The cat’s meow
California office feline\\\'s birthday party to raise funds for shelter
The feline-friendly law office of attorney Lisa J. Buday is getting ready for its annual event: a birthday party for Oliver, the office cat.
The guest of honor, an orange-and-white cat who lives at the law office on Third Street, is turning 11.
The birthday party, slated for July 29 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Hollywood Pavilion, 313 Third St., California, also serves as a fundraiser, and proceeds from the festivities will be donated to Cross Your Paws Rescue, a Greensburg non-profit that rescues at-risk dogs and finds them homes.
Oliver, whose daily to-do list includes carousing the office, napping and purring, has been a fixture at the office for a decade, and is a celebrity in the community.
Buday said Oliver’s presence at work lowers stress, improves morale, and lifts the mood.
“Oliver has become a cherished member of the law office and community, and he brings joy and comfort to clients and staff alike,” said Buday.
Buday, a self-professed cat lover, took in Oliver shortly after he was born on the porch of her former administrative assistant. Buday’s sister had at one time owned a flower shop, and her sister’s cat roamed through the shop. Buday liked the idea of an office cat.
“He’s mostly chill. He’s not a cat you pick up; he does things on his terms. He likes to sit in the office and be on the desk when I’m doing hearings from Google Meets. He’s a good ice-breaker for people who come into the office.”
Oliver’s fan base stretches well beyond Buday’s office; PennWest California University students and locals stop by to give him a pat and to get their picture taken with him, and the cat has attracted more than 840 followers on his Facebook page, aptly called Oliver the Office Cat.
“There have been people who have come in daily to see Oliver. Post-COVID, I had a college kid who came in virtually every day to pet the cat,” said Buday.
Fans of Oliver, animal lovers, and anyone who wants to wish him a happy birthday are invited to the party.
The shindig will include cat-themed birthday cake and refreshments, a pet photo booth, and raffle baskets.
Last year, Oliver’s birthday celebration raised $1,000, and organizers are aiming to build on the momentum to support Cross Your Paws Rescue’s efforts to help dogs in need.
“This isn’t just a birthday party — it’s a way to show love for animals and give back to the community,” said Buday. “Our office cat has made a big difference in our lives, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate him than by coming together to support a volunteer-run rescue that has already saved so many lives.”
Organizers are seeking donations of themed gift baskets for the basket raffle. All monetary donations and raffle proceeds will go toward Cross Your Paws Rescue.
“Oliver’s pretty lucky – he’s got a pretty posh life,” said Buday. “He’s famous, so I try to use that to do good.”
Donations of raffle baskets, pet food, pet supplies, or monetary contributions are welcome. For more information, contact Buday’s office at 724-938-1355.