Today is International Cat Day, and curiously enough, we feel compelled to write about it. Right now, we’d give nothing more than to wax lyrical about the beauty and intelligence of cats, and to expound on their fierce independence and keen hunting abilities. Indeed, such is our drive to talk about International Cat Day – which in reality, should be every day – that we think there might be feline overlords somewhere, directing our work, and gradually pushing the site towards some kind of cat utopia (Editor’s note: meow).
In any case, today IS International Cat Day, and that makes it a particularly appropriate time to write about the majesty of cats. In the following article – and possibly at the behest of an unseen cat CEO – we’re going to introduce this litter-known holiday, explain the history of cats as pets in Europe, Asia, and the U.S., and even suggest some of the best ways to pamper your cat. We even have some pet-friendly products to recommend, so there should be plenty for you and your fur-babies to sink your teeth into.
So perk up your ears, sharpen your claws, and learn how to have a purr-fect time with your cat today (or any other day)!
The History and Mythology of Cats
Anyone even remotely familiar with the behavior of cats will know how mysterious and unknowable they can seem, and this is something reflected in the legends and mythology that have sprung up around cats. For example, in ancient Chinese culture, cats were believed to have been given custodianship of the world (and of all other animals, including humans) by the gods. However, instead of tending to their responsibilities, the cats – led by the goddess Li Shou – spent their time eating, playing, and sleeping. Eventually, the gods transferred the cats’ duties (along with the power of speech) to humans, but there remains the sneaking suspicion that any normal cat, given time and incentive, could take back control…
In historical terms, cats are often associated with ancient Egypt, but their role as pets predates this. Researchers have found evidence of cats living alongside humans in the Mesopotamia region, in Turkey, and in Cyprus – which, as a Mediterranean island to which cats are not native, shows that cats were being purposefully transported there by boat, according to Britannica. Around 4,000 years ago in Egypt, then, cats came to be worshiped as god-like creatures, respected for their divinity and mysticism. Representations of cats feature on the walls of pharaohs’ tombs, and jewelry of the period also depicts our four-legged friends. In the 1700s and 1800s, much of the superstition around cats began to disappear – they had been blamed for the bubonic plague, for instance – and now there are over 600 million cats living in households today!
Taking Care of Your Cat
While we think of cats as resilient, independent creatures – and they are – they can also be rather um, dogged in their determination to hide pain. Even when a cat is badly hurt, it’s unlikely to complain or display any signs of suffering, and if a cat does show these signs, then it may be cause for alarm.
However, there are numerous ways to ensure that a cat is happy, healthy, and comfortable, and to make them feel like they’re the center of the universe (which, in Chinese mythology, they basically were). You can brush and groom them to remove any excess hair or fur; you should take them for regular check-ups at your local veterinary practice; you could set up designated play spaces for them to explore and navigate, either indoors or outdoors; and it’s also necessary to keep them fed and watered every day – perhaps multiple times per day, if your cat is insistent enough. Finally, remember that cats love to be clean, and it’s why they spend so much time using their tongue – which is covered with papillae, or hair-like growths – to brush fur into place. A messy or dirty pet bed is guaranteed to upset your cat, so wash and sanitize it frequently to prevent any forlorn yowling.
Ways to Spoil Your Cat
Now we come to the heart of the matter, and the part, which, if we’re honest, is probably what most moggies are here to see: indulging your pets on International Cat Day and beyond. Traditionally, cats live laid-back lifestyles, and aside from keeping vermin at bay, they aren’t required to herd sheep, provide therapy, or detect contraband (and can you imagine if they were?) Nevertheless, cat ownership does have its benefits, such as companionship, lower stress and anxiety, and even, reportedly, fewer allergies. Read on to learn about how you can thank your kitty for that positive impact they’re having on your life!
Gift Them a New Toy
Sure, cats can sometimes seem like indifferent creatures, thoroughly bemused at our human antics. But on the other hand, they’re also playful, silly animals, motivated by a powerful chase reflex. As a result, any toys that move – and particularly those that might dart like prey in the wild – are a good choice for your pet this International Cat Day. How about motorized fish that swim about in a bowl of water, prompting your keen kitten to scoop them out? Even running water or a fast-paced screensaver can be attractive to cats, appealing to their natural instincts.
Dish Up Their Favorite Treats
Let’s face it: while they might be loath to point out their latest wound or battle scar, cats have no such hang-ups when it comes to reminding you of their hungry bellies. Today, swap out the hard, low-grade pellets for some mouthwatering pieces of meat, and serve it up in a custom-made pet bowl or on a customized cat mat. Your cat will be racing through the door flap once they smell some scrumptious chicken or poultry being cracked out of a can. Or, if you want to make dinner time more stimulating, then set up a slow food feeder, where the cat has to coax its food from a toy or maze.
Set Up a Photo Shoot
True, some cats may bristle at the attention, but others will thrive on it! Bearing in mind your pet’s unique personality, then, consider the prospect of a photo shoot; you can share the results online or capture the moment within a picture frame or holiday ornament. If you’re an amateur animal photographer and would like some advice, you can also consult our recent article on “All-American Pet Photo Day – Great Pet Photography Tips.”
Create a New Space Just for Them
As we’ve learned, cats can be fickle, independent creatures, and aren’t always in the mood to be affectionate; they like their own space, in other words (unlike dogs, who prefer company). So, this International Cat Day, why not grant that request, and create a brand new space or playground for them to explore? One trending item is the cat enclosure: this cat patio (or ‘catio’) allows even the most sheltered pet to safely venture outdoors. Cats also like to observe things from up high – it’s why they sometimes find themselves stuck up trees – so any furniture or play area with height will allow them to keep a watchful eye on their surroundings.
Keep Them Safe with a Pet Tag or Collar
Cats are born wanderers: left to their own devices, they can cover miles in the dead of night. To ensure that your cat doesn’t lose its way, however – or to prevent them being adopted by another family – you can bestow a custom pet tag or collar upon your tabby, emblazoned with their name and a contact number. This is more of a necessity than a luxury, but you can always create something stylish, special, or colorful to make your cat feel like royalty. And, if you really want to protect your cat from harm (and learn a little more about where he/she goes on his/her adventures), then try equipping them with a camera collar.
We know – the internet has a LOT of cat-related content, but we hope that the above celebration of our feline friends gave you paws. For more hiss-terical content like that, check out these two other articles: our “Gift Guide for Cat Lovers” and “How to Adopt the Purr-fect Shelter Cat.” Share your favorite things about cats in the comments below, and tell us more about your pets! And meow, if you’ll excuse us, we have a furry editor to report to…
Eoin is a Content Specialist at Zazzle in Cork. He’s recently bought a house with his fiancée, and thus most of his time these days is spent trying to keep the walls from caving in and the wolves from the door. Still, he’s always open to book, game, and movie recommendations, so if you have some, let him know: he’ll add them to a very, very long list.
