Bring Your Cat to Work Day

It’s only fair that if people get to bring their dogs to work, that people have the opportunity to bring their cats to work, as well. Now, while some may say that doing it during the same week could be a recipe for disaster, whoever invented the pet event calendar was obviously a daring individual because it just so happens that bring your cat to work day is June 24th and it falls in the same week as bring your dog to work week.

That being said, there are many cats that don’t mind dogs, like dogs, and/or tolerate dogs, if only to humor their pet parents. Have you ever noticed how a cat can give this look of sarcasm or private humor, almost as if it’s in on some kind of joke and he or she is waiting for you to catch up? So, today, the joke is on us humans…and the workplace is going to the cats.

At first glance, it may seem that bringing a cat to work is actually easier than bringing a dog. After all, cats don’t need to be walked every few hours, so that takes care of a lot of logistic problems. But there are other things to consider.

Here are the top 6 tips for bringing your cat to work:

1. Make sure your cat is wearing a collar with ID tag. Doors, and sometimes windows, are constantly being opened and closed in a workplace setting, allowing for ample opportunities for even the laziest of cats to wander away. Not to mention the escape artists that will make a beeline for any opening, if only just to see you chase after them.
2. Bringing the essentials, is well, essential. Things like cat food, water, bowls, a few favorite toys, and a litter box, with litter, are all important things that your cat will need throughout the day while you try to get some real work done.
3. Cats have something that dogs rarely use or haven’t find a good way to use. Nails. Anyone who’s ever been intentionally scratched by a cat knows the scars they can leave, the pain they can inflict, and the possible infections and the ramifications of those infections. Cats also tend to use their nails on furniture, a less painful, but often expensive and unsightly habit. Assuming your cats are not declawed, be sure to have their nails trimmed within a few days before bringing your cat into the workplace. Your employees, your boss and your office furniture will thank you for it.
4. Bringing your cat to work involves some planning, and socialization should be at the top of your to-do list. This is trickier than the rest because it starts on day one of getting the cat or kitten. How your cat does at work with you will depend on how much you socialized him or her to new people, places and situations. For the best results, start early, and be consistent.
5. Health/Allergies. It goes without even saying that if your cat is sick, he or she should stay home. The other, perhaps less obvious things to consider, are allergies. Some cats have allergies to certain products, and some people are allergic to cats. All of this needs to be taken into consideration before bringing your cat to work with you.
6. Cats are like people in that they have personalities, likes, dislikes, etc… If you know your cat is an escape artist, likes to chew up brand new electrical wires, tends to attack heels from behind furniture, etc… then it might be a good idea to leave your cat at home.

Pets are a very emotional and integral part of our lives. This week will be charged full of excitement, joy, love, and lots of pet stories will be circulating in the workplace. But, it’s important to remember that the only thing that matters is the health and well being of your pet. If he or she is not up for going to the workplace, perhaps consider working from home that one day, or finding another more suitable way to incorporate your cat without making him or her stressed or uncomfortable.