Like herding cats
/laɪk ˈhɜːdɪŋ kæts/informalUK · US
What does “Like herding cats” mean?
Like herding cats means to be very difficult because a group will not cooperate or stay organised
Arranging a holiday with six friends can feel like herding cats when nobody agrees on dates. The problem is keeping people moving towards the same plan.
It is more specific than saying a task is hard. A difficult puzzle has no uncooperative group, so this comparison would be an unusual choice.
When do people say it?
A humorous complaint about coordinating people who keep doing different things. It can sound patronising if you say it about the people you are organising.
“Getting all six cousins ready for the photo was like herding cats.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal. It is most at home in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Most common in UK and US.
Where does it come from?
The joke imagines trying to move independent cats together as if they were a herd. The picture explains the frustration; it does not establish a particular origin story.
Origin confidence: Disputed; treat with caution
How do you say “Like herding cats” in other languages?
Last updated 2026-11-13