Cats can be incredibly affectionate. They rub their heads on our faces, make biscuits on our legs, and cheer us up after a long day at the office. But what if we could bring our fur babies to work?
Well, there’s a perfect date for that: Take Your Cat to Work Day! Celebrated on the third Monday of JuneTYCTWD recognizes the impact cats have on our lives.
No matter how stressful things are at the office, cats can lift our spirits and boost our productivity. What can we do today to appreciate our kitties? Time to find out!
Who Invented “Bring Your Cat to Work”?
It all started in 1999 when Take Your Dog to Work Day was first introduced to celebrate and recognize puppies. It always falls on the Friday right after Father’s Day, and we have Pet Sitters International (PSI) to thank for arriving on this holiday. Now, it’s been more than two decades since TYDTWD was created and a dog following its owners to work is a common sight these days.
However, cat owners took notice, which is why in 2005, PSI officially established Take Your Cat to Work Day. Since it’s always celebrated on the third Monday in June, there’s plenty of time to party with the cat and still prepare for the big day for the dogs. If you own both animals, the whole week will be one big holiday!
Is it a Famous Celebration? What Is It About?
This day was created to recognize how wonderful domestic cats are, promote adoption, and support local shelters and communities. With this, it is a great opportunity to bring the cat to work, introduce it to your colleagues, and shower the pet with love and care. Companies that support this idea often put together virtual events, allowing employees to celebrate their pets together.
Take Your Cat to Work Day has only been around since 2005 and many people don’t know about it. That’s partly because many cat owners don’t want to bother others by bringing their pets into an office building. The pandemic has also brought popularity to this festival. However, these days, Take Your Cat to Work Day is starting to be recognized across the country.
Why is “Bring Your Cat to Work Day” Important?
Dogs have long been in the spotlight on Bring Your Dog to Work Day, so it’s only fair that cats be recognized as well. Additionally, if your furry bud likes to try new things, taking him to work will be a great experience for him. Above all, this day offers an opportunity to do something nice for our fluffy companions.
Now, a cat knocking on things like folders, reports, and your favorite cup can be quite stressful. This is especially true if the pawed troublemaker decides to mess up a colleague’s desktop. That said, it’s fun to see a cat hitting a paperclip or potted plant. Or if your pet is an ideal cat citizen, it will be comfortable next to the lights or heater and let you focus on work.
The biggest advantages of bringing a cat to work include:
- You don’t have to worry about the fur baby staying at home alone
- It will be good for the cat to interact with strangers and experience new things
- There may be other cats at work to make friends with your pet
- This will present an opportunity to start a conversation with colleagues
- Having a cat sitting next to you can provide comfort and relieve stress
Bringing the Cat to Work: A Quick Guide
Before you put the fur baby in a carrier and take a trip to the office, talk it over with people at work. If you ask ahead of time and try to be convincing, chances are, they won’t mind you bringing a cat to work for a day. Start by bringing it up to your superiors and then see what your co-workers have to say about it:
- Talk to management. If the company you work for has a strict policy against office pets, they won’t be too happy about your cat running around causing havoc. That is, ask politely and promise the cat to behave, and they might just give you a pass. In any case, it’s always wise to ask first as opposed to trying to introduce the pet.
- Ask your colleagues about it. Most people love having a cat around and may even like to pet or treat the cat with treats. However, maybe someone at work is allergic to cats. So, don’t forget to ask everyone you work with if they’re okay with you bringing in a pet. Sometimes, allergy symptoms can be severe!
- See if the cat is ready for this. By nature, cats are inquisitive creatures and love to explore new environments. But if your kitty is a couch potato, he’ll probably prefer to stay home alone. Or maybe the sudden change of scenery can cause stress and anxiety. Consult a veterinarian if you are unsure of your cat’s temperament.
- Make sure the cat is comfortable. Will the cat keep you company for a few hours? Then it will need its bowls, litter box, and maybe even a toy or two to meet its basic needs. You might also want to take its bed. When the pet gets a little restless, it will have a bed to go to and calm itself down.
- Do not force any interaction. We know it can be tempting to show the world how great your cat is, but you shouldn’t get too hung up on it. If there are cats in the office, they will praise the cat and ask permission to pet it. Having the kitten on a leash is another good idea.
- Try to keep it short. You don’t have to keep the cat in your workplace for eight hours straight. If it’s an anxious pet or if it needs frequent bathroom breaks, it’s best to bring it home after a quick introduction. This way, the cat will not be stressed or a nuisance to your companions.
Spoiling Your Cat on This Very Important Day
If the people at your workplace are willing to support you, you should include a photo booth in the office. Everyone can get together with their cats, take pictures, and create great memories. You can also dress up the pets and maybe wear themed costumes. Ready to take it up a notch? Then turn the office into a treasure hunt area by hiding tasty snacks and toys for the cats to find.
At home, consider cooking something tasty for the four-legged bud, like a meat dish you know the little companion enjoys. And if you have extra cash, buying the cat a toy, pillow, or food dispenser will only cost $10–15 but make it feel appreciated. Again, it doesn’t have to be a huge (or expensive) thing. Even a very small budget can make the cat’s day.
How Can Regular Cat Owners Help the Cause?
Raising awareness is the best way for any cat to help take Bring Your Dog to Work Day to the next level. Use its hashtag on social media, tell your friends and coworkers about it, and help spread the word. And if you feel like you can do more, volunteering at a local rescue center or animal shelter would be the perfect way to help the cause.
Conclusion
What’s better than cuddling with your cat after a tiring nine to five? Bringing the pet to work, of course! Now, while that might be annoying on a regular Monday, if you do it on Take Your Cat to Work Day, you two might just get away with it. Follow our guide, and you should avoid management trouble.
However, there is more to this celebration. This is a great opportunity for us to show our feline friends how much we love and appreciate them. So, if the third Monday of June is around the corner, make sure you have a special plan for the furry family members!
Featured Image Credit: YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV, Shutterstock
