Tips for Take Your Cat to Work Day

Taking your cat to work for the day can be therapeutic, and not just if it halts your productivity by napping on the keyboard. The warm, familiar comfort of a cat in your lap may help eliminate workplace stress--that is, unless your feline friend creates more stress for you than it alleviates. Neglecting to take proper care of your cat and your coworkers can create problems for both, so follow a few simple rules to ensure that nobody is bothered by your pet.

  1. Look for Danger

    • A work environment can be a dangerous place for your cat, so check around your workplace for any hazards. For example, be wary of any open windows or doors, as your cat may attempt to escape its new environment. Shelves that house expensive equipment or valuable personal belongings may look more like a jungle gym to your cat, so be sure to cat-proof the area. Keep in mind that in high-traffic work areas, your cat may get underfoot and be crushed by unsuspecting coworkers. Check the ceiling for any missing tiles--if the cat can access the ceiling from a high shelf, it will figure out a way of doing it.

    Consider Coworkers

    • Always ask your coworkers and boss if you are allowed to bring in a cat. Though "take your cat to work day" seems self-explanatory, it is always best in this situation to be extra careful by seeking permission ahead of time. For example, coworkers may be allergic to cats, or they may simply find the concept of bringing one to work to be unprofessional. In any case, consult your peers before making plans with your cat.

      Consider what the cat will be doing throughout the day and how this may affect your coworkers. For example, is it a curious cat that loves to explore? Or is it a layabout that won't leave your cubicle?

    Control Your Kitty

    • Cats are often curious, particularly in new environments. Keep your kitty from causing chaos throughout the office by entertaining or containing it. If your cat is relatively easy to keep entertained, this may mean simply providing it with a comfortable pillow to sleep on while you work. If your cat is more mischievous, though, you may need some type of physical restraint. Some cats are tolerant of restraining devices like harnesses and leashes, though you may have better luck if you train it to wear one before the day you take it to work. A slightly less invasive option may be a cat tent: a small, lightweight, well-ventilated tent in which your cat can relax without disturbing others.