Happy Cat Month, celebrated in September, is an annual event presented by the CATalyst Council and supported by partners, which aims to educate and inform cat owners about what they can do to make their pets happy and healthy. Did you know that house cats are more like tigers? Yes, a house cat’s genome is 95.6% tiger, and they share many behaviors with their jungle cousins. However, they will always be our fuzzy, adorable, feline friends and most importantly we’ll always be their willing slaves. So, what exactly is Happy Cat Month?
History of Happy Cat Month
Happy Cat Month is a special awareness holiday that celebrates one of the most lovable pets known to man — yes, cats. These majestic yet simple creatures have lived alongside humans for almost as long as dogs, and have served purposes just as important. From being our cuddly friends to being on patrol, they have been a wonderful addition to our lives.
This unique idea of celebrating Happy Cat Month was started by the CATalyst Council to help spread education and awareness about the health, welfare, and importance of our furry friends. The CATalyst Council was formed after the meeting of two separate efforts, Re-Branding Felix and the CATalyst Summit. This non-profit entity was formed with the main focus on veterinary medicine and shelter in addition to animal welfare. Since the formation of the CATalyst Council, they have been working to advance the image of cats as caring and affectionate and needing human care as much as any other pet.
Having said all this, there is a misconception that cats are incredibly self-reliant, and just don’t need the kind of super clingy cuddling you find with dogs. The fact is that cats are incredibly social animals and they require the same level of care and attention that we lavish on our dogs. So, on this Happy Cat Month, whether you have a pet kitty or a bigger cat of a different kind, make sure you have a purr-fectly happy cat.
Happy Cat Month timeline
Cats are domesticated by the ancient Egyptians.
The public image of cats begins to change in the west after being associated with witchcraft.
Cat services and products become a billion-dollar industry.
People across the world begin to see cats as a member of their families.
Happy Cat Month FAQs
How to tell if a cat is happy?
A good sign of a happy cat is kneading their paws into their bed, blanket, or stomach. This behavior is often accompanied by purring, another sign of contentment.
How to make a cat happy?
Here are some things that will make your cat happy: get a nice scratching post, groom them, give them treats and new toys, and upgrade their litter box.
What should you not do to a cat?
Some of the things that you should never do to a cat include skipping flea treatment, letting your cat roam outdoors unsupervised, leaving windows open, putting off vet visits, tossing your cat off the counter, and ignoring those hairballs.
Happy Cat Month Activities
Spread the word
The best thing you can do to celebrate Happy Cat Month is by spreading awareness and educating others about the health and welfare of cats. Talk to your friends and family and let them know.
Visit the vet
Take your cat to the vet for a check-up and make sure your cat’s vaccinations are up to date. While visiting, don’t forget to ask your vet about preventative medications for fleas, ticks, mites, or heartworm.
Spend time with your cat
Although it might not seem like it, cats are social animals and they crave and love human attention, and can’t seem to get enough time with humans. So, try to spend time with your kitty and have fun with them.
5 Unknown Facts About Cats That You’ll Be Surprised To Know
Cats can’t taste sweetness
The only mammal that can’t taste sweetness is a cat.
Cats are better than us
A cat’s peripheral and night visions are much better than that of humans.
They can jump very far
Did you know that cats can jump up to six times their lengths?
Cats have a special organ
Cats can taste scents in the air because of an extra organ.
They have whiskers on other areas too
Cats have whiskers behind their front legs.
Why We Love Happy Cat Month
We need this day!
Happy Cat Month is a much-needed time to emphasize the safety and happiness of cats as much as our own. Every cat deserves a human companion and this day is all about that.
Healthy is happy
We can all agree upon one thing — a healthy cat is a happy cat. By celebrating Happy Cat Month, we are potentially encouraging other cat parents to take care of their cats.
It encourages you to spend time with your cat
Did you know that you can teach your cat to shake, sit on command, jump off stools and even jump through hoops? Spend more time with your cat and be amazed!
Happy Cat Month dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | September 1 | Monday |
2026 | September 1 | Tuesday |
2027 | September 1 | Wednesday |
2028 | September 1 | Friday |
2029 | September 1 | Saturday |