Müügikati

Müügikati is an Estonian term that translates to "sales cat." It refers to a colloquial practice where a cat is brought into a retail or service establishment, often a small business, with the implicit or explicit purpose of attracting customers and creating a welcoming atmosphere. The presence of a friendly, well-behaved animal can have a positive impact on customer experience, making the environment feel more relaxed and approachable.

This practice is not regulated by any formal guidelines and is largely dependent on the individual business owner's discretion and the cat's temperament. The success of a müügikati often relies on the animal being comfortable in a public setting and not posing any hygiene concerns. Businesses that employ this strategy hope to differentiate themselves from competitors, foster customer loyalty, and generate positive word-of-mouth marketing.

While the term "müügikati" is informal, the underlying concept of using animals to enhance customer experience is observed in various forms globally, such as "therapy animals" or pets present in certain types of cafes and bookstores. The specific Estonian usage highlights a charming, often unadvertised, aspect of small business culture. The focus is on the cat as a subtle, organic draw rather than a structured promotional tool.