For those who have gotten into the habit of working from home, cats have perhaps been functioning as coworkers for quite some time now. They supervise video calls from the highest shelf, tap a paw onto the keyboard at the exact wrong moment, and perfect the art of looking busy while napping.
When it’s time to go into the office, Felix often gets left behind to rule over the roost. But on National Take Your Cat to Work Day, it’s the perfect excuse to bring that playful, clever pal along, if the workplace is truly suited for it, and if the cat is the kind who can handle a change of scenery.
Done thoughtfully, it can be a cheerful morale boost for humans and a surprisingly enriching outing for the right feline.
How to Celebrate National Take Your Cat to Work Day
Have a delightful time enjoying this day with some of these fun ideas:
Take Your Cat to Work
The headline activity is exactly what it sounds like, but a successful “office cat” visit has more in common with planning a short trip than grabbing keys and heading out the door.
First, get permission from the company and confirm the building rules. Some offices have written pet policies; others require approval from a manager, landlord, or building management. Certain workplaces also have strict safety or sanitation needs, such as food preparation spaces, laboratories, clinics, manufacturing floors, or areas with heavy equipment. In those environments, bringing a cat simply is not appropriate, and celebrating in a different way is kinder to everyone, especially the cat.
Next, consider the people factor. Checking with nearby coworkers is not just polite, it is essential. Cat allergies can range from mild irritation to significant respiratory issues, and some people are fearful of animals or prefer not to interact. A simple heads-up allows the workplace to set boundaries, designate cat-free areas, or arrange seating changes. The goal is a pleasant day, not a surprise stress test.
Then comes the most important question: is the cat a good candidate? Some cats are naturally confident and curious. Others find travel and unfamiliar environments upsetting. A cat that hides when visitors arrive, panics at new noises, or becomes aggressive when stressed may not enjoy an office outing. The day is meant to celebrate cats, not to force them into a situation they cannot understand.
For cats who might do well, preparation makes all the difference:
- Use a secure carrier. A sturdy, well-ventilated carrier is non-negotiable for travel and for moving through parking lots, elevators, and lobbies. It also gives the cat a safe “home base” upon arrival.
- Bring identification. A collar with an ID tag and up-to-date microchip information helps in case of an accidental escape.
- Pack the essentials. Water, a bowl, a small amount of food, treats, a familiar blanket or bed, a few toys, and a portable litter box with litter and waste bags can turn a chaotic visit into a manageable one.
- Create a contained setup. A private office with a door is ideal. If that is not possible, a large crate or pop-up pet playpen can provide a defined area where the cat can relax without roaming the entire workplace. Roaming sounds charming until a startled cat bolts under filing cabinets or slips into a hallway.
- Cat-proof the space. Hide or cover electrical cords, remove toxic plants, and close windows. Check for gaps behind furniture where a cat could wedge in and refuse to come out until the workday ends.
- Keep introductions optional. Let the cat decide whether to socialize. Some cats enjoy a slow parade of admirers; others prefer to observe from a safe perch. Coworkers should be encouraged to approach quietly, avoid sudden movements, and skip picking the cat up unless the owner says it is welcome.
- Watch for stress signs. Hiding, crouching, flattened ears, growling, swatting, panting, excessive meowing, or refusing to eat or drink can signal that the environment is too much. In that case, the best celebration is an early trip back home.
- Have an exit plan. Even a confident cat can have an off day. Planning for a quick, calm departure keeps the cat’s welfare front and center.
A thoughtful office visit can be a win for everyone. Coworkers get a lighthearted break in the day. The cat gets stimulation and extra attention if it enjoys that kind of thing. And the owner gets a reminder that their pet has a personality worthy of a fan club, even if that club forms around a desk chair.
Create a Special Playlist for the Day
Celebrate National Take Your Cat to Work Day by putting together a playlist that captures the vibe: a little theatrical, a little mischievous, and occasionally dramatic for no obvious reason. Music can also help set a calm mood in a private office, especially if it masks unfamiliar sounds like printers, phones, or hallway chatter.
