Staff Writer and new bwogger Eleanor Babwin explains proper pet etiquette while attending Zoom University.

Let’s face it, it’s hard to find the joy in Zoom school. It isn’t easy, but, I must say, I get immense joy out of seeing people’s pets. Every time I see an unexpected tail wander into frame, I am infinitely happier. To all the pets out there—I admire your work, and I love you. To all of the pets’ humans—I also really appreciate what you’re doing. Thank you. 

While I love my cat, and I love showing her to the world, I know she isn’t on screen to bring others joy. She does; she’s America’s sweetheart. Showing off to the good people on Zoom isn’t her intention. She thinks about one thing, and one thing only: food. (Aren’t we all?) She thinks only about maintaining her schedule, and her coming onto camera is a not-so-gentle reminder from her that I am not thinking about her needs. 

This is all to say, my cat doesn’t care about my education, and I am sure yours doesn’t either. Perhaps dogs do, but there cannot be a single cat who values education as much as they do their own schedule. 

For animals who insist on being punctual with feeding times, who thrive on regular routines, they don’t care about their human’s lives. My cat, and I’m sure other cats too, are fully aware that they can barge in whenever they please. They know that they already have our respect. It is us, the humans, who must earn theirs, so they afford themselves the luxury of making their presence known on Zoom.

My “speak only when spoken to” relationship with my cat only goes one way. Zoom school has made it fully apparent that I’m on her time, although I should have realized it sooner. Nevertheless, she can do whatever she wants, whenever she wants, and I allow it to happen. Will I stop her? No. Do I want her to be mindful and respectful of my time, as I am of hers? Of course. 

I still want to see cats on Zoom. I’m not a monster. I truly adore all the cats I have the pleasure of seeing, and I respect their humans immensely knowing it is probably not feeding time. In fact, there’s most likely a good hour or two before they’re actually supposed to be fed. All I ask of the cat friends I meet is for you to respect your human’s time like they respect yours. Until next time, thank you cats, dogs, and humans. Zoom is a better place because of you. 

Clipper via Eleanor’s Mother