Meet Japan's Feline Business Professionals

A Japanese web development company has a staff that includes 10 cats - about one feline for every three human workers. At Qnote, cats aren't just office pets. They're employees with real titles and the ability to climb the corporate ladder.

The Founding Feline

The cat-friendly workplace began in 2004 when owner Nobuyuki adopted Futaba and brought her on as a "junior sales cat." After seeing how much Futaba boosted everyone's mood and spirits, Nobuyuki decided to expand the company's four-legged workforce.

Cats in the Corporate Structure

Over time, Futaba didn't just remain an entry-level employee. This determined cat climbed the ranks over 20 years, eventually becoming "chair cat" - a position that outranked even Nobuyuki himself! The company founder didn't mind being outranked by his feline colleague.

Sadly, Futaba recently passed away peacefully at the age of 20. But before her retirement, she made sure to train her successor, aptly named "Milk the Meowinger."

Cat-Friendly Office Design

As more rescue cats joined the team, Qnote renovated their office to make it more cat-friendly. They added plenty of climbing spots and cozy napping areas throughout the workspace.

The Only Job Requirement: Love Cats

When it comes to hiring human staff at Qnote, there's only one non-negotiable requirement - you must love cats. Nobuyuki believes that all job skills can be taught, but a love for feline coworkers cannot.

The Business Benefits of Office Cats

Nobuyuki acknowledges that having cats in the workplace can sometimes be distracting, but he sees this as a positive feature rather than a problem. He values how the cats naturally encourage human employees to take breaks throughout the day.

The cats have become Qnote's secret weapon for creating a flexible and positive work environment. By forcing occasional pauses and bringing joy to the office, these feline professionals help maintain a balanced, happy workplace.

For anyone looking to join this unique company, remember - your technical skills matter, but your attitude toward cats matters even more.