Japan is a country that is undeniably fond of cats. The country boasts nearly 9 million furry feline pets, and they celebrate National Cat Day every year on February 22. This special day has been a national holiday for more than 30 years, with cat lovers from all over the country gathering to show their appreciation for their furry friends.
The History of National Cat Day in Japan
National Cat Day in Japan was conceived in 1987, where a poll of more than 9,000 cat lovers voted for the day to be celebrated on February 22. The reason for this date is because cats are known to make a “nyan nyan nyan” sound in Japanese, hence February 22, or 2/22, is celebrated as “Meow Meow Meow” Day.
Popular Ways to Celebrate National Cat Day in Japan
Japan has a plethora of ways to celebrate National Cat Day. From food to social media and pet pampering, there are many unique ways to show appreciation for cats on this special day.
1. Festive Foodstuffs
In Japan, it is customary to celebrate special occasions with themed foods. National Cat Day is no exception. You can expect to find cat-shaped pastries, cute cakes, and delicious rice balls shaped like cats. You can even make your own cat-themed treats, showcasing your culinary skills.
2. Social Media Celebration
Social media trends change all the time, and National Cat Day is no exception. Cat lovers post their favorite photos of their cats, take selfies wearing cat ears, and share pictures of their Cat Day celebrations. Social media is a great way to get creative and have fun with your feline friends.
3. Pet Pampering
If you have a cat, you can take the opportunity to pamper them on National Cat Day. You can find special treats and toys for sale, or buy cute outfits for your cat. Although your cat may not consider wearing an outfit as a form of pampering, it’s still fun!
The Japanese Bobtail: The Local Cat Breed
Although cats of every breed can be found in Japan, only one breed originates from the island nation: the Japanese Bobtail. These cats have been around for hundreds of years and are famous for their shorter tails. Japanese Bobtails come in many coat colors, but the most common is a white coat with a colored tail, and a patch of color over each ear.
National Cat Day Around the World
Japan isn’t the only country that celebrates National Cat Day. The United States celebrates it on October 29th, and Canadians celebrate it on August 9th. However, no country quite rivals Japan in terms of the number of celebrations and unique traditions practiced on National Cat Day.
Final Thoughts
National Cat Day is a celebration of the bond between cats and their owners. Japan’s love for cats is undeniable, and it shows in their unique traditions and celebrations. Even if you can’t physically be present in Japan on February 22, you can still celebrate this special day through social media and by doing something special for your feline friends. So, whether you’re in Japan or at home, let’s all show our love for our furry friends on National Cat Day.
