Bring your Cat to Work: Celebrate Bring your Pet to Work Day 2012

Pet Sitters International, (PSI) created Take Your Dog to Work Day fourteen years ago. This festive, special occasion has been celebrated on the Friday following Father’s Day, by dog lovers since 1999.

This year Take Your Dog to Work Day will be celebrated on Friday, June 22. 

PSI hasn’t forgotten to include our remarkable felines from participating in the fun.  In fact, this whole week, starting June 18 through June 22 is observed as Take Your Pet to Work Week, with PSI inviting employers and employees to celebrate the occasion by getting involved.

For cat people, Take Your Pet to Work Day not only gives folks an opportunity to play with and show off their cats at their workplace,  (as long as the boss doesn’t object) it also serves to remind us about the amazing role our cats play in the lives of their guardians. This day is also set aside to promote and encourage folks to adopt a needy, homeless kitty from a shelter or local rescue groups.

You may be wondering about the value of setting aside a day in which employees are invited to bring their pets to work.  The majority of pet guardians have experienced the health benefits from living with their beloved furry companions. Since it's been proven scientifically  that cats lower blood pressure and reduce stress, taking your kitty to your workplace or office is a great way for your office-mates to observe that special love you share with your fur-kid.

Falling in love with cat after handling a friend’s kitty is quite common.  Just by watching the interaction between you and your  kitty can present the ideal time to encourage the folks with whom you work to follow your example and adopt a feline they will treasure from a shelter or a specific breed rescue.

To make sure that Bring Your Pet to work 2012 is a positive experience for your cat,  here are some helpful hints:

Check with your boss and co-workers if it's ok to bring your cat to work.

Make sure no one is allergic. 

If it’s o.k., bear in mind cats often become skitterish in a new and unfamiliar environment. To prevent an accidental escape, be sure all doors and windows are closed.

Cat-proof the area by removing expensive equipment or personal belongings from desk tops and shelves.

Don't forget to check for any missing ceiling tiles, since frightened cats can easily access the ceiling from a high shelf. 

Preferably the day before you plan to bring your cat to work, bring a litter box, litter, a pillow, or a blanket so kitty can have a safe and comfy sleeping spot. Check out tips for Bring Your Cat to Work Day for more suggestions.

For the canine department Petside.com has listed some helpful tips helpful tips to ensure that Bring Your Dog to Work 2012 is a positive experience for both the humans and dogs who are taking part in the celebration.

What are your thoughts about the Bring Your Pet to Work Day celebration? Share them in a comment.