International Cat Day is a cat appreciation day, celebrating the cat’s independent nature, as well as its long history of companionship with humans. Celebrated the cat-loving way on August 8th, this day is a purrfect way to get people excited about one of the most popular pets in America.
For many families, it’s not just their pet—it’s also the family member that comes with treats.
When is International Cat Day?
This year, we will both observe and celebrate our furry feline friends on the 8th of August!
The History of Cats
The history of the cat is deeply tied to that of humans. Long before they became popular companions for the wealthy, cats were revered for their role in Egyptian mythology and Greek fables.
Cats have also long been a part of folklore as protectors and guardians of the home, and even today many people choose cats over dogs to be their pets because of these beliefs.
According to a survey released by the American Pet Products Association, 56% of American households have at least one cat as their pet. The APPA also reports that pet owners consider their cat to be more than just a pet—in the poll, 23% of people said that their cat was “more like a member of the family.”
The Health Benefits of Owning a Cat
There are also many health benefits to owning a cat. Owning a cat can help lower blood pressure in humans, reduce stress, and can even help people who have asthma take better control of their condition.
Owning a cat can be very therapeutic, as it has been scientifically proven that it can lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke. Plus, if you are feeling down or temperamental for no reason whatsoever, chances are your cat has some good advice for you.
So, it’s no surprise that studies have shown cats to be one of the most popular pet species in the United States, despite their high maintenance demands. According to one survey, nearly every family with a cat owns at least two other cats! Cats also tend to live longer than dogs, with an average lifespan of around 16 years, or longer!
A study in the journal Public Health found that owning a cat can reduce the risk of death by more than 20 percent, according to researchers at Cornell University. Additionally, cats can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), respiratory infections, and allergies among children.
A total of 75 million households in America have a cat. And yet despite this number living amongst us and their impressive health benefits, many people still remain apprehensive about owning a pet.
Ways to Celebrate International Cat Day
Some people are content to celebrate International Cat Day by zealously (or playfully) swatting their cats with a piece of paper or hanging a banner from the ceiling. But that’s just scratching the surface!
The Cat Museum is a place for cat lovers of all kinds to come together and share their love of felines. It’s run by a full-time cat mom and features everything from pictures to videos to a list of favorite cat movies. It’s definitely the place to be on August 8th, no matter how you celebrate.
The Smithsonian National Zoo is one of the world’s leading zoos, and its collection of cats is one of the most extensive. It’s full of videos and fun facts about cats, including their history as pets. If you’re a cat person who loves learning more about your animal friends, this site will have something new for you every day!
This website is for people who truly love cats. It’s got everything from a list of cat breeds and different kinds of food and litter to Cat-Friendly DIY Tips and a section where you can write your story as a cat owner.
4. Book your cat for a grooming session.
5. Buy your cat a new toy, carrier, harness, or treat.
6. Skip work and spend an entire day worshipping your cat – well, if they allow you to that is – you know how they get!
7. Use a free meme generator and create your own International Cat Day meme.
8. Read some International Cat Day quotes to your cat.
Happy International Cat Day!
A self-confessed Zoophilist (animal lover) and practitioner of all things pun related, Sharmaine is one of our Word Sculptors and Eagle Eyes. When she is not pouring over content, she enjoys training her Potbelly and animal child, Scout!
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