Celebrate the Joy of Owning a Cat with Respect Your Cat Day!

While independent, our feline friends bring a lot of joy into our lives and make great companions. There has always been something truly fascinating about cats—the way they act, play, think, and view the world, especially after 2015 when cat videos seemed to dominate YouTube. Even before the digital age, cats were revered and even worshipped throughout history for their ability to bring good luck, ward off evil spirits, and were considered sacred by the goddess Bastet. Some sources suggest that March 28th, 1384, marks the origin of the holiday, when King Richard II of England passed an edict banning the consumption of cats. Historically, cats have helped people by hunting rodents and snakes on farms, ships, and even for the U.S. Postal Service.

So, how do we celebrate this day with our beloved pets? While cats may prefer to nap and stare down at you from a high perch with judgment in their eyes, they can usually be won over with their favorite treats. My feisty little cat, Trini, can always be swayed with chicken-flavored treats. She will happily guide anyone to the cabinet, shaking her tail and being vocal about how much she wants them. Giving your cat its favorite treat or even letting them try something safe and new can be a great way to show your appreciation for your feline companion. Even hiding treats around the house can reward their natural hunting instincts.

Another idea is taking your cat on an adventure, depending on how your cat likes to travel. This can be done using a pet backpack, carrier, or harness to explore somewhere new or even visit a familiar favorite place if your furry friend enjoys traveling. Cats have a natural desire to explore the world around them, using all their senses to check everything out. My other cat, Little Kitty, absolutely loves going outside and hanging out in the jungle in the front yard or the poolside gardens in the back.

The easiest way to celebrate would be to let your cat enjoy some catnip, either on its own or added to a toy for extra enrichment. If you’ve never given your pet catnip before, here are a few reactions you can expect: euphoria and playfulness, hyperactivity at various extremes, mild sedation (your cat may become super relaxed or sleepy), or, in some cases, no reaction at all.

Engaging your cat with interactive toys, such as lasers, wands, and puzzle feeders, is a great way to keep the predator in your cat happy while providing exercise and mental stimulation. Look for toys with interchangeable attachments to keep your cat excited. Treasure hunts can also be stimulating for cats; hide toys with treats or catnip, and your cat might even bring the toy to you.

Lastly, you can always purchase something new and interesting for your cat, such as a tall perch or new toys and treats. Cats love to be up high so they can see around the house, and a new perch could be perfect, especially if it includes new scratching options or dangling toys to play with. When in doubt, they will absolutely enjoy any box you happen to get, and you can even try building them a little box fort to hide in.

Cats are unique and sometimes stubborn, but they have also been shown to improve our mental health—when they are not having the midnight zoomies and knocking precious knick-knacks off the counter. Why not celebrate the joy of their presence with Respect Your Cat Day by giving them your time and attention; they will always remember it and show their happiness in whichever way comes naturally to them.