As a PR professional —and a lifelong cat owner—I’ve started to notice surprising parallels between my career and my cats. On a surface level, it looks like public relations and cats are worlds apart, but they actually share some striking similarities. From managing crises to building relationships, cats have a lot to teach us about thriving in an unpredictable environment. Here are five ways PR pros can learn from cats when it comes to staying agile and effective.
Landing on Your Feet: Crisis Management
Cats are well-known for their peculiar ability to always land on their feet, no matter how tricky the situation. In PR, this parallels the process PR pros take in crisis management. Whether it’s a negative media story or a social media mishap, PR pros need to stay calm, think fast and control the narrative to minimize damage.
A recent survey by NASDAQ Public Relations Services and PR News revealed that nearly half (48%) of communicators say their organizations lack a crisis communication playbook. Of those, 36% have no plan at all, and 12% are unsure. This uncertainty can hinder effective responses, as only 50% of respondents felt adequately prepared to manage crises. Like a cat that gracefully adjusts mid-air, a good PR professional can pivot, take control and land softly—even in the most challenging crises.
Subtle Influence: Building Relationships
Cats don’t force their affection or attention—they wait for the right moment to approach. In PR, building relationships with the media and key stakeholders is much the same. It’s about being strategic, knowing when to push forward with a pitch, and when to hold back. Just like a cat waits patiently for the perfect moment to pounce, PR pros must be subtle in their approach, nurturing relationships over time until it’s the right moment to strike with the ideal story or opportunity.
Curiosity is Key: Staying Informed and Adaptive
The well-known saying that curiosity killed the cat is proof that cats are always investigating their environment, adapting to new situations and finding creative ways to explore. In PR, curiosity is just as important. We must stay curious about industry trends, emerging platforms and audience behaviors to stay ahead of the curve. Being open to learning and trying new strategies keeps PR professionals agile and ready to adapt to changes in the media landscape, much like a cat that’s always discovering new ways to navigate its world.
Monitoring and Listening: The Power of Observation
Cats are expert observers, often watching quietly from the sidelines. In PR, social listening and media monitoring are crucial for understanding the public’s sentiment and finding the right moment to engage. According to HubSpot’s 2024 Social Media Trends Report, 86% of social media marketers say building an active online community is crucial to a successful strategy. Just like cats, PR pros should observe and listen before making their move, ensuring they strike with the right message at the right time.
Flexibility in All Situations
Cats are known for their incredible flexibility, whether they’re stretching or squeezing into tight spots. In PR, flexibility is just as important. You have to be ready to shift strategies quickly—whether it’s adapting a campaign or responding to breaking news. Like a cat that always finds a way to fit into new spaces, PR pros need to stay flexible to navigate an ever-changing industry.
Ready to Add Some Feline Agility to Your PR Strategy?
Just like cats, agility, patience and strategic timing are key to thriving in PR. From crisis management to relationship-building, there’s a lot we can learn from cats about staying flexible and adaptive in an ever-changing media environment. Contact William Mills Agency if you're ready to make your PR strategy more agile and impactful, to ensure your brand always lands on its feet.