Every day in the world is dedicated to some significant past events, people, heroes, discoveries. Such holidays are celebrated for the sake of memory, the transfer of certain experience to generations, and tribute to respect. There is also a holiday that honors pets: World Cat Day.
Why is a holiday dedicated to these fluffy and graceful creatures, and why is it celebrated in most countries of the world? The cat has been present in human life since ancient times. At different times, cats were credited with either medicinal or magical properties; at one time they were even considered the devil’s messengers.
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The modern world is grateful to these beautiful animals for the fact that they decorate our home, give a lot of warm and bright emotions, and protect our home from rodents. There is evidence that these animals treat many diseases, even save the owner from heart attacks. Therefore, it is not surprising that people willingly gave an entire calendar day to cats and cats as an honor and respect for these creatures.
History of World Cat Day
Like any other, this holiday has its own, albeit not very long, history. In 2002, the International Fund for Animal Welfare proposed introducing World Cat Day into the holiday calendar. Initially, it was intended to use this calendar emphasis to draw everyone's attention to the lack of shelters for stray cats, as well as to launch the production of affordable, complete cat food. For felinologists, this date is associated with thematic exhibitions of pets. Kindness towards our furry brothers is also being actively promoted.
In some countries, cat cafes attract the attention of visitors at this time: guests with cats have a special place. The hotel business associated with furry pets is also developing, as there is a demand among owners for cat rooms where you can leave your pet for a certain period of time and not worry about its well-being.
The public has gradually become imbued with the spirit of Cat Day, and this holiday is celebrated by an increasing number of people every year. Participants in the celebrations happily plunge into the cat atmosphere, visit exhibitions, and collect signatures in defense of our little brothers. World Cat Day is celebrated on August 8th
Traditions
On this day, cat lovers try to please their pets with a treat or a new toy. On August 8, charity events and exhibitions are held, where everyone can adopt an animal from a shelter.
Representatives of animal welfare funds and volunteers involve the public in solving the problems of homeless animals and those who have suffered from human cruelty.
Thematic exhibitions, various educational events, and competitions are held during the holiday.
International Cat Day in Russia
If you didn’t know what date they celebrate Cat Day in Russia , then circle this date on the calendar: March 1st. The initiative to celebrate the day dedicated to your favorite purrs belongs to the Moscow Cat Museum. Officially, this holiday has been celebrated in our country since 2004. This month, marked by cat chants in all courtyards and nooks, the Hermitage, according to history, pays tribute to the palace cats. As you know, on March 27, Catherine the Great issued a decree on the enrollment of cats in the civil service. Representatives of the cat world did no less than protect the palace from rodents.
St. Petersburg organized its annual holiday dedicated to mouse catchers - St. Petersburg Cat Day, which is celebrated on June 8.
Kaliningrad honors cats in early September. Residents consider these animals to be the patrons of the city.
Hermitage Cat Day
Hermitage Cat Day is an annual holiday dedicated to the cats that live in the museum and protect the treasures of world art from rats and mice.
The Hermitage cats trace their history back to the beginning of the 18th century, when Peter I settled a cat brought from Holland in the Winter Palace. Later, Empress Elizabeth issued a “Decree on the expulsion of cats to the court,” in which she ordered “to find in Kazan the best and largest cats, convenient for catching mice...
And if anyone has such stored cats, announce them for speedy dispatch to the provincial office.” The founder of the Hermitage, Catherine the Great, gave cats the status of guards of art galleries.
All mustachioed cats are recorded in the unique “Record Book of Hermitage Cats”. The Account Book maintains a dossier for each cat: name, age, color, pedigree. Now there are about sixty tailed museum guardians. When someone finds a new home, a note is made in the Book, according to which employees track the future fate of the pet.
The Hermitage cats survived the revolution, and their indisputable irreplaceability was recognized by the new government. But they did not survive the blockade - every single one of them was eaten. Then the dying city was occupied by rats, a kitten on the black market was incredibly expensive - one and a half loaves of bread.
It was impossible to cope with rats without muroks and vases. Immediately after the end of the blockade, two carriages with cats were delivered to Leningrad. People from this meowing echelon formed a detachment of rat catchers.
