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- Date change rule:
- Every September 19
- Holiday emoji:
- 🏴☠️🐱
National Meow Like a Pirate Day drops anchor every September 19, giving a nod to the often-overlooked feline crew members aboard pirate ships. This paws-itively purrfect day encourages cat lovers to embrace their inner pirate, dressing up their furry friends and practicing their best ‘meow-arrrs.’ Gather your crew, hoist the Jolly Roger, and share your cat’s most piratical meows on social media!
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Expected National Meow Like a Pirate Day Deals
While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that pet retailers and novelty shops often embrace the spirit of National Meow Like a Pirate Day. Expect to see special offers on cat toys, pirate-themed pet costumes, and gourmet cat treats from brands like Chewy, PetSmart, and Petco. Look for deals on themed apparel from retailers like Spirit Halloween or online marketplaces. Even food delivery services might offer discounts on orders to enjoy while watching pirate movies with your feline first mate. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September 19 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Meow Like a Pirate Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #MeowLikeAPirateDay. Film your cat in a tiny pirate hat, meowing dramatically, or a compilation of their most ‘arrr-some’ purrs.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #MeowLikeAPirateDay. Share high-quality photos or reels of your cat’s best pirate impressions or their reactions to pirate-themed sounds.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #MeowLikeAPirateDay. Share stories of your cat’s ‘swashbuckling’ adventures or how they keep your home ‘ship-shape’ from rodents.
National Meow Like a Pirate Day Hero
Blackbeard (Edward Teach)
History of National Meow Like a Pirate Day
Thanks to National Meow Like a Pirate Day, every September 19, felines now have an amazing argh-portunity to set sail and exercise their sea paws. While meowing like a pirate may not make the most sense at first, there is some historical precedent for the relationship.
Cats, long seen as creatures of either good or bad luck, often rode along with pirates on the high seas. The sailors saw them as good luck charms who could keep away bad spirits (and of course, rats). Sure, they may not be the most water-loving choice of pets, but it’s said that many pirates weren’t actually able to swim. So really, cats are just as qualified as any other pirate to adorn a crossbow hat and set sail past the tide.
Cats’ mysterious, independent personalities make them the perfect companion on a pirate ship. When it comes to the piracy profession, captains and their buccaneers didn’t have time to wonder where the ship cat was as they plundered victim clippers. The cat’s independent nature makes them attractive as pets still today.
Another reason pirates and cats make a great match is their predatory natures; they use the element of surprise to attack their enemy. So, it only makes sense to have a day to celebrate both the prowess of cats and the swashbuckling style of pirates all at once.
National Meow Like a Pirate Day timeline
Sailors are first known to bring cats on board to help control their ships’ rodent population.
Driven by high unemployment rates in the poor urban towns in Europe, piracy thrives during this time; cats enjoy living on the poop deck.
As you post a picture of your cat in his finest bandana, don’t forget to change your Facebook language preference to “English (Pirate)”; first offered in 2008, change the language in Settings and Stow Changes.
The white cat and screaming lady meme hit of 2019 became an overnight sensation; we all want to see Smudge in his tricorne and gold hoop earrings today.
National Meow Like a Pirate Day FAQs
When is National Meow Like a Pirate Day?
National Meow Like a Pirate Day 2026 falls on Saturday, September 19, offering a purr-fect weekend opportunity to celebrate your feline’s inner buccaneer.
How many cats are there in the U.S.?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are approximately 58 million pet cats in the U.S., making them one of the most popular companion animals. Many of these felines are ready to ‘meow-arrr’ on command!
What is the history of National Meow Like a Pirate Day?
National Meow Like a Pirate Day was established in 2015 as a companion celebration to the popular Talk Like a Pirate Day, which began in 1995. It acknowledges the historical presence of cats on pirate ships, where they served as pest control and companions, finally giving them their rightful place in the pirate festivities.
Is National Meow Like a Pirate Day related to Talk Like a Pirate Day?
Yes, National Meow Like a Pirate Day is directly related to International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Both holidays share the same date, September 19, with the ‘meow’ version specifically added in 2015 to include feline companions in the pirate-themed fun.
National Meow Like a Pirate Day Activities
Play Dress Up
On September 19, you get a full pass to dress your cat up like Jack Sparrow and post it to social media for all your friends to see. Get creative with homemade hook hands, eyepatches, peg legs (of course keep your cat’s safety the top priority) and have a quick photo shoot.
Throw a Party
It’s not often you get to throw a party with a theme as unique as today’s celebration. Bring out the grogg and catnip and spend your evening cursing the landlubbers — all in a cat-like tone, of course.
Adopt a Cat
The real treasure of the day is to raise awareness about pet and cat overpopulation. So, while the pirates of lore may not have been as keen on giving a cat a nice, warm, dry home, you certainly can. Search your local shelters to learn more.
5 Tips For Talking Or Meowing Like A Pirate
Know the lingo
Start by learning key pirate phrases; work in phrases like “Avast ye” and “All hand hoy” into your daily conversations.
Stock the treasure chest
Cats may need a little enticing to fully participate (for more than 20 seconds, at least); better have a little catnip in that treasure chest.
Slur your words
Due to the amount of rum consumed on the job, most pirates are not wildly articulate; a few slurs will give you sea-cred (and cover yourself if you didn’t do #1).
Use non-verbal enhancements
Growling, eye-rolling, exaggerated laughing and the like are as important as the words themselves; seriously is “Argh” actually a word?
Talk with your hands
Pair your exaggerated laughing with waving your hands wildly; bonus points if you’re holding a cutlass.
Why We Love National Meow Like a Pirate Day
It’s a beautiful combination
Pirates have been the stuff of legend – and party themes – for centuries. Cats are synonymous with the rise of the internet and social media. Put these two together and you’ve got a day that’s highly meme-worthy and ripe for a good party!
It raises awareness
If Facebook is any indicator, there are a startling number of people who have taken up meowing like a pirate once a year. The holiday’s official Facebook page has almost 150,000 likes which translates into a lot of eyeballs learning about the importance of adopting cats around the world. It may seem ridiculous, but it’s extremely effective.
We get a break from the world
Sometimes, we all need a slathering of silly in our lives. Whether it’s work getting us down or anything else that’s causing stress, there’s a pretty simple remedy. Stand up and meow like a pirate. Go ahead, we dare you to try this without laughing.
National Meow Like a Pirate Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 19 | Saturday |
| 2027 | September 19 | Sunday |
| 2028 | September 19 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | September 19 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | September 19 | Thursday |
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