Take Your Cat To Work Day®

Since:
🥂 2018

Feline fine at the office? Must be Take Your Cat To Work Day®. ⛑️🐈📥🐈‍⬛🧑‍🏫😾🙀

I have my favorite cat, who is my paperweight, on my desk while I am writing.
(Ray Bradbury)

Why Let Dogs Have All The Fun?

It’s time to let the cat out of the bag!
Or rather, into the office.
Take Your Cat To Work Day® aims to demonstrate just how wonderful cats can be as work buddies (or fluffy paper weights) and to promote the adoption of shelter cats.
Think of it as the ultimate “dress your pet as your boss” day, except instead of a tiny suit, your feline overlord gets to survey their domain from the comfort of a keyboard or more likely, a strategically placed cardboard box.

The Origin Story of Take Your Cat To Work Day®

Take Your Cat To Work Day® was created by Pet Sitters International in 2018.
Inspired by the success of Take Your Dog To Work Day, they thought, “Hey, cats deserve a day in the spotlight too!”

Some workplaces use the observance to invite representatives from pet rescues and animal shelters to showcase cats available for adoption or raise funds for such organizations.

Take Your Cat To Work Day® takes place every year on the Monday of the third full week in June, thus kicking off Take Your Pet To Work Week with a purrr-fect start!

Should You Take Your Cat To Work?

Before you throw your cat in a carrier and march into the office, let’s paws for a sanity check.
Is taking your cat to work the right thing to do? It depends.
While some cats might enjoy a change of scenery, others might find the office environment a bit too…hisss-terical.
Plus, not all workplaces are equipped to handle the creative chaos a curious cat can unleash.

Here are some purr-fectly feline friendly ways to celebrate without causing kitty-catastrophes:

You can bring a large framed photo of your cat to display proudly on your desk.
Your desk will look cuter and you’ll have an instant conversation starter.
Bring a plushie that resembles your cat to keep you company.
Organize a day where everyone can share cat stories, pictures and videos.
Set up a video call to your home, so you can check in on your cat throughout the day and let your feline friend meet your colleagues.
With a little luck, your cat might even grace the screen with a regal paw wave or a perfectly timed yawn.
Host a short film festival during lunch hours featuring a playlist of funny or heartwarming cat videos.
Wear a piece of jewelry or a tie with a cat motif or set your computer wallpaper or screensaver to a picture of your cat.
Dress up as a cat, complete with ears and a tail.
We won’t judge you.
Organize a fundraiser for your local animal shelter or cat rescue.

Your coworkers will still get their feline fix and your kitty can stay home, stress-free!

Creating a Cat-Friendly Workplace

So, you’ve decided to actually bring your feline overlord…ahem, companion…to the office?
Here are some tips to create a cat-safe and comfortable environment:

First of all, make absolutely sure your cat is comfortable with car rides and unfamiliar environments.
Also, don’t forget to check with your colleagues to make sure they’re comfortable and not allergic to cats.
If your workplace has territorial felines of its own or other incompatible animals, bringing your kitty might be more stress than snuggles.
Consider a “bring your pet photo” day instead!
Cat-proof the area by securing loose wires and removing any toxic plants or substances.
Hide or secure loose cables and ensure that windows and doors are closed to prevent any accidents or great escapes.
Pack your cat’s food, favorite treats, toys and a comfy bed.
Familiar items can help ease their anxiety.
Don’t forget a portable litter box!
It’s essential for your cat’s comfort and your coworkers’ sanity.
A designated quiet space and a scratching post will give your cat a safe haven where your cat can retreat if things get too overwhelming.
Keep in mind that not all cats are social butterflies.
Keep an eye on your cat’s behavior.
If they seem stressed or uncomfortable, it might be time to call it a day and head home.

When the cat’s away, the mice will play. But when the cat’s at work, productivity purrrs!

Paws, Claws and Applause

Take Your Cat to Work Day® is a day to celebrate the joy that our feline friends bring to our lives and maybe even help a few kitties find their forever homes.
And if anyone questions your sanity after seeing the life size plushies on your desk, you can always blame Wild Calendar for this purrr-fectly insane idea. Better yet, invite them to join the purrrty! After all, life’s too short to take ourselves too seriously.
May your day be filled with purrs, head boops and hopefully minimal collateral damage!

Happy Take Your Cat To Work Day®!

Some people see the glass as half empty,
some as half full.
I look for the cat who drank the water.

#MeowMonday #TakeYourCatToWorkDay