A software company in Tokyo has built an unconventional workplace where cats are as much a part of the office as its employees. Qnote Inc., a Japanese software firm, has integrated 11 rescued cats into its headquarters, making them a permanent feature of its work culture and employee-wellbeing initiatives.
The company’s pet-friendly journey began in 2004 when one of its founders brought a rescued stray kitten into the office. The cat soon became a familiar presence, creating a relaxed atmosphere that employees appreciated.
Over the years, more rescued cats found a home at the workplace, gradually shaping a unique office environment where people and felines work side by side.
Today, the cats move freely across workstations, meeting rooms and common areas. Rather than being treated as office pets, they are regarded as members of the organisation and have even been assigned symbolic job titles such as manager, auditor and office clerk. The company has also made its fondness for cats part of its hiring philosophy, with a love for animals considered a desirable quality in prospective employees.
To accommodate its feline residents, Qnote has redesigned its office with dedicated cat-friendly infrastructure. The workplace includes multiple litter boxes, elevated walkways, climbing shelves, resting zones and scratch-resistant interiors, allowing the cats to roam comfortably without disrupting daily operations.
The company believes the cats contribute positively to employee wellbeing. Staff members are encouraged to interact with them during the workday, with brief moments spent petting or playing with the animals helping employees recharge during busy schedules. The cats also serve as natural conversation starters, encouraging informal interactions and helping new hires settle into the workplace more easily.
While the cats occasionally interrupt work by jumping onto desks or seeking attention, the company views these moments as opportunities for employees to take short breaks and return to work refreshed. According to the organisation, the presence of the animals has helped create a calmer, friendlier and more collaborative office culture.
For the Tokyo-based software firm, rescued cats have become an integral part of its identity, transforming the office into a space that prioritises both productivity and employee wellbeing.