At the end of the 60s of the last century, “Ermiki” multiplied greatly, and took over not only museum basements, but also palace halls. The mustachioed comrades were so comfortable in the royal chambers that they slept sweetly on the imperial throne.
It was decided to stop the outrage after a certain Muska spoiled an important document for the director of the museum. All premises have been cleared of cats. And soon they greatly regretted it... The rats returned to the basements of the Hermitage!
However, less than a couple of years later, the cats returned to the Hermitage again to continue the fight for national treasure. Everyone understood perfectly well that without them there would be nowhere!
The Hermitage cats are special animals. Cats are the Hermitage’s main biological weapon in the fight against rodents. And weapons, as you know, need preventive inspection. So, a doctor comes to see the cats every week and monitors the condition of the animals.
Three women come to work here every day to clean, cook cat dinners on the stove, and feed the animals. Cats are recognized by their faces, backs, and even tails by all museum employees.
Many Museums of the World also have guard cats. Certain funds are allocated for their maintenance. Several years ago, a special Fund for Friends of Hermitage Cats was created at the museum. This foundation collects funds for various cat needs and organizes all sorts of events and exhibitions.
“Days of the Hermitage Cats” are held. Such Days used to be held in March, then in April... Now, since 2013, the day officially assigned to this day is April 21, although it is held on different days. Museum staff will additionally inform you about the dates.
How cat day is celebrated in other countries
International Cat Day is celebrated in many countries, mainly in the Northern Hemisphere. This is due to the fact that in the Southern Hemisphere, cats as pets are less common than in the Northern Hemisphere. The second reason for the smaller coverage of countries in honoring rodent catchers with a special day is associated with the youth of the holiday itself.
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In those countries where the holiday takes place annually, cats are especially celebrated. Austria even grants pensions to cats who have been guarding food warehouses for many years. True, this pension is paid not in the form of cash benefits, but in meat, broth and dairy products.
In some countries, it is at this time that they try to open departments for cats, where you can buy a lot of useful things for your pets.
The Chinese are also kind to the mustachioed and striped creatures. This holiday draws Chinese people's attention to the needs of felines and reminds them of tougher penalties for people who mistreat animals.
Cat Day in the UK
This holiday is celebrated on a special scale. In this country, cats have their own state role - it is not so easy to be responsible for the safety of museum exhibits and for the reserves of English grain.
Absolutely all furry purrs receive congratulations, especially those who officially serve for the benefit of their Fatherland. The heroes of the occasion are treated to goodies, sea delicacies, or any food that these animals especially love. Of course, everyone’s favorites are endlessly stroked on the fur, showing their attention.
Many elegant representatives of the cat world can be seen on the streets of England on this holiday. Owners either sew cat costumes themselves or buy them in stores.
Cat Day in America
There was no way Americans could miss such a holiday on their calendar. However, the United States celebrates this celebration on a different date: October 29. The cat holiday was originally proposed to be celebrated by the editor-in-chief of Pet Home Magazine, Colleen Page. This lady is an undisputed expert on the behavioral reactions of animals.
Initially, the holiday was intended to draw attention to homeless and wild cats and their problems of existence. Today, Stray Cat Day in the United States is celebrated on October 16, actively offering animals new homes. Many stars take part in cat events, for example, Eva Longoria devotes a lot of attention to cats.
Cat Day in Japan
In the Land of the Rising Sun, there is a special attitude towards these cute creatures. The history of International Cat Day in Japan began in 1987, although the holiday officially gained global significance in 2002.
On February 22, owners of adult cats and kittens celebrate their furry friends. It is believed that Japanese cats do not say “meow”, but “nyan-nyan-nyan”. And in Japanese, “ni” is “two”. A playful form of the word is nyan. What number do we get? That's right, the 22nd of the 2nd month. This is where the date of the holiday comes from.
The meaning of the Japanese cat festival is to spread information about cats, breeds, and habits of these creatures.
Poland
In Poland, Cat Day is celebrated on February 17th. The Poles have long been famous for their reverent attitude towards their four-legged friends.
Wanting to help our smaller brothers, the inhabitants of Poland established a cat day. Its main goal is to raise funds for donations to nurseries, as well as for medicine and sterilization of homeless animals.
