It’s no coincidence that National Cat Day and Halloween are celebrated so close together—or is it? Black cats have long been attributed to Halloween decorations and even make popular Halloween outfits each year. But this month, we celebrate all cats the same!
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What is National Cat Day?
Cats can be picky in a myriad of ways. They like to be pet a certain way, played with just so, and can be picky about their food. This can make every day feel like Cat Day! But in America, we celebrate October 29th as National Cat Day. A day to celebrate our companions as well as encourage adoption. So, let's celebrate cats!
Celebrating our Cats and Kitties
National Cat Day is a time for cat lovers across the globe to show appreciation for their furry friends and advocate for animal welfare. Cats can be quite independent, so it may seem like they don’t need us—but they do! Let’s get into some fun, ways to celebrate our cats...
It all starts with food.
We all know the saying, “Love goes through the stomach,” and that is no different for cats. As cats can be particular about what they consume, this may be the right time to pull out their favorite treat(s) and spoil them a bit. As always, too much of a good thing isn’t a good thing, so don’t overdo it!
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Bring out the hunter.
No matter their age, most cats LOVE to play! But just like humans, they don’t always want to play by themselves. Pick up their favorite toy and play with them. Or, if you don’t have any cat toys, you can easily make them. It’s one thing they aren’t too picky about!
An old shoelace or piece of rope can be a great toy for cats to chase. An empty toilet roll or old sock can also function as a great ‘prey’ for your cat. These can keep them entertained for hours. Try out a few different things and see which one they like.
Animal Clinic of Woodruff Staff Tip: Tie a piece of rope to a stick (like a fish pole) and swing it in front of your cat to help them practice their natural hunting skills. Some cats like to hide behind a door or under a table or bed while you play with them. Using a piece of rope instead of your fingers is a safe way to play without injury!
For a more active approach (for both of you!) you can walk around the house with the rope behind you, making your cat chase it.
Every cat is different, so how they prefer to play may take some trial and error. Give it some time, and you’ll find a way that makes playing enjoyable for both of you.
Groom your cat.
After a full day of playing with your cat, it’s time to relax. Cats are great at cleaning themselves, but sometimes they need a little bit of help. Bring out the brush and untangle their hair while simultaneously massaging their skin.
This is also a good time to check for fleas and ticks!
If your cat is relaxed, you may be able to clip their nails*. Be slow and careful. If your cat gets stressed, give them a break. It can be scary for them, especially if they aren’t used to it.
*Clipping a cat’s nails isn’t usually necessary for outdoor cats.
If you have any other suggestions to celebrate our beloved cats, we would love to hear them! These are just a few of the many activities you can do with your cat. Not only are they fun and can strengthen your bond, but they also contribute to their overall health and happiness. Remember that spending quality time with your pet friend is often the most cherished and rewarding gift you can give them.
Volunteer at an animal shelter.
Whether you are a cat owner or not, you can celebrate this special day in different ways. One way that is especially helpful to stimulate cat adoptions is to volunteer at your local animal shelter. Simply give them a call and see if they’re looking for volunteers. We guarantee it will be a wonderful, rewarding experience.
Happy National Cat Day from all of us here at Animal Clinic of Woodruff. And speaking of the clinic, don’t forget to schedule your cat’s annual check-up appointment:
