The month of June is Adopt A Cat month, and June 4th specifically is celebrated as National Hug Your Cat day.
Personally, I’ve always been more of a dog person. But for my daughter’s 4th birthday she wanted a cat. In lieu of gifts, we decided to ask birthday party attendees for donations to Fulton County Animal Services (where we got our dog over a decade ago). After her birthday we chose a day to take the donated items and to look for our new kitten.
I have to admit, the cat we got is pretty awesome. T went into the shelter specifically wanting an orange cat, but when the only orange cat they had wouldn’t let her hold it, she selected a grey striped tabby (who was, for some reason, named Brownie). We had pre-decided on the name Wasabi, but as the paperwork was being completed, T announced the cat’s new name would be Starfire (insert facepalm). However, Starfire didn’t seem to mind being named after the pink-haired member of the Teen Titans. He instantly took to cuddling with T and tolerates literally anything she wants to put him through.
I am truly grateful that my daughter got the pet of her dreams and that he continues to give her joy. She even enjoys practicing handwriting if it means she gets to trace and copy his name!
Ideas for how to Celebrate
- Obviously, if you have a cat, give it some extra affection today.
- Not all cats are snugglers (believe me, I know!), but you can give it an extra treat, refill the catnip in her scratchpad, or shine the laser pointer around the room for your cat today.
- Pamper your kitty with some homemade treats! Check out this link for some simple ideas.
- Consider adopting a cat/kitten.
- If you haven’t already, get your cat spayed or neutered! There are already more than enough kittens out there who need a loving home.
What if I don’t have a cat?
I get that not everyone wants pets, much less a cat, or perhaps it just isn’t the right time for your family to get a cat. That doesn’t mean you can’t still celebrate this feline-friendly holiday!
- Volunteer at an animal shelter or take up donations for one. Animal shelters not only need monetary donations, they frequently need items such as dog and cat food, kitty litter, office supplies, towels or blankets, and cleaning supplies.
- Watch cat videos on YouTube.
- Kill two birds with one stone and have your kids draw pictures of cats and include those in greeting cards you can send to local nursing homes.
- Make cat-shaped cookies.
Regardless of how you decide to celebrate, enjoy it!
Have you hugged your cat today?
