Celebrate National Cat Day: Viewing Cats Through History and Culture!

Every October 29th, the world gets a little fluffier, a little sassier, and a lot more fun because it’s National Cat Day! A day dedicated to celebrating our feline companions, whether they’re curled up in your lap, scaling the curtains, or silently plotting world domination from the top of the fridge.

Sure, most cat parents will spend the day handing out treats, buying a new toy, or posting another hundred photos of their cat on Instagram (as if we needed an excuse). But National Cat Day is also the perfect chance to step back and appreciate just how deeply cats have shaped our culture – from ancient Egypt to the latest viral meme.

So grab your furry overlord, settle in, and let’s take a whisker-filled stroll through history and art to see how cats became the icons they are today.

Ancient Egypt: Where Cats Became Divine

Let’s start with the obvious: ancient Egyptians adored cats. In fact, the goddess Bastet (often depicted as a lioness or a woman with a cat’s head) symbolized home, fertility, and protection. Cats weren’t just pets; they were sacred guardians believed to bring good fortune (not just dead mice) into your life.

Harming a cat? That was punishable by law. Archaeologists have even found mummified cats buried alongside their humans, ensuring that cats were pampered into the afterlife too.

So next time your cat looks at you with regal disdain, remember – they’ve been worshipped for thousands of years. You’re basically their servant, and history is on their side.

Medieval Europe: From Revered to Feared

Fast forward a few centuries, and cats in medieval Europe had a rougher reputation, often being linked to witchcraft. Black cats in particular got the short end of the broomstick, often accused of being witches’ familiars.

But here’s the twist: despite superstition, cats were still valued in monasteries and homes because they kept rodents at bay. Even when misunderstood, cats managed to stay useful (and smugly essential).

It’s a reminder that no matter what era we’re in, cats always find a way to land on their feet.

The Renaissance: Cats in Art and Literature

During the Renaissance, cats began making their way into paintings, literature, and poetry. Leonardo da Vinci famously sketched cats in motion, trying to capture their grace and agility. (Imagine da Vinci chasing his house cat around with a sketchpad – totally plausible.)

Cats also showed up in literature as symbols of independence, mystery, and even sensuality. Writers admired their aloofness and elegance, qualities we still associate with felines today.

Basically, cats became muses. And given the number of cat TikToks we scroll through, they still are.

Asia’s Lucky Cats

If you’ve ever spotted a little statue of a cat with one paw raised in a wave, you’ve seen Maneki-neko – the Japanese “beckoning cat.” These lucky cats are believed to bring good fortune and prosperity, which is why they’re perched in restaurants, shops, and even homes around the world.

Different paw positions and colors carry different meanings: wealth, health, or protection. So if your cat knocks over a Maneki-neko figurine, maybe they’re just doubling down on the good luck.

The Modern Era: Cats Take Over Pop Culture

Fast forward to the 20th century, and cats leap into the spotlight in new ways:

• Cartoons gave us iconic characters like Felix the Cat, Tom (from Tom and Jerry), and The Cheshire Cat with his mischievous grin.
• Books like Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot inspired Cats, one of the longest-running Broadway musicals.
• Movies made us fall in love with everything from the aristocratic Duchess in The Aristocats to Goose, the “cat” (actually a Flerken) in Captain Marvel.

And then, of course, the internet happened…

Cats and the Internet: A Match Made in Meme Heaven

No cultural history of cats is complete without acknowledging their total domination of the internet. From Grumpy Cat to Nyan Cat, felines became the original viral stars. Their perfect mix of sass, chaos, and cuteness made them meme royalty.

Think about it: we don’t have “DogTube” or “HamsterTok.” But we do have endless cat compilations, livestreams of kittens, and hashtags that make cats trend worldwide on a daily basis. Cats don’t just live in our homes – they run the digital world too.

Why Cats Captivate Us

So why do cats continue to influence culture so deeply? Maybe it’s because they strike a perfect balance between companionship and independence. They let us into their world, but only on their terms. They can be silly clowns one minute and mysterious sages the next.

Cats reflect both the playful and the profound in us. And maybe that’s why, thousands of years after their first depiction on temple walls, we’re still celebrating them every October 29th.

Celebrating National Cat Day Today

So how should you celebrate National Cat Day this year? A few fun ideas:

• Channel your inner Egyptian – give your cat the royal treatment with extra treats or a plush new bed.

• Make some art together – paw print crafts are messy, hilarious, and adorable. (just make sure you use pet safe materials!!)
• Adopt or foster – National Cat Day is a great reminder that thousands of cats are still waiting for homes in shelters.
• Post your cat online – because clearly, it’s tradition. Bonus points if your cat looks unimpressed.

Whatever you do, celebrate in a way that honors the unique role cats play in your life – as companions, muses, and tiny four-legged emperors of your household.

One More Way to Honor Your Cat: Protect Them

Here’s one cultural truth that hasn’t changed across centuries: cats are family. And just like family, they deserve to be protected.

That’s where pet insurance comes in. From routine check-ups to unexpected emergencies, pet insurance helps cover the costs of keeping your cat healthy. After all, whether they’re channeling Bastet, starring in a TikTok, or just curling up on your keyboard, your cat deserves the best care – without the stress of overwhelming vet bills.

References:

1. https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-cat-day-october-29
2. https://daily.jstor.org/why-ancient-egyptians-loved-cats-so-much/
3. https://www.cheshireandwain.com/en-us/blogs/journal/cats-and-the-16th-century-witch-craze
4. https://www.thegreatcat.org/cats-in-renaissance-art/
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maneki-neko
6. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/the-fascinating-history-behind-the-popular-waving-lucky-cat
7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cats_and_the_Internet

Disclaimer

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.