Did you know that March 28th is Respect Your Cat Day? At Hilde & Phil, we believe every day is a great day to appreciate your cat, but today is extra special! Cats bring love, companionship, and joy to our lives. While they can be opinionated and independent, they deserve respect for their unique personalities and natural instincts.
Respect Your Cat Day is all about acknowledging these qualities and showing your cat the care they deserve.
Respect Your Cat Day History
We're not sure who first decided March 28th should be Respect Your Cat Day, and it doesn't seem to have been mentioned online before 2014. However, from what I've read, Respect Your Cat Day might have started way back in March 28, 1384 when King Richard II of England declared that people shouldn't eat cats.
We mean, we don't need a king to tell us not to eat our pets... To honor all the cats we've cared for – the ones we've owned, rescued, or even had to say goodbye to. We hope this article reminds everyone how lucky we are that these creatures let us be around them. They give us a little glimpse of the wild animals they came from, while letting us enjoy their friendship and funny behavior.
How Can You Celebrate Respect Your Cat Day?
It might sound like an unserious holiday, but it's important to remember how much cats mean to our homes and lives. Here are 7 simple ways you can respect your cat, not just on March 28, but all year round!
#1 Respect Your Cat's Space
The most important thing is, does your cat want to spend time with you right now? If not, maybe the best way to celebrate is to respect their boundaries and give them some space.
#2 Respect Their Natural Scratching Behavior
We often think of scratching as a bad habit, but it's actually something cats need to do! It helps them stretch, mark things with their scent, and keep their claws healthy. Trimming their claws can help protect your furniture and your skin, but it won't stop them from wanting to scratch. Get them a Cat-e-Corner to show this respect!
#3 Respect Their Rest Time
We only need about 7-9 hours of sleep, so it's easy to see cats sleeping most of the day and think they're “lazy”. But cats sleep so much because of their hunting instincts – they hunt, then rest to save energy. So, Respect Your Cat Day is the perfect time to let them nap without judgment.
#4 Respect Their Inner Hunter
Although cats don't need to hunt for food anymore, they still have those hunting instincts inside them! You might notice your cat loves to pounce and likes small, moving things. Sometimes, you might even catch them “stalking” you or other pets.
#5 Respect Your Cat's Favorite “Prey”
Notice which toys or movements your cat responds to most. Some cats love chasing lasers, others prefer soft mice or feathers. Tailoring playtime to their preferences shows understanding and respect.
#6 Respect Their Need for Enrichment
Cats love to explore and observe their surroundings. Respect this by creating enrichment zones like window perches, climbing shelves, or interactive play areas. Giving them vertical and horizontal spaces lets them satisfy curiosity safely and reduces stress.
#6 Respect Their Achievements
Show respect by celebrating your cat’s positive behavior and milestones. Offer healthy treats, gentle petting, or quiet companionship. Acknowledging their achievements strengthens trust and deepens your connection.
Conclusion
Respect Your Cat Day is more than a fun holiday - it’s a reminder to honor the unique personality, instincts, and needs of your feline friends. Whether it’s giving them space, supporting their natural behaviors with a Cat-e-Corner, or ensuring their health and happiness, small acts of respect go a long way.
Celebrate your cat on March 28th, and make every day a little more respectful and loving for your furry companion.
