Working Cats

Benefits:

Listen up all you tax accountants, lawyers, payroll processors and more. Your high-pressure job needs a stress reducer: a feline companion. Your company image needs a mascot. An office cat can attract customers and create a comfortable atmosphere.Your customers need proof that yours is a business with heart.
A review of research on domestic pets and human health, published in 2007 in the British Journal of Health Psychology, suggested that pet owners tend to be healthier. The review found evidence to suggest that pets owners have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and are less likely to have minor and serious health problems.
"Pets at work can help employees to relax, reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure, which can decrease absenteeism and improve staff morale," confirms Terri Bodell, a consultant clinical psychotherapist and stress expert. "Not only that, but employees that interact with animals during breaks seem to return to work in a more productive and positive frame of mind." Studies show workers are more productive and happy when you have a furry friend curling around your legs (unless you are allergic to one of those furry co-workers).
It can also be good for team bonding and office dynamics, she says: "Pets in a workplace can help promote social interaction and help people collaborate more effectively."
So, the experts say it's good for you. Now you just have to persuade the boss.

Not all cats that were adopted through the York County SPCA reside in homes. Some cats have been adopted by businesses and are thriving in their environment (with humans working, some of these cats recieve more attention through the day in an office than they would in a home). Would your business consider adopting a working cat ?

Feline Office Assistant Job Duties:

Reducing stress for all humans
Sitting by the front door every morning to greet coworkers
Inspecting all boxes that enter the business for security problems
Maintain supplies by checking stock to determine inventory levels – this is especially important when it comes to food supplies. Alert human before supplies run out completely
Providing comic relief for staff and visitors whenever possible.
Maintain office schedule, ensuring adequate time for naps and play.
Generating (This entails generally being cute.)
Working toward status as ambassador to patrons of the business.

Trixie hard at work proofreading

(see Trixie's page)

One of Jack's duties is to check the comfort level of the carpet

Cardinal making sure that the table is safe

Want to integrate a cat into the workplace?

Follow these steps to make the transition a little easier:

Take it slow! Any new environment can be stressful for any animal. Monitor your cat’s comfort and let your kitty set the pace.

Make it comfortable! Do your best to make your cat feel welcomed and at home. You can provide items (e.g. bedding, scratching posts, treats, and toys) that can help your kitty adjust to your office.

Have a hiding place! Cats are all about hiding, especially when they are still getting used to a new place. A pet crate is a great way to provide your kitty with his own fortress of solitude, plus it can double as a place to put your cat when you need to be away from your desk.

Not every small business can adopt a cat. Forget offices with cat-allergic employees, restaurants with food safety rules, and businesses with heavy in-and-out traffic that might risk an animal wandering outdoors. Also, sometimes the cats get a little feisty and can try to rearrange office supplies or perform maintainance on office equipment.

To visit adoptable cats, go to adoptable cats / more adoptable cats on this site.

For more information, email yorkcountyspca@gmail.com

go to top of page