“Like Herding Cats” – Used to refer to an exceedingly difficult task, or an impossible task.
The idiom “like herding cats” perfectly captures the frustration of trying to coordinate people, projects, or situations that resist organisation and control. This colorful expression conjures an immediately relatable mental image: attempting to direct a group of independent-minded felines who follow their own whims and ignore commands.
Origin of Herding Cats
The phrase gained popularity in the 1990s, though some linguistic experts believe it may have earlier origins. It entered mainstream consciousness through a memorable 2000 Super Bowl commercial featuring actual cowboys attempting to herd cats across the open range, brilliantly illustrating the futility of the endeavour.
Parallels in corporate life
The expression describes particularly challenging management situations: Organising volunteers for community events, coordinating schedules among busy professionals, or managing creative teams can all feel like herding cats. The idiom acknowledges that certain groups or individuals naturally resist rigid structures and centralized direction.
Why is it hard to herd cats?
What makes cat herding so difficult is the fundamental nature of cats themselves. Unlike sheep or cattle that instinctively follow the herd, cats are solitary hunters with strong independent streaks. They pursue their interests, investigate distractions, and simply ignore directions they find irrelevant. A project that feels like herding cats typically involves participants with similar characteristics – independent thinkers with diverse priorities and natural resistance to being “managed.”
