A woman’s attempt to present herself as a polished professional in a video job application took an unexpected turn—thanks to her cat.
TikTok user @ariautumnblossom shared a now-viral clip showing her dressed in a white top and black blazer, preparing to record a video for a job application. All was going according to plan until her cat suddenly jumped into the frame, latching onto her shoulder mid-sentence.
In the footage, the woman looks stunned as she tries to push the cat away, briefly pausing to inspect her face for scratches. The moment was both chaotic and comical—and quickly caught the internet’s attention.
The video reflects a reality many remote workers have come to know well. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home has become more common, with many professionals adapting to virtual interviews, meetings, and day-to-day communication. According to the Pew Research Center, around 75 percent of employed U.S. adults still work remotely at least part-time.
While video calls are now a regular part of many jobs, social norms around them continue to evolve. A YouGov poll found that most people disapprove of certain behaviors during virtual meetings. For instance, 77 percent say having a TV on in the background is unacceptable, while 76 percent frown on vaping during a call. Background music is a no-go for 70 percent, and 61 percent disapprove of wearing pajamas. Opinions on pets are more divided—28 percent say it’s unacceptable for pets to be present, 26 percent say it’s fine, and 34 percent are okay with it only during informal calls.
Despite the disruption, viewers applauded the woman’s reaction. Her composure under pressure earned praise from TikTok users, with over 2,100 comments on the post.
“Seems like you work well under pressure to me,” one person wrote.
“I would hire you specifically because of this,” said another.
One commenter joked, “Give me an example of a time you dealt with a difficult employee.”
Another quipped, “She don’t like this job for you.”
The viral moment was a reminder that in the age of remote work, even the best-prepared professionals can be caught off guard by a furry coworker. But how you handle it may say more than a flawless take ever could.
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