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There are all kinds of holidays that enable us to remember or celebrate something special. One annual celebration that we can definitely get behind is Cuddly Kitten Day!
Cuddly Kitten Day is held every year on March 23. Just as the name implies, this day is all about sharing love and cuddles with your kitten!
Let’s get the origins of this extra-special day and all the ways that you can observe!
How Did Cuddly Kitten Day Begin?
It’s unclear how long this holiday has been around and who got it started, but given how long we have admired cats, it’s not all that surprising that we have a day dedicated to them.
While it has long been believed that cat domestication started in Ancient Egypt over 3,600 years ago, archeological evidence has found that it was likely 10,000 years ago. Cats started living near and in human settlements, reducing the pest populations commonly found in food storage and homes. It’s been a love affair ever since!
The Cat’s Rise in Popularity
While we have been living with and enjoying the company of cats for thousands of years, the internet has increased their popularity exponentially! When you add celebrity cats to the mix, like Grumpy Cat and Lil Bub, it’s not hard to see why we love cats so much.
While the number has definitely changed by now, in 2018, there were 373 million cats kept as pets around the world. Owning cats has been proven to lessen stress and help with mental health, and it’s good for your physical health by reducing the risk of a heart attack. Just stroking a cat’s fur and hearing them purr can help relax you.
So, what better way to honor these beautiful animals that give us so much than with a Cuddly Kitten Day?
How Can You Celebrate Cuddly Kitten Day?
If you’re a cat owner, you can start by just treating your pet like the special cat they are. Get them new toys and catnip, and spend quality time playing with and petting your cat.
You can also pick up special treats, like lickable treats, which most cats love. Treats and playing will do wonders for you both, especially if your cat isn’t particularly cuddly.
If you don’t own a cat but still love them, consider volunteering at your local shelter or rescue organization or donating cash, blankets, cat food, or whatever is needed most. If you are able, think about adopting a kitten or an adult cat in need of a home.
Post photos and promote shelters on social media using the hashtag #CuddlyKittenDay to raise awareness about the importance of adopting cats. You can keep your posts light or bring up the homeless cats issue. It’s estimated that roughly 3.2 million cats enter animal shelters in the U.S. annually and that 530,000 cats are euthanized every year.
If you have children, pick up a picture book about cats, and read it to them as a bedtime story. It isn’t all that difficult to find the time to celebrate cuddly kittens. It’s definitely one of the most adorable days to celebrate!
What Are Other Cat Holidays?
There are more days celebrating our feline friends than you might expect! Here are just a few notable ones:
Conclusion
Now that you know that Cuddly Kitten Day falls on March 23, you can plan what you would like to do on that day. Cuddling a kitten is certainly not a hardship! Find something that works for you and your cat that will make you both happy (like chin scratches or a lickable treat).
Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock
