Oct. 29, 2025
Contact: Janese Heavin, heavinj@missouri.edu
Photo courtesy of Bill Etling
When Bill Etling, BJ ’88, began his career at Nestlé Purina 16 years ago, he found a purr-fect habitat. A lifelong cat owner, he embraces the company’s pet-friendly policies, commitment to philanthropy and its core belief that pets and people are better together.
Etling is a former sports reporter turned communication professional who currently serves as senior vice president of Corporate Affairs for Nestlé Purina North America. Before joining Purina, he spent 11 years with Anheuser-Busch, where he had the opportunity to promote some of the company’s most iconic beer brands and mascots — the Clydesdales.
“I didn’t set out to work with animals, but it felt very natural to me,” he said. “We always had cats growing up, and my wife and I have had anywhere from one to four cats at a time during our 41 years of marriage.”
Today, Etling — whose three children all graduated from Mizzou — is proud cat dad to Macaroni and Tortellini, twin sisters he affectionately calls “The Noodles.”
Between his family’s Mizzou legacy and his unabashed love of cats, it’s safe to say his stripes run black and gold — with just a hint of tabby. Now, for National Cat Day on Oct. 29, he’s sharing insights and expertise on his favorite feline friends.
Q: How would you describe cats to people who have never owned them?
A: Cats are fun, affectionate, energetic, playful and curious. They’re independent, yet they can be very warm and friendly. They’re also mischievous — just ask our dog, Luna.
Q: What are some lessons humans could learn from cats?
A: One lesson would be to get plenty of exercise and rest to live a long, happy life. Our cats run around like crazy but then sleep for hours on end. Also, our cats are twins who take good care of each other and always stick together. They are very caring, and that’s also a good lesson for us. Take care of yourself but also take care of one another.
Q: What’s something people believe about cats that you think is universally true?
A: Cats can be a little bit aloof. They will tell you when they want attention and when they’re ready to play. But if it’s not time for that, they’ll let you know.
Q: If your cats were Mizzou students, what would they study?
A: Our cats would be great journalism school students, for sure. They are curious, and they poke and prod when they want something. Our cats are very smart and creative in their play time. If they could talk, I think they would be good storytellers. And at the end of the day, they do care about us. Those are all good qualities for a journalism student.
Q: Wet or dry food?
A: We feed both to our cats. We give a little bit of wet food and a little dry food every day, and the only condition is that it must be a Purina product. We firmly believe in the quality of the food that we make.
Q: If your cats were Mizzou athletes, what sport would they play?
A: Our cats are fast, smart, sleek and really good at chasing and catching things. I think they would be great wide receivers for Coach Drinkwitz, kind of like Kevin Coleman or Marquis “Speedy” Johnson on the football team. If our cats could learn to dribble, I’d say they’d be good point guards like Anthony Robinson on the basketball team. I think they would fit in either one of those sports. They’re not only quick and athletic, but they’re also smart, which you have to be to play sports at a high level.
Q: Favorite famous cat?
A: Truman the Tiger, of course. I’m a season ticket holder for football games, and every time Truman comes by, we get photos with him. Truman is definitely our favorite. We love Truman.
Q: You clearly have a lot of Tiger pride and not just the feline kind. What keeps your Mizzou spirit so strong?
A: I truly believe in the mission of the Missouri School of Journalism and Mizzou in general. I’ve had the opportunity to work with faculty in both the School of Journalism and the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business in recent years, and they’re wonderful partners. From President Mun Choi to the deans and professors, they’re doing exactly what they should be doing — preparing the next generation to be productive citizens and caring people who contribute to their professions and their communities. And the Missouri Method provides such a strong foundation with real-life experience. I’m very proud of what the university stands for and what it means to our state and to my family. My father graduated from Mizzou in the 1930s, two of my brothers graduated from Mizzou, two of my sisters went there and our kids are proud Mizzou alumni. I can’t say enough good things about Mizzou. I’ll keep supporting it and believe it will continue to thrive for generations to come.
