A high school teacher in Australia has sparked outrage for allegedly identifying as a cat in front of students. Parents claim she growled, hissed, and even licked the back of her hand during class. Reports say she made students call her “Ms. Purr” and purr for candy.
Photos show the teacher wearing cat ears and a lanyard that reads “purr.” One parent said she screeched at students who didn’t pay attention. Another called the behavior “disgusting” and demanded action.
The controversy got so big that Queensland’s Department of Education had to step in. Officials reminded the public that teachers are held to “the highest standards of professionalism.” Translation: This is not normal, and they know it.
The teacher denied the claims, saying “Ms. Purr” was just based on her initials, P.R.R. Even so, reports indicate she is no longer at the school. Despite support from fellow teachers and the union, the school quietly moved on.
When teachers start acting like house pets, something has gone seriously wrong. Classrooms aren’t zoos, and students shouldn’t have to wonder if their teacher is about to cough up a hairball. Hopefully, this was an isolated incident—and not a sign of things to come.
Five Fast Facts
- Queensland is home to some of the world’s most dangerous animals, including saltwater crocodiles and box jellyfish—yet somehow, this teacher made national news.
- There are over 3.8 million pet cats in Australia, and none of them teach high school.
- In 2023, an Australian student went viral for reportedly identifying as a cat—perhaps this teacher took notes.
- Marsden State High School is one of the largest public schools in Queensland, with over 3,400 students.
- The Queensland Department of Education was founded in 1875 and probably didn’t anticipate having to address feline behavior in classrooms.