Add some songs to a playlist on Spotify, Apple Music, or another favorite music platform and get a good beginning with some of these tunes:
- The Invitation to the Jellicle Ball from the musical soundtrack Cats (1981)
- What’s New Pussycat? by Tom Jones (1965)
- Alley Cat by Frank Zappa (1996)
- Hello Kitty Cat by The Smashing Pumpkins (1993)
To build it out, it helps to think in themes rather than only titles. A “cool cat” stretch can include jazzy tracks that feel like a cat strolling across the office as if it owns the place. A “zoomies” section can be a burst of upbeat songs for the moment someone rustles a treat bag. And a “nap break” block can be softer music that suits a cat curling into a perfect loaf.
For workplaces where cats cannot attend in person, the playlist idea becomes a surprisingly good substitute celebration. Coworkers can contribute one cat-themed song each, and the group ends up with a shared soundtrack for the day that keeps things festive without breaking any building rules.
National Take Your Cat to Work Day Timeline
Early Agricultural Settlements Attract Working Cats
As early farmers in the Near East stored surplus grain, wildcats were drawn to the rodents infesting these settlements, beginning a long history of cats “working” alongside humans to protect food supplies.
Cats Appear in Egyptian Work and Domestic Scenes
Tomb paintings from the Middle Kingdom and New Kingdom in Egypt show cats under chairs, in hunting parties, and around storage, reflecting their dual role as household companions and practical hunters in daily life.
Ship Cats Sail on Viking and Medieval Vessels
Genetic and archaeological evidence suggests domestic cats traveled on ships, including Viking vessels, where they helped control rodents aboard trading and military craft that functioned as mobile workplaces.
Cats Officially Employed by the British Post Office
The Secretary of the Post Office in London authorizes the hiring of three cats for rodent control, granting them a weekly food allowance and formalizing “post office cats” as workplace pest managers.
Tokyo IT Firm Formalizes Office Cats for Staff Wellbeing
Japanese company Ferray Corporation in Tokyo gains attention for allowing employees to bring their cats to the office to reduce stress, helping popularize the idea of resident office cats in modern desk-based workplaces.
History of National Take Your Cat to Work Day
National Take Your Cat to Work Day is part of a wider push toward pet-friendly workplace culture, but with a distinctly feline twist. While dogs have long dominated “bring your pet” conversations, cats have their own devoted following and their own social style. A cat-friendly workplace event invites people to appreciate the quiet companionship, comedic timing, and confident independence that make cats such memorable pets.
The day is widely recognized as the cat-focused kickoff to Take Your Pet to Work Week, a themed stretch that encourages workplaces to celebrate pets responsibly and, in many cases, to spotlight animal welfare efforts such as shelter support and adoption awareness. In that context, cats are not an afterthought. The idea is to give felines a moment in the office spotlight before the week’s more dog-centered activities roll in.
The event is strongly associated with Pet Sitters International, an organization known for promoting workplace pet days and encouraging responsible pet care. Their broader campaign has helped popularize the concept that an office can occasionally make room for animals, as long as the policies are clear, safety is considered, and participation is optional.
For many companies, the appeal is obvious: a well-managed pet day can boost morale, spark friendly conversation between departments, and soften the edges of a routine workweek.
As the concept has spread, different communities and brands have sometimes used slightly different naming, including the “National” phrasing. Regardless of wording, the spirit stays consistent: celebrate cats, promote thoughtful pet ownership, and make space for the human-animal bond in a place typically dominated by calendars, keycards, and conference rooms.
It also serves as a reminder that cats are highly adoptable companions. Many people still assume cats are “low involvement” pets, but they thrive on proper enrichment, veterinary care, and stable routines.
A workplace celebration, when handled responsibly, can prompt conversations about what cats actually need to be healthy and content: scratching outlets, playtime that mimics hunting behaviors, safe hiding spots, and a calm environment. In other words, the day is not only cute, but it can also be educational in a practical, everyday way.
Just as importantly, the day highlights a simple truth cat owners already know: cats have presence. They may not greet everyone at the door like a dog, but they can turn a plain desk into a throne and make a break room feel like a lounge simply by choosing to sit there. National Take Your Cat to Work Day leans into that charm, while also nudging participants to put the cat’s comfort first.
