Respect Your Cat Day is observed on March 28. It reminds us to treat cats with the care, attention, and dignity they deserve. This day is a chance to think about what it truly means to respect our feline companions.
The date may trace back to March 28, 1384, when King Richard II of England passed a law banning the eating of cats. While this story is debated, the idea behind the day is clear—cats deserve kindness and respect.
What It Means to Respect Your Cat
To respect your cat is to meet their needs and understand their nature. Here are some ways we show respect:
- Give them space when they need it.
- Keep their environment clean and safe.
- Provide regular meals and fresh water.
- Make time for play and mental stimulation.
- Visit the vet for checkups and care.
- Learn their body language and respect their moods.
Cats are independent but also social. They form strong bonds and show affection in quiet, subtle ways. Respecting your cat helps build trust and a healthy relationship.
Why Respect Matters
Cats are often misunderstood. Some people think they’re aloof or unfriendly. But cats simply have different ways of showing love and setting boundaries. Respect helps us meet them on their terms. It also ensures their well-being, both physical and emotional.
By respecting cats, we also teach others—especially children—how to care for animals with empathy and awareness.
Other Cat Days to Know
🐾 Respect Your Cat Day is just one of many special days for cat lovers. Others include:
- National Cat Day – October 29
- International Cat Day – August 8
- National Black Cat Day – October 27
- National Kitten Day – July 10
- National Feral Cat Day – October 16
- National Adopt a Cat Month – June
Each of these days shines a light on different issues, from adoption to education.
When Is Respect Your Cat Day Celebrated?
Respect Your Cat Day is always observed on March 28, providing a special moment each year to spoil your cat and reflect on their role in your life. Here’s a look at upcoming dates:
| Year | Date & Day of the Week |
|---|---|
| 2025 | March 28, Friday |
| 2026 | March 28, Saturday |
| 2027 | March 28, Sunday |
| 2028 | March 28, Tuesday |
| 2029 | March 28, Wednesday |
| 2030 | March 28, Thursday |
Ways to Celebrate Respect Your Cat Day
Respect Your Cat Day offers a wonderful excuse to show your cat just how much they mean to you. From small acts of love to thoughtful changes in their environment, here’s how to celebrate:
- Pamper Your Cat: Treat your cat to a cozy new bed, a scratching post, or their favorite treats. Cats love having a spot they can call their own, especially if it’s warm and inviting. A quality scratching post will not only keep their claws healthy but also give them a satisfying activity.
- Engage in Play: Spend extra time playing with toys that stimulate their hunting instincts, like feather wands or laser pointers. Playtime helps cats stay active, release pent-up energy, and maintain a healthy weight.
- Ensure Their Comfort: Create a peaceful spot for your cat to relax, away from noise or interruptions. Cats often seek quiet, undisturbed spaces where they feel safe and secure. Setting up a cozy retreat with blankets or a cat tree gives them a much-needed sanctuary to recharge.
- Visit the Vet: Take this opportunity to schedule a wellness check and ensure your cat is healthy. Routine checkups allow veterinarians to catch potential health concerns early and provide preventive care.
- Share the Love: Post a photo or video of your cat on social media using hashtags like #RespectYourCatDay or #CatAppreciation to spread awareness about feline care. Highlighting your cat’s unique personality celebrates their importance in your life and encourages others to cherish their pets.
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendar 2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
📝 This article was originally published on January 23rd, 2025. It has been updated, and the publishing date has been changed to reflect the new version.
