National Cat Day

Adorable white cat sitting on a windowsill, with sunlight streaming in, wearing an elegant bow tie, fancy living room decor.. — National cat day illustration

Do you ever feel like everyday is National Cat Day? Well, put away those lint rollers and turn off those vacuum cleaners because it's time to officially celebrate cats in all their furry glory!

When is Cat Day?

It's national cat day on the 29th October.

The Purr-fect Day

We here at WhatNationalDayIsIt.com couldn't believe it when we discovered that National Cat Day was mentioned a whopping 216,633 times online! This feline fiesta seems very popular among the cat-loving community. Indeed, the internet's love of our four-legged friends is well-documented, and it appears the affection extends beyond just sharing toe-bean shots and funny 'If I fits, I sits' memes.

Mark Your Calendars

Each year, National Cat Day lands on October 29th. However, the year that truly tipped the scale in favor of our whiskered pals was 2015. Perhaps it was an especially good year for calicos? Or maybe tabby's had their time in the limelight? While we can't say why 2015 was the cat's meow, we do know that the internet was abuzz with National Cat Day mentions more than ever before.

A Day to Cla(w)brate

National Cat Day isn't just about pampering our pets with extra treats or new toys. It's also an opportunity to raise awareness of the many cats waiting in shelters for their furever homes. So, on this day, let's not only honor our own kitties but also remember those less fortunate. And who knows? Maybe it's the perfect day to adopt a new purring companion.

History behind the term 'Cat'

5000 BCE

First Domestication

Cats have been domesticated for over 5,000 years. It is believed that ancient Egyptians were the first to tame wild cats for both companionship and pest control. The cats were highly regarded in Egyptian society and were even mummified and buried with their owners to accompany them in the afterlife.

1000 BCE

Spread to Europe and Asia

The popularity of cats spread beyond Egypt to other parts of the ancient world. Around 1,000 BCE, Phoenician traders introduced domesticated cats to Europe, and they quickly became valued for their ability to keep rodents at bay. Cats also made their way to Asia, where they were highly regarded due to their skill in catching vermin.

9th Century

Cats in Norse Mythology

Cats played a significant role in Norse mythology. Freyja, the Norse goddess of love and fertility, was often depicted with cats. It was believed that cats had a special connection to Freyja and brought good fortune. This association reinforced the positive image of cats in European cultures during this period.

13th Century

Cats and Witchcraft

During the Middle Ages, cats started to become associated with witchcraft and evil spirits, particularly in Europe. The superstitious beliefs led to the persecution of cats, as they were accused of being the familiars of witches. This widespread fear and persecution resulted in a decline in cat populations and an increase in rodent infestations.

18th Century

Cats Regain Popularity

In the 18th century, cats started to regain their popularity as people recognized their value in controlling the spread of disease-carrying rodents. Cats became cherished companions in households again, with their image shifting from being associated with witchcraft to being seen as protective and lucky creatures.

20th Century

Cats and Internet Fame

With the advent of the internet in the 20th century, cats gained a new level of fame and adoration. Memes, videos, and photos of cats quickly became viral sensations, leading to the rise of internet celebrities such as Grumpy Cat and Lil Bub. Cats became global icons of cuteness, humor, and companionship, further solidifying their position in popular culture.

Did you know?

Did you know? Unlike humans who are mostly right-handed, cats do not balance out to be right or left pawed. Rather, female cats tend to be right pawed, and male cats are often left pawed. Interesting, isn't it?