Poles celebrate in a big way. Already in the early morning the main streets are closed and the fun begins. Exhibitions are organized, cat competitions, competitive events, colorful shows and festivals are held.
The “cherry on the cake” is a game of cat fun. Participants dress up in cat costumes and begin chasing huge balls of colored thread. This whole action looks very spectacular.
Cat Day in Poland
Almost half of Poles keep one or more felines in their home. Therefore, February 17, the Polish date of World Cat Day , is celebrated everywhere.
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The key moments of the holiday are considered to be a variety of exhibitions and competitive programs in which everyone can participate with their pets. The main goal of this annual mass event is to raise money to buy food and medicine for homeless cats and sterilize these “nobody’s” animals.
Interesting facts about cats
- Mustaches are not just for beauty. The whiskers of cats, which we usually call whiskers, are actually organs of touch and orientation in space. They record the slightest vibrations in the air, so a cat can determine the temperature of food and even the location of objects surrounding it from a distance. Vibrissae are located not only above the lips and above the eyes of the animal, but also on the paws, between the pads of the toes, inside the ears, and sometimes at their tips.
- Cats cannot taste sweets.
- The cat door was invented by the eminent scientist Isaac Newton.
- Cats are most often left-handed, and cats are often right-handed.
- Cat owners are 17% more likely to have an academic degree.
- Many people are touched when cats rub against their legs, although in fact the animals are simply marking their territory this way.
- The cat's brain is in many ways similar to the human brain - the same areas are responsible for emotions.
- Cats reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in their owners by about a third.
- The vast majority of cat owners (95%) talk to their pets.
- The first cat, to which the owner gave a name, lived in Ancient Egypt. Her loving owner named her Nej, which translates to “sweetheart.”
- Cats are inferior to dogs in mental abilities, but if desired, they can solve more complex problems.
- Everyone knows that before eating, a cat carefully sniffs the food. This is how she determines the composition and temperature to avoid poisoning and burns.
- The frequency of cats purring coincides with the rate of muscle and bone recovery.
- Cats can make about 100 sounds, while dogs can only make ten.
- Cats spend about 70% of their lives sleeping.
- The body length of the largest cat exceeded 1.2 meters.
- Cats use about 20 muscles to move their ears.
- There are approximately 500 million domestic cats in the world.
- Dusty the cat was included in the Guinness Book of Records due to her fertility - she gave birth to 420 kittens.
- A third of cat owners believe their furry pets can read their minds.
- Cats sniff their food before eating because this is how they determine its temperature.
- According to some reports, Napoleon Bonaparte was terribly afraid of cats.
- A cat named Stubbs was the mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska, for 15 years. Another cat tried to become the head of Mexico City in 2013.
- In the original version of the fairy tale Cinderella, the fairy godmother was a cat.
- In Britain and Australia, black cats are believed to bring good luck.
Prepared based on information from open sources
Cat Day in Italy
Italians celebrate this holiday with pleasure on February 17th. They also have another date dedicated to cats: Black Cat Protection Day, celebrated on November 17th. In Italy, black cats have a special attitude, since the population of these beauties was intensively exterminated by the Inquisition for the so-called aiding of the devil. Justice has long triumphed, but the November holiday annually reminds us of the pages of history.
The Italian celebration has been held annually since 1990. February is the month of Aquarius, the most freedom-loving sign, which means this time is also suitable for honoring equally freedom-loving animals. The number 17 is unlucky for Italians, so this day was chosen to dispel the myth about cats bringing bad luck.
In honor of the cat holiday, Florence issued a number of stamps. Every year on February 17, the Gattart art exhibition is held throughout the country, dedicated to the theme of the day.
As you can see, the love for cute furry creatures has given the world another wonderful day - World Cat Day .
Where did cats come from?
According to scientific data, the first cat appeared on Earth from 6 to 9 thousand years ago. The ancient Egyptians first began domesticating these animals. The spread of cats throughout the world is due to the Phoenicians, who took them with them on ships.
Thus, representatives of the cat family penetrated into Greece and Rome, and from there to Georgia and England. In Rus', purrs appeared in the 7th century BC. e. thanks to the merchants who brought their goods to Russian lands.
Animals that caught mice were very expensive, so they were considered a luxury for a long time. Only representatives of the noble classes could afford to keep a purr.
