Jorts (cat)

Jorts is an orange tabby cat who became a subject of online discussion and debate in December 2021, stemming from a workplace incident detailed in a series of now-deleted Reddit posts. The posts described alleged workplace dynamics between Jorts, another cat named Jean, and their human coworkers.

The central narrative involved claims that Jorts, described as well-meaning but less intelligent, was being deliberately sabotaged by a coworker who believed he smelled bad and was incompetent at his "job" of assisting in an office environment. The coworker reportedly refused to train Jorts and instead favored Jean, a tortoiseshell cat perceived as smarter and more capable. The original poster, allegedly a coworker, advocated for Jorts, arguing that he needed training and support, not dismissal or ridicule.

The Reddit thread sparked a widespread online discussion about workplace inclusivity, neurodiversity (often interpreted as a metaphor for Jorts' perceived lack of intelligence), and the responsibilities of coworkers and management to provide adequate training and support to all employees, regardless of their perceived abilities. The situation, presented as a humorous anecdote involving cats, served as a proxy for broader societal issues related to bias, fairness, and inclusion in professional settings.

While the specific details of the original Reddit posts are unverified, the "Jorts the cat" incident became a popular internet meme and a symbol of advocating for the underdog and promoting empathy in the workplace. The story highlighted the power of online narratives to spark conversations about important social issues, even when presented in a seemingly trivial context.