Working Cats: Honoring Our Feline Coworkers This Labor Day

A Tabby Cat Looking at a Customer in a Store

A few months ago, I became obsessed with Bodega Cats, and immediately began following the working cats on Instagram and TikTok accounts that honored the cats and the daily work that they do. We often think about how we toil away our days working hard to support ourselves and our families, but our cat co-pilots work hard, too. It's only fitting that on Labor Day, a holiday dedicated to honoring the contributions of workers everywhere, that we take a moment to recognize a special group of “employees” who’ve worked alongside us for centuries: working cats.

From guarding grain in ancient times to keeping bodegas and post offices pest-free, cats have proven themselves as loyal coworkers. They may not clock in at 9 a.m. sharp, but their roles in protecting food, boosting morale, and even serving as mascots for businesses have earned them a rightful place in the workforce. More than once my cat Lulu has been my alarm clock, my smile at the end of a difficult day and my therapist to listen to me moan and groan when no one else was around. Let's review the beauty and devotion of the cat co-worker.

Cat in a Bookstore

A Short History of Working Cats

• Ancient Grain Guardians: Cats first partnered with humans thousands of years ago by protecting harvests from rodents. In ancient Egypt, cats sparked a deep, reciprocal relationship with humans that transformed their perception into symbols of protection, prosperity and spirituality.

  
  

• Post Office Cats: In the 19th and early 20th centuries, mailrooms in Europe officially employed cats to safeguard documents and packages. In 1868 London, an Official Mouser Program was created for the formal employment of cats. The Money Order Office hired three cats on a trial basis to deal with a rodent infestation. They were paid a small weekly allowance for food. After the cats proved effective, the program, known as the "Cat System" was expanded to post offices across England. In 1952 there was public outrage when it was revealed that cats' wages had not increased since 1873, leading to a debate in the House of Commons. The most famous Post Office cat, Tibs, served for 14 years at the Post Office headquarters in London, and kept it mouse-free until his death in 1964.

• Bodega Cats: Today, cats in corner shops and delis still serve as pest control and bring joy to customers. Dating back to the 19th century in New York City, cats have become beloved icons of the urban landscape. The New York City Post Office was using approximately 100 cats by 1900 for rodent control. Most importantly, cats provide comfort for store owners, and a calming influence against a busy city landscape. They also attract customers which helps the bottom line.

  
  

• Office & Bookstore Cats: Modern workplaces find that feline coworkers reduce stress and create a welcoming environment. But their role in the bookstore has historic roots. In ancient Egypt, cats were used to protect valuable books from pests in stores and later in libraries. Their protection of papyrus was later formalized by Russian Empress Elizabeth who sent cats to the Hermitage Museum in 1745.

  
  

Cat at an Outdoor Patio

Labor Day for Humans… and Their Cats

Labor Day may mean barbecues, sales, and relaxing for us — but what about our working cats? After all, they’ve been “on the job” for centuries. Here are some fun ways to include them in the holiday:

Celebrate Together

• Create a cozy “cat lounge” while you grill or entertain, so your feline has a front-row seat to the fun. Check out the new Comfort Diva Cat Bed so that your feline friend can lounge in style.

• Gift your cat a new toy or cat bandana as a “bonus” for their service as pest control and chief morale officer. Comfort Diva donates the revenue from our Cat Bandanas to animal rescue organizations.

  
  

Cat-Friendly Labor Day Treats

• Make frozen tuna or chicken broth cubes to cool your cat off during summer festivities.

• For humans, sip a cocktail in a Cat-Themed Wine Tumbler (Comfort Diva’s got you covered).

  
  

Rest & Relaxation

Labor Day is about taking a break. Snuggle with your cat under a plush blanket from Comfort Diva, or let them claim your new outdoor pillow — because what’s a holiday without a cat nap? By the way, our new outdoor pillows are perfect for a day of grilling and chilling.

Woman Snuggling with a Cat

Why Cats Deserve a Labor Day Shoutout

Cats have always worked in their own way — silently protecting, entertaining, and comforting us. On Labor Day, we honor all workers, human and feline alike, who make our lives better. This Labor Day, September 1, 2025, you can save 30% on Comfortdiva.com with coupon code LABORYAY through September 3, 2025.

So while you fire up the grill, shop the sales, or simply take the day off, don’t forget to celebrate your cat. After all, they’ve been “on the job” since long before we called it work.

Celebrate your cat’s contribution to the “workforce” with Comfort Diva’s whimsical gifts and home décor. From cozy blankets to chic wine tumblers, our collection honors the joy cats bring to work, play, and every holiday.