders can live in the cutesie enclosures bc they will gladly live in your house uninvited, in the most random places. I spotted one just last week on my stove while I was cleaning. But say a trapdoor, well that's obviously going to need a safe space to burrow to make it's home. As you and Tom both said, research, research, research. You do an amazing job. And don't let anyone tell you different.