I WAS shocked to learn that UK meerkats were being kept as domestic pets (The Press, May 31). If they have large claws, sharp teeth that can destroy furniture and carpets – slap an ASBO on ‘em!

The TV commercial Russian meerkat wears a smoking jacket we are told – he could set fire to your house.

This makes our local moggies, the ones that scratch holes in neighbouring gardens, claw wooden fencing and rot tyres by “marking” parked cars – tame by comparison. I still prefer the simple ‘mere cat’ – the one that’s no trouble, the ones that provide their own paper, like Yorkatt and Eric.

Dale Minks, Ancress Walk, York.