Feline Office Workers: Unique Animal Shelter Employees

The expression, "put your money where your mouth is" certainly is appropriate for what the Seattle Humane Society is doing for homeless cats! Their offices have gone to the felines! In fact, most of their administrative sites have become homes to many cats in their care. The main administration building has provided feline-friendly and stimulating environments for their kitty residents who live "rent free".

Photo by vtengr4047 Cared for by the staff, they reside in temporary quarters until they can be adopted. These lucky kitties are supplied with inviting crates in which to hide, a variety of litter boxes, separate feeding stations and many other niceties designed for their comfort. This also greatly expands the number of cats for which the Seattle Humane Society can provide shelter.

Since they are not caged, what is really extraordinary appealing for these "office dwellers" is that they have the opportunity to interact more normally with people. Skitterish and shy cats can blossom through human contact which may make them far more appealing to potential adopters. Being free to roam and explore within their safe office perimeters, they also have the chance to exercise and play. So while they are not living in their permanent loving homes, at least they are getting a taste of the "good life" which of course results into transitions to new homes that are easier for both the cat and the folks who will adopt them.

But what is even more enchanting in this story are the roles that these feline office dwellers play while in residence. One such cat is named ZeldaZelda. Her present job is office receptionist. Her "job" description, beside purring and looking beautiful, includes keeping company for folks working the phones and as the official guest greeter.

There are many pussycat perks that go with this assignment, such as hanging out in the windows for sunbathing, free roaming of the reception area which generally results in lots of lap sitting with concomitant petting. Her predecessor, Princess, the former "ruling queen" of the reception area has been adopted into a forever loving home, where she has traded her office reign for her new role as queen of her permanent castle.

And while the office staff is often sad to lose their kitty co-workers when they are adopted, of course they are at the same time thrilled about it. It really seems that these transitional office homes are a win-win situation for all concerned. I bet that these kitties consider the arrangement to be the "cat's pajamas!"

For folks who reside in the Seattle, Washington area, all of the office cats are available for adoption. For more information, visit the Seattle Humane Society website at: http://www.seattlehumane.org/adopt/pets/cats/all

Can you think of anything more fun and enchanting than spending your work day surrounded by cats? If you do, please let us know by leaving a comment.