Are there any specific health or business rules / laws / requirements
/ regulations either Federally or in the State of NJ that restrict an
employer from having a pet (cat in this instance) in the workplace.
(specifically an office).   The cat is well behaved & does not bite,
scratch, hiss, or claw at people or other animals.  Please provide me
with specifics or "suggestions" by Federal & State of NJ government if
there are no restrictions.  To give you better insight - here is the
reason for this question.  We've had a cat for 5 years & a new
employee who has been here approx. 1 year is highly allergic to the
cat & is very uncomfortable.  The cat is part of the family here as
well as the employee & I would just like to know the LAWS if any,
pertaining to my rights to continue to keep the cat in my office are. 
The office space we work in is approx. 3,000 sq. ft. & there are
approx. 14 employees.  The cat does  'roam' the entire office.  Thank
you.

Laws aside, I find it highly unprofessional to keep pets in an office
(fish being the only exception).

What if your office borders a Pizza place & a Deli on the other side &
there are PLENTY of rats around?  What if the cat was here before that
employee & the cat doesn't bother anyone else in the office?  I don't
know if you know this but many people do grow attached to their pets &
it's not easy to just get rid of them.  Do me a favor - if you don't
have an answer or something to contribute - I don't really need your
opinion.  THank you.

abiedj....

I have witnessed many workplaces where pets are allowed free reign
with no problems whatsover. However, when a person with a severe
allergy to cats, has to work in an unhealthy ( and sometimes dangerous
environment ), that is cause for concern...

If you are the boss and hired this person, I would have assumed you
would have asked potential employees if they have allergies to cats.
If not, then your immediate boss could potentially tell you to leave
your pet at home since he is causing health risks to a fellow
employee.

My 2 cents worth.

BTW, I'm a cat owner.

Steph53

It was not an opinion.  It is a fact that pets in the office are
unprofessional.  That's why you have this place called "home".