Cat Herders Day

Cat Herders Day timeline

1980s

The Birth of National Cat Herders Day

Thomas and Ruth Roy are the copyrighted creators of the popular National Cat Herders day which went public in USA Today.

1997

Managers Embrace the Phrase

Warren G. Bennis publishes his Leadership management book called, “Managing People is Like Herding Cats.”

1999

Musical Genius

Gaelic Storm published their second music album titled Herding Cats.

2000

Adding Visual to the Phrase

The company EDS, made a Super Bowl commercial to explain how they handle all their clients, like real cowboys, herding cats.

Cat Herders Day FAQs

When is Cat Herders Day?

Cat Herders Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, December 15, offering a mid-week moment to appreciate those who bring order to chaos in our lives.

How did the phrase 'herding cats' become popular?

The idiom ‘herding cats’ gained widespread popularity after a memorable 2000 Super Bowl commercial by EDS (Electronic Data Systems). The ad humorously depicted cowboys attempting to herd thousands of cats, illustrating the company’s prowess in managing complex IT projects with ease.

What does 'herding cats' mean in a professional context?

In a professional context, ‘herding cats’ refers to the difficult task of managing or coordinating a group of independent-minded individuals or disparate elements toward a common goal. It implies a situation where control is challenging due to varying opinions, priorities, or lack of cohesion.

Is Cat Herders Day an official holiday?

Cat Herders Day is not a federal or public holiday, but rather an unofficial observance celebrated by those who appreciate the humor and truth behind the idiom. It’s a day to playfully acknowledge the challenges of managing complex tasks.

Cat Herders Day Activities

Party with your team members

Host a pizza party or an award ceremony. Regardless of the event, celebrate your teams efforts when goals are reached. Remark on all the crazy met while completing a project. Whether celebrating at work or home, appreciate everything accomplished in life. Even small victories make you a champion.

Thank those who herd every day

Personally thank everyone who makes your life easier by attacking the impossible. Whether it’s your boss, the waiter, or your parents – someone has to do the job, and thank goodness it’s not you. Thanking those in your life who handle unwanted stress is the best way to celebrate this Friday.

Indulge in your every desire

Take yourself out for a meal, go shopping, or buy your favorite ice cream flavor even if no one else likes it. Whatever you want — today is the day to buy it — you know, without going overboard.

Famous Cat-herders Throughout History

Mahatma Gandhi

Led India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

Nelson Mandela

Mandela negotiated an end to the South African apartheid by tackling institutionalised racism and fostering racial reconciliation.

Malala Yousafzai

A young contemporary spokesperson for human rights, education and women’s rights.

Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks

American civil rights activists whose resistance led to the passing of the landmark civil rights acts.

Gautama Buddha

A sage on whose teachings Buddhism was founded.

Why We Love Cat Herders Day

Cat herders are beyond reliable

If you are ever praised for handling all the stresses in your life, it means you are highly dependable. This quality may mean you get more work, but when the going gets tough, people know who to turn to.

It’s fun to celebrate your confidence

No matter what problems lay ahead, it is reassuring to know you can always offer a solution. The moment nerves start to set in, remembering all you’ve accomplished under pressure, should be enough to reassure yourself, you can get the job done

Hard work pays off

Appreciating the work you put in daily is a reward all its own. However, there is nothing wrong with celebrating your victories with a movie night or buying that coveted item in your online shopping cart.