International Cat Day: 10 Reasons Cats Make Great Pets!

Cats are the #1 pet in New Zealand – 41% of all Kiwi households are home to at least one cat! This is probably why there’s one special day on the cat calendar devoted to all the cat ladies and gents out there. International Cat Day is all about celebrating the cat human bond with your meowser.

“What greater gift than the love of a cat.”

– Charles Dickens

International Cat Day (not to be confused with National Cat Day, although similar in nature) is a chance to celebrate one of our oldest friends. Like really, really old – read how were cats domesticated to see just how long ago the human-cat friendship started. There’s obviously a good reason our friendship has lasted the test of time…

When is International Cat Day?

This pet friendly holiday on the cat calendar takes place on 8 August. The International Fund for Animal Welfare started this day of the year in 2002. It’s a day that’s dedicated to learning new ways to take care of our feline friends and of course a day to celebrate them too.

This is why we’ve decided to list not one, but 10 reasons why cats make the best of friends.

#1. Cats have magical powers, seriously

OK, ok, yes – it sounds like we’ve watched one too many Hobbit films, but cats have serious magical healing powers. As in, medically and scientifically.

The frequencies in a cat purr vibrate at an electrical wave length that helps heal wounded or painful muscles, bones and tendons.

Read more on why cats purr. Having a cat purr while it sleeps on your lap is one of the great joys of being a cat parent and a purrfect way to celebrate International Cat Day! If you’re up for it, it could also be a day to adopt a cat.

#2. Cats are low maintenance

Cats are fanatic neat-niks. They literally spend half their lives grooming themselves, which means you won’t have to. (With the exception of hairless cat breeds, who do in fact need occasional baths).

Not only are they famously independent in their cleaning habits, but they’re also often off doing their own thing.

Even cats who love hanging out and talking, like the Siamese cat, will still also enjoy spending periods of the day simply being in the same room as you. Kind of like old friends who are so close they can quietly enjoy reading the paper or a good book in each other’s company.

Speaking of good books, here’s our pet inspired reading list for animal lovers for International Cat Day.

#3. Cats knead us

When it comes to the cat human bond, cats literally knead their humans. They do it to show love, affection and ownership. You’re theirs and they’re just letting you know in no uncertain terms. Being needed by your cat with such enthusiasm can sort of be affirming provided it’s not with claws.

Cats are so attuned to our emotions that you’ll probably find yours kneads you especially when you’re feeling a bit down. Read more about all the reasons why cats knead.

#4. Cats can be indoor pets

Some purebred cat breeds enjoy being indoor cats, as do many moggies. That’s ideal for the guy or girl who’s enjoying apartment or small home living. Invest in a few cat toys and, voila, you’ll have a cat-friendly indoor environment.

And because all indoor creatures need a good dose of the outdoors on occasion, read how to train a cat to walk on a lead.

#5. Cats can work with your work schedule

Separation anxiety in pets is a big watchword these days, especially with many people re-entering the office as COVID eases. However, rest assured that cats can manage longer periods alone at home during the day than many other pets.   

This is a major consideration when choosing the right pet and considering their long-term happiness. Read about leaving your cat home alone and considerations for getting a pet if you work full time.

#6. Cats make long term friendships because they live long lives

Most cats live long lives, giving you lots of quality time together. On average, domestic cats live for 15 years but they have been known to go beyond double that. Read about the oldest cat in New Zealand and the world in ‘how long do cats live?’.

Cat lifespan will depend largely on cat health, which is where pet insurance for cats comes in handy. Having health cover for your pet means you can quickly source quality media care for them when they need it.

#7. Cats keep away uninvited visitors

The story of how cats were domesticated tells you lots about the contemporary cat-human bond. Cats weren’t interested in our harvested crops, or us really, but in the rodents and other critters that would eat our stores.

Over time, because cats came to hunt these pests, we started to develop a friendship and even dependency on them. Cats are fully aware of this, and they’ve decided to keep us around because they think we’re cute.

Even today they still provide us with the service of keeping out the rats, mice and creepy crawlies, free of charge. On the other hand get your mouser a good cat collar so they don’t stray into catching any of our endangered and enchanting wildlife. 

#8. Cats reduce stress (and help you sleep better)

Many cat owners find that sleeping with a cat in their bed helps promote better sleep. Cat companionship can reduce stress and may also reduce the chance of heart attack (which is bound to make for good dreams).

They’re soft, cuddly and radiate a gentle purring warmth. What more could a pet owner ask for? Sigh.

Worried your cat is a night owl? If you answered yes, then you’ll be glad to know there are simple solutions. Read how to clock your new kitten into your bedtime routine.

#9. Cats are intelligent

