The Zoom Cat Lawyer meme originated in February 2021 during a virtual hearing for the 394th District Court of Texas. Attorney Rod Ponton unknowingly activated a kitten filter on his computer, appearing as a wide-eyed, distressed cat to Judge Roy Ferguson. When the judge pointed out the filter, Ponton famously declared, 'I’m here live. I’m not a cat,' a phrase that instantly became a global sensation. The meme perfectly captures the awkwardness and technical frustrations of the remote-work era, serving as a relatable symbol for technological mishaps and the bizarre intersections of professional life and digital filters.