In a unique twist on traditional job listings, a London-based firm has posted an enticing advertisement for an office cat-sitter, offering a salary that has caught the attention of many. The role involves caring for Jerry, the company’s beloved office cat, and includes some rather unusual responsibilities.
Key Takeaways
- The job offers between £65 and £100 per hour, depending on experience.
- Responsibilities include feeding, grooming, and playing classical music for the cat.
- The position is part-time, with expected hours between 8 to 12 per week.
- The company, Aviamarket, believes having Jerry in the office boosts staff morale.
The Role of the Office Cat
The job advertisement from Aviamarket, an aviation marketplace located in central London, seeks one or two candidates to care for Jerry, a British Shorthair cat. The responsibilities are not just limited to feeding and grooming; the successful applicant will also need to create a calming environment for Jerry, who is described as a sensitive animal.
The role includes:
- Regular Feeding: Ensuring Jerry has fresh food and milk.
- Grooming: Gentle daily grooming to keep Jerry looking his best.
- Classical Music: Playing classical music every Friday to soothe the feline.
- Toy Shopping: Monthly visits to a luxury department store to purchase new toys for Jerry.
Why This Job Is Unique
The salary for this position has raised eyebrows, with rates ranging from £65 to £100 per hour based on the candidate’s experience. While the job is advertised as a full-time role, the actual hours worked are expected to be much lower, making it an attractive part-time opportunity for cat lovers.
Viktor Martynov, the company’s boss, introduced Jerry to the office environment to improve staff morale, as he often spent long hours at work. Martynov noted that Jerry has become a beloved presence in the office, with employees eager to interact with him. He stated, "Everybody wants to pet him and he also cheers up my colleagues; they have more motivation to come to the office right now."
The Impact of Jerry on Business
Interestingly, Jerry’s presence has even been credited with aiding in business negotiations. During a tense meeting regarding a business jet deal, Jerry jumped onto a client’s lap, instantly changing the mood of the discussion. Martynov remarked, "It turned out that he’s a cat lover and his mood immediately changed. So you could say that Jerry also helped us with our work."
A Growing Trend in Unusual Job Listings
This cat-sitting position is not the only quirky job advertisement to emerge recently. In 2023, Blackpool Zoo sought candidates to become official seagull scarers, requiring applicants to dress up as birds. Similarly, various food and drink companies have advertised for professional tasters, while the Tasmanian tourist board has posted listings for roles like wallaby walker and paranormal investigator to attract tourists during the off-season.
As the demand for unique job roles continues to rise, it seems that the combination of pets and work environments is becoming increasingly popular. With over 250 applications already received for the office cat-sitting position, it’s clear that many are eager to combine their love for animals with a lucrative job opportunity.
