TALLINN — Mart has a plan. He wants his cat, Püri, to learn Finnish. Why? Because Mart is convinced that if Püri becomes fluent, she can score government contracts.
”You see, my aunt works in the Ministry of Education,” Mart said, pouring milk into a saucer for his feline. “If Püri can speak Finnish during the next job interview, it’s a done deal!”
Mart’s strategy involves a three-step process: First, play Finnish children’s songs on loop. Second, show Püri old episodes of ‘Salatut elämät’ for proper context. And third, whisper sweet Finnish nothings while rubbing her belly. Fellow cat owners in Kalamaja are astonished but supportive, claiming it’s all part of the Estonian startup culture.
”I mean, if they can teach dogs to skateboard, why not a cat to sit in on a bureaucratic discussion?”
While skeptics argue that Püri is more likely to nap than converse with civil servants, Mart remains undeterred. He insists that with just enough Kohv and a little luck, nothing is impossible.
At press time, rumors emerged that Püri was also considering a side job as a tour guide in Tallinn’s Old Town.