Meet Futaba: The Cat Who Climbed the Corporate Ladder

The Feline Workforce at Qnote

In Japan, there's a unique company called Qnote where cats and humans work side by side. At Qnote, there are 10 cats on the team, which means there’s about one cat for every three human employees. This all started thanks to a special cat named Futaba.

From Junior Sales Cat to Chair Cat

Back in 2004, the company’s owner, Nobuyuki, adopted Futaba and welcomed her into the office as a junior sales cat. Quickly, Futaba showed just how much she could brighten the day for everyone at Qnote. Her positive impact motivated Nobuyuki to expand the feline workforce and hire more cats.

A Cat-Friendly Office

As more rescue cats joined the team, Qnote’s office got a makeover. Soon, it was filled with comfy nooks for napping and climbing. All this made it a perfect place for both people and cats.

The Chair Cat's Legacy

Futaba’s journey didn’t stop there. She climbed up the ranks to become the chair cat, even outranking Nobuyuki himself! She passed away peacefully at the age of 20, leaving behind a legacy of joy.

The Secret to a Happy Workplace

Nobuyuki knows that having cats around can be a bit distracting, but he says that's exactly the point. The cats give his employees much-needed breaks and bring a sense of fun and flexibility to work. It’s a company where loving cats is the only rule, and that has made all the difference.

The Next Generation

Futaba even trained her successor, Milk the Meowinger, to keep the purring positivity going at Qnote. With a playful spirit, Milk continues to follow in Futaba’s paw steps, making Qnote a happy place for everyone.