Every office has its characters — the snack hoarder, the walking spreadsheet, the one who’s always cold. But among them stands a truly iconic figure: the Office Cat Lady. She doesn’t need a title badge or a business card to claim her identity. Her love for felines radiates from every corner of her desk, every Slack emoji, and every unsolicited cat story shared in the break room.
If you’ve ever paused mid-meeting to show off a picture of your cat wearing a bow tie or you keep a lint roller next to your office keyboard (because fur happens), chances are, this article’s about you. And that’s a beautiful thing. Because in a world of endless deadlines and passive-aggressive emails, your unapologetic love of cats brings a little joy, a lot of personality, and a healthy dose of whiskers to the workplace.
Still unsure if the label fits? Let’s walk through ten very telling signs that you might be the feline-fancying legend your office never knew it needed — or maybe always knew it had.
1. Your Desk Is a Shrine to Cats
Walking past your desk feels a bit like entering a miniature feline boutique. There’s a calendar with a different cat breed for every month, a coffee mug that reads “Purr More, Hiss Less,” and sticky notes shaped like paws. Even your screensaver cycles through an album of your cat’s most photogenic moments. Coworkers have stopped being surprised when they spot yet another cat trinket pop up. You’ve even started receiving unsolicited gifts — because everyone knows what you like. It’s not clutter; it’s a curated collection of joy. And let’s be honest, the cat plushie on your chair has better posture than most coworkers do.
2. You Bring Up Your Cat in Every Conversation
No matter the topic, your cat somehow finds their way into it. Someone’s talking about weekend plans? “Whiskers has a vet appointment Saturday morning!” Another person mentions their toddler? “My cat does the exact same thing when I leave the room.” You don’t even realize you’re doing it half the time — it’s just instinct. Your coworkers have learned that a conversation with you might include a feline anecdote or two (or three). Even serious meetings occasionally veer off course thanks to a tail-wagging tale. But the charm lies in your sincerity — you talk about your cat the way some people talk about their soulmate. And in a way, that’s exactly what they are.
3. You’ve Got More Cat Photos Than Coworkers Do of Their Kids
Scrolling through your phone is like flipping through an issue of Cat Fancy magazine. There’s your cat sleeping, your cat yawning, your cat doing that one weird thing with the curtain — all perfectly captured. You’ve got a dedicated album with subfolders by mood, lighting, and seasonal décor. Coworkers show off their children’s dance recital pics, and you respond with a snapshot of Bootsie in a tutu. You’ve even memorized which coworkers pretend to care and which ones genuinely want updates. Occasionally, someone will ask for one cat photo — and receive twelve. You can’t help it. When it comes to your camera roll, the limit does not exist.
4. You Refer to Your Cat as Your “Fur Baby” — Without Irony
Your cat isn’t a pet; they’re your child. You refer to them with the same seriousness other people use for human offspring. “My baby was up all night” might concern your coworkers until they realize you’re talking about your tabby. You’ve considered signing your holiday cards “Love, Me & Mr. Flufferson.” Sometimes you even forget not everyone sees animals this way — and you’re fine with that. Vet visits are treated like pediatric appointments, complete with follow-up updates and emotional recaps. And yes, you’ve Googled whether cats understand maternal bonding (you’re convinced they do).
5. You Celebrate Your Cat’s Birthday… at Work
When your cat’s birthday rolls around, it’s a thing. Cupcakes show up in the breakroom, and there’s a suspiciously feline-themed playlist playing softly from your speakers. You might even wear a button that says “It’s Muffin’s 4th Birthday!” without a shred of shame. Coworkers get looped in whether they like it or not — and most secretly enjoy it. Some even start asking, “Is it almost cat birthday time again?” You send out e-vites (optional attendance, of course… kind of). And while your cat may be oblivious, the office gets a much-needed morale boost — thanks to you.
6. You’re the Go-To for Cat Advice
When someone adopts a kitten, their first message is to you. You’re the resident expert, the Cat Oracle, the Meow Master. Litter brand suggestions? You’ve got five. Strange furball behavior? You’ll send a link and a personal story to match. Even dog lovers admit that when it comes to cats, you know your stuff. You take pride in your knowledge — and in being the one people turn to. At times, you’ve half-joked about starting a side business as a feline consultant. And who knows? With your passion and experience, it might just work.
7. You’ve “Accidentally” Worn Cat-Themed Clothing to Work
Let’s face it — it wasn’t really an accident. That cozy sweater with the embroidered kittens? Totally intentional. The socks with paw prints? A subtle touch of flair. Even your earrings might feature tiny whiskers or a sly cat silhouette. You’ve mastered the art of professional-meets-playful. And when Casual Friday hits, it’s full-on feline. Some coworkers stick to jeans, but you arrive in a hoodie that proudly declares, “Purrfessional.”
8. Your Slack Status Is Often Cat-Related
Others use their Slack status to reflect workload. You? Yours tells a story. “Feeding the beast” or “On a break with Whiskers” appear weekly. You’ve used every cat emoji available — and even lobbied for more. Team chats occasionally get interrupted with a quick snapshot of your furry coworker. No one complains, though — they’ve grown to love your little updates. Some even follow your cat’s unofficial Slack saga.
9. You’ve Suggested a “Bring Your Cat to Work Day”
While “Bring Your Dog to Work Day” is a thing, you’ve always wondered: why not cats? You’ve floated the idea more than once, complete with a mock schedule and safety precautions. Some laughed, others paused and actually considered it. You’ve researched calming sprays, portable litter boxes, and noise-control options. Your dream is to host the first successful Cat Work Day in corporate history. You envision a conference room turned cuddle lounge. Until then, your cat continues making surprise appearances in your Zoom calls — and honestly, that’s a win in itself.
10. Everyone Tags You in Cat Memes
Your notifications are a nonstop parade of whiskers and punchlines. Every time someone sees a cat video, meme, or comic strip, you’re the first person they think of. And while you’ve seen most of them before, you always respond with an enthusiastic “LOL” or heart emoji. You love that you’ve become that person — the one associated with something joyful and silly. It’s a little connection, a shared moment, a momentary break from the serious. Plus, it means people are thinking of you — and that always feels nice. You’ve become the office’s official curator of internet cat culture.