Respect Your Cat Day

Joan Agie
Dec 22, 2023 By Joan Agie
Originally Published on Feb 21, 2022
Fact-checked by Amanpreet Kaur
Respect Your Cat Day is observed to love and respect your cat.

Where is Respect Your Cat Day celebrated?

While people in the U.S. celebrate it, cat lovers and pet parents anywhere in the world can celebrate as well.

Who is Respect Your Cat Day celebrated by?

The day is celebrated by all cat lovers, especially cat owners.

When did Respect Your Cat Day first start?

The first celebrations of this day are not known.

Who started Respect Your Cat Day?

It is believed that this day was started to remind and remember a royal decree by King Richard II passed on March 28, 1384, which stressed that cats shouldn't be eaten for human consumption.

History And Timeline

A cat might be just as silly as a dog, but they have a revered past on how they have been treated and respected all through history.

Egyptians Worshipped Cats

Ancient Egyptians considered cats as sacred beings and worshipped them. Over the years, there have been numerous evidence in the form of statues and pictures that confirm the same.

4000 BC

Cats Were Considered As Pets of The Rich

The Emperor of China was once gifted a cat, and it quickly became popular, being considered a popular pet among wealthy people.

500 BC

Royal Decree Passed To Stop Consumption of Cats

King Richard II of England issued a royal order to stop the consumption of cats.

1384

Cats Were The Oldest Pets Known

Archaeologists from France discovered a cat grave in Cyprus which was 9500 years old.

2004

Cat Videos Become Viral Among People

YouTube records a surge in the number of cat videos with record average views which were higher than any other category of its content.

2015

Traditions And Customs

There aren't any specific traditions and customs associated with this day, but even a small and kind gesture from you towards indoor cats, kittens, shelter cats, and more, will surely go a long way in making them feel loved.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate Respect Your Cat Day

The first and the best way to observe this day is to spend some quality time with your kitty. This is something your little animal will love and appreciate.

Your cat will also love a new scratching post, a litter box, and some robotic toys to play with.

Importantly, understand and learn about your cat's body language and figure out new and fun ways in which they will love to be petted and played with.

Facts And Stats

  • Cuddling your cat can reduce stress and alleviate anxiety. That's one of the many reasons to celebrate this day.
  • An estimated 3.2 million cats end up in the U.S. shelter system every year. This day promotes adoption, which gives these furry animals a new life.
  • King Richard of England declared eating cats illegal in 1384. Learn more facts on this national holiday.

What are some advantages of celebrating Respect Your Cat Day?

Celebrating Respect Your Cat Day is a way to show your pet that you respect and love them. Your pet will also understand your effort and increase their empathy and loyalty towards you.

What do pet owners say about Respect Your Cat Day?

As per a study done by National Today and Top Pet Marketing Agency, 64% of pet owners preferred spending a quiet evening alone with their cat rather than with their significant other. Around 80% of cat owners said they could understand what their cat was communicating. As per another study, 63% feel that their cat is a family member.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Friday, March 27, 2020
  • Saturday, March 27, 2021
  • Sunday, March 27, 2022
  • Monday, March 27, 2023
  • Wednesday, March 27, 2024

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Written by Joan Agie

Bachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy

Joan Agie picture

Joan AgieBachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy

With 3+ years of research and content writing experience across several niches, especially on education, technology, and business topics. Joan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Anatomy from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, and has worked as a researcher and writer for organizations across Nigeria, the US, the UK, and Germany. Joan enjoys meditation, watching movies, and learning new languages in her free time.

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Fact-checked by Amanpreet Kaur

Bachelor of Business Administration, Masters of Business Administration specializing in Accounting and Finance

Amanpreet Kaur picture

Amanpreet KaurBachelor of Business Administration, Masters of Business Administration specializing in Accounting and Finance

Amanpreet has a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Business Administration from the Birla Institute of Technology and Xavier Institute of Social Service respectively, coupled with her internships at Decimal Point Analytics and the Royal Bank of Scotland, has equipped her with the necessary skills to analyze complex data and present insights in an easy-to-understand format. Her paper on the impact of COVID-19 on CSR programs has received high commendation.

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