For workplaces that want to take the celebration further, the day can also become an easy gateway into community-minded action. Some offices use the occasion to collect supplies for shelters, such as canned food, litter, and toys.
Others encourage employees to share adoption stories or foster experiences, which can gently inspire someone who has been considering a cat to take the next step. Even without a formal donation drive, the simple act of highlighting cats as beloved companions can help normalize adoption and responsible care.
Of course, not every cat should come to work. Not every workplace should allow it. And not every coworker wants a surprise encounter with someone else’s pet. The lasting value of the day is that it treats those limitations as part of responsible celebration, not as obstacles to ignore. The best observance is the one that keeps cats safe, respects people’s needs, and still manages to add a bit of whiskered delight to the workday.
National Take Your Cat to Work Day Facts
Working Cats Have Held Formal Jobs for Centuries
Long before office cubicles existed, cats worked alongside humans in a wide range of jobs, from guarding ancient grain stores to serving as official mousers in institutions.
In Britain, the position of “Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office” at 10 Downing Street recognizes resident cats whose role is to control rodents in government buildings, while historical accounts note that cats were employed by post offices and other facilities in the 19th and early 20th centuries to protect mailbags and food stores from pests.
Ship Cats Were Standard Crew on Naval and Merchant Vessels
For centuries, ships routinely carried cats as part of the crew because they were effective at controlling rats and mice that could damage ropes, woodwork, and food supplies.
Historical records describe famous ship cats such as Trim, who sailed with the British navigator Matthew Flinders, and the widely reported “Unsinkable Sam,” associated with several World War II vessels, underscoring how common it was for sailors to keep feline shipmates both for practical pest control and companionship.
Cats Have Become Unofficial Staff in Bookstores and Libraries
Modern workplaces that host resident cats are often small businesses and cultural spaces rather than corporate offices. Bookstores and libraries around the world have adopted cats as live-in mascots that greet patrons, curl up on reading tables, and quietly deter rodents.
The American Library Association notes that library cats historically helped protect collections from pests, while contemporary media coverage highlights their role in drawing visitors and giving these workplaces a distinctive, welcoming atmosphere.
Brief Cat Interactions Can Lower a Key Stress Hormone
There is experimental evidence that short, calm interactions with cats can reduce physiological stress markers in humans.
In a controlled study at Washington State University, college students who spent just 10 minutes petting cats and dogs showed a significant drop in cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress, compared with students who only observed animals or waited their turn, suggesting that even brief contact can meaningfully influence the body’s stress response.
Cat Owners’ Bodies React in Complex Ways During Feline Interactions
Not all cat–human contact is purely sedating, and physiology can tell a more nuanced story.
A 2023 study of people interacting freely with their own cats at home found that while owners reported decreased emotional arousal, their heart rates actually increased and parasympathetic nervous system activity decreased, indicating a more activated state rather than simple relaxation.
The findings suggest that time with cats may blend comfort and arousal, which could feel pleasant but is not identical to being fully calmed.
Unfamiliar Places Are Often Stressful for Cats
Behavior research shows that many cats experience significantly more stress in strange environments than at home.
A study summarized by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior reported that cats examined in a veterinary clinic had higher stress scores than those examined in their own homes, highlighting how travel, new smells, and unfamiliar handling can be major stressors.
Veterinary behaviorists therefore recommend minimizing novelty, allowing hiding, and using gentle, predictable handling whenever cats must be taken into new spaces.
Cat-Friendly Environments Prioritize Hiding Spots and High Perches
Guidelines for “cat-friendly” professional spaces emphasize features adaptable to any workplace housing a cat.
Articles in veterinary practice journals recommend providing enclosed hiding places, elevated resting areas, quiet zones away from heavy foot traffic, and non-slip surfaces to help cats feel secure and in control.
These environmental tweaks reduce fear and aggression in clinical settings and reflect basic feline behavioral needs that apply wherever cats spend time alongside people.
