This article, written in 1911, about how cats bring contentment among woman workers is sarcastically humorous. At a time when women were paid significantly less than men to do tedious work, a workshop introduced a cat into the environment. The workshop was kind enough to give the women cat petting breaks during their long shifts, as opposed to real work breaks and a decent pay.
A WONDERFUL CAT TALE
The latest scientific bunk on the cure for discontent was unloaded on the Chicago Commercial club by a Dr. Herman Schneider, of the University of Cincinnati.
“Just put a cat in a workshop and discontent among girls ends and production goes up,” said the wise guy from Cincinnati.
Then he told a cat tale about a certain piano factory where girls were employed. He said the girls were discontented and constantly shifting to other occupations. Finally a big maltese cat was put in the room, and “solved the trouble completely.”
“The cat compelled rest periods” said Schneider, “for every now and then it would jump into a girl’s lap and take her attention away from her work for a few moments. In this way it relieved the tension of high speed and permitted the elimination of the fatigue poisons at irregular but sufficient intervals.
“When girls left this firm and went elsewhere, where there was no cat, they quickly came back. Production increased and peace reigned.”
That’s a fine line of dope for department stores.
If the girls are contented on $6 a week — turn loose a flock of maltese cats.
If the girls are broke — give ‘em maltese cats. Maybe that will help pay room rent, board bill and laundry.
If they’re hungry — have trained cats jump on their laps. It may make them contented with empty stomachs.
If they want clothes — give ‘em cats. If they want food — give ‘em cats. If they want more wages — give ‘em cats.
It will be dead easy — If it works. All the big stores need is to start a maltese cat foundry and fill the world with contentment — and cats.
Source: (1911, November 13). A wonderful cat tale. The Day Book, p. 12.
