“I woke up this morning to the world thinking that I really don’t love cats. And it’s really weighed on me all day. I felt sick!” These words from actress Jessie Buckley encapsulate her recent struggle with public perception regarding her feelings about cats.
In November 2025, Buckley stirred controversy during a podcast when she expressed her displeasure with her husband’s cats, stating bluntly, “I don’t like cats” and labeling them as “mean.” This comment sparked backlash from cat lovers, leading to a wave of criticism directed at the actress.
However, Buckley later sought to clarify her stance on The Tonight Show, declaring, “I am a lover of cats.” This statement was an attempt to mend any misunderstandings that arose from her earlier remarks.
Adding to the complexity of her relationship with cats, Buckley had previously auditioned for the film adaptation of the musical Cats, a fact she humorously referenced by saying, “I gave the worst audition of my life… how do you be a cat?” This admission highlights her ambivalence towards the feline species.
At 36 years old, Buckley has recently enjoyed a remarkable career resurgence, culminating in her win for Best Actress at the 98th Academy Awards for her role in Hamnet. This victory made her the first Irish winner of the Best Actress Oscar, a significant milestone in her career.
During her acceptance speech, Buckley expressed gratitude to her father for teaching her to dream, a poignant moment that resonated with many. She also mentioned her eight-month-old daughter, Isla, reflecting on her personal life amidst her professional achievements.
Prior to this win, Buckley had been nominated for an Oscar for her performance in The Lost Daughter and had garnered multiple awards, including BAFTAs and Golden Globes, showcasing her talent and versatility as an actress.
Despite her accolades, the recent cat controversy has left Buckley feeling uneasy. She stated, “This is bad, so I’m going to get canceled,” indicating her awareness of the potential fallout from her comments.
As Buckley navigates her public image, her mixed feelings about cats remain a topic of discussion among fans and critics alike. Details remain unconfirmed regarding how this situation will evolve, but it is clear that Buckley’s relationship with her feline critics is far from straightforward.
