Covering Everything You Need To Know About Cats And The Holiday That Celebrates & Honors Them
The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that more than 25% of U.S. households own a cat. The total number of estimated pet cats in the U.S. is 58,385,725. It’s pretty clear that Americans love their feline friends. Cats are such an important part of American culture & society, that there is an entire holiday dedicated to them. October 29th is widely celebrated as National Cat Day! This article will discuss a brief history of cats, why we love them so much, and how to celebrate National Cat Day this October 29th.
African wildcat (felis silvestris lybica)
The Domestication Of Cats
The oldest potentially domesticated cat fossils date back around 10,000 to 12,000 years ago. These fossils are from a species known as the Felis silvestris, a.k.a. African Wildcat. International Cat Care reports that through genetic analysis, scientists have confirmed that all modern day domesticated cats share almost identical DNA with the Felis silvestris. The Felis silvestris fossils were found in the Fertile Crescent (modern day west Asia). They were found in a grave next to human remains leading researchers to theorize that these wildcats and the people that lived there co-existed for the first time in history.
Different Breeds Of Cats
There are many different breeds of cats that all come in a wide variety of different colors, patterns, and overall appearance. How many different cat breeds there are will vary depending on who you ask. The Encyclopedia Britannica reports that there are 15 different breeds of cats. Click here to see their full list. However, The International Cat Association (T.I.C.A.) recognizes a total of 73 different cat breeds. Click here to see their full list.
Furthermore, there is no universal list of recognized cat breeds in the world. However, we can discuss the most popular cat breeds in the world. The Spruce Pets reports that the 12 most popular cat breeds in the world include Siamese, Persian, Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Bengal, Abyssinian, Birman, Oriental Shorthair, Sphynx, Devon Rex, Himalayan, and American Shorthair. For more information about and pictures of these cat breeds, click here.
A hungry kitty
Why Cats Are So Special
Cats make overall wonderful pets for a variety of reasons. One of the most appealing aspects to owning a cat is their independent lifestyle. Generally speaking, cats are considered to be low-maintenance. While they still need things like routine veterinary checkups and health care, they are otherwise fairly self-sufficient. Also, cats are incredibly adorable!
Additionally, cats don’t require formal training the way dogs do and don’t need to be taken out to go potty multiple times a day. With the exception of long-haired breeds, most cats don’t require routine grooming either. Cats are very clean creatures and will keep themselves relatively clean most of the time. Another benefit of owning a cat is that they make great apartment pets. Most apartments don’t have enough space for larger pets like full size dogs. But, this usually isn’t a problem for cats as they tend to love small spaces anyway.
Lastly, cats are exceptionally good hunters and will usually keep your home free from rodents, bugs, and spiders. The mere presence of a cat in the house typically deters rodents and vermin from entering your home at all. A cat’s scent acts like a warning sign to any household pests that would try and sneak into your home.
How You Can Observe The Holiday
There are many different ways you can observe National Cat Day this Sunday, October 29th, 2023. One of the best ways to observe this holiday is to adopt a cat! Keep in mind that owning a pet is a big responsibility and it should not be taken lightly. If you’re not ready for that kind of commitment, then consider spreading the word about National Cat Day instead. A simple post on social media about National Cat Day can help raise awareness about how amazing cats are and inspire others to do the same.
Lastly, you can observe this holiday by helping cats in need. We suggest donating money, supplies, or your time to your local animal shelter. Most animal shelters are always in need of more pet food, pet toys, blankets, towels, and volunteers. These are just a few examples of how you can celebrate our feline friends on National Cat Day this October 29th. Cats are not just pets, they are family and that’s something truly worth celebrating.
Cat love
Looking For A Pet Sitter Or Dog Walker?
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