The appearance of cats among people with small incomes became possible only in the 16th century. Then animals were used as household helpers.
No one even thought that centuries later a holiday related to them would be established. But today no one is surprised that March 1 is Cat Day.
Belgium
Belgian cats have paid dearly to be revered today, with festivals held in their honor. It was a long and difficult journey from “Cat Wednesday” to Kattenstut. But first things first…
“Cat Wednesday”
Twelfth century. Flemish town of Ypres. Bell tower of St. Martin's Church. Helpless and defenseless cats fly from a high bell tower to the square, without the slightest chance of survival.
The monstrous event took place every year. On Wednesday, the second week of Lent. Hence the name “Cat Wednesday”.
There are several theories that explain in different ways the need for such a cruel custom.
According to one of them, cats in those distant times were associated with dark forces. They represented the embodiment of evil and black magic. In order to rid the world of evil spirits, people threw live cats down from the bell tower. Associating the death of cats with the killing of evil spirits.
There is also a more down-to-earth version of the horror that took place.
In the Middle Ages, Ypres was famous for the production of woolen cloth and was nicknamed the city of weavers. The local industry relied solely on this.
The wool came from the Kingdom of England and was stored in warehouses for some time. Then artisans bought it, wove cloth and sewed clothes. After which she also ended up in warehouses awaiting the fair held annually.
Wool and woolen products have become a real bait for mice and rats. Harmful rodents happily settled in warehouses, setting up their nests among raw materials, materials and ready-made clothes.
Of course, all this posed a serious threat to the further development of industry.
The solution was found quickly. Cats. The main enemies of rodents.
A four-legged army was dispersed throughout the warehouses. The furry patrol quickly dealt with the task and carried out the cleanup.
Warehouse owners breathed a sigh of relief.
However, soon the residents of Ypres were faced with the fact that the “faithful helpers” themselves began to pose a problem for them.
The cats began to actively reproduce and simply filled the streets of the town.
Then the Belgians came up with the idea that it was time to get rid of the extra cats.
In those days, people didn’t think much about humanity. Therefore, no one objected to the proposal to throw cats from the bell tower. That's what they did. And they repeated it every year.
The terrible and strange tradition of “cat throwing” existed in Belgium until 1817.
The turning point came when the last abandoned cat survived. She simply landed on the ground and sped away in front of an astonished audience.
From that time on, “Cat Wednesday” began to be celebrated only by ringing bells. This is the day of cats. With the tears of these same cats.
Kattenstut
The early morning of the thirty-eighth year of the eighteenth century began with a cycling competition. It was called the “cat race”. Next there was a clownish procession. From the town hall to St Martin's Church. The jester led the procession. The servant boys followed him, holding toy cats in their hands.
The parade ended with the throwing of toy cats from the same famous bell tower. But now the event was accompanied by confetti, fireworks and the sounds of an orchestra.
This is how the first “Cat Parade” took place, later called Kattenstut.
Unfortunately, the continuation of the tradition was prevented by the tragic events associated with the Second World War.
However, already in 1946, the people of Belgium resumed the celebrations.
At first everything was quite modest. A small parade and symbolic dropping of toy four-legged animals. Over time, the scale of the event increased.
Holding the parade in the post-war years was not just a tribute to the dark days in the cat's biography.
The organizers understood that dilapidated Ypres needed to unite the people. Restoring the image, gaining faith in a bright future. And they succeeded.
Residents of Ypres have already experienced the side effects of decisions made. One day, Kattenstut became a real problem for the city’s economy.
The spectacular performance required more and more funding, but the possibilities were not very good.
The authorities decided to abandon the tradition, which has become famous throughout the world and attracts numerous tourists. But the parade was not held annually. Currently, the “Cat Parade” takes place once every three years, on the second Sunday of May.
The main actions remain the same. Theatrical processions, fireworks, musical orchestra. Spectacular, fun and beautiful.
The culmination of the holiday remains unchanged. But now it has a completely different meaning.
Ypres. Bell tower of St. Martin. Toy cats are flying down. But the crowd below is trying their best to catch the falling toy. After all, then it will be possible to make a wish. Belgians believe that such wishes will definitely come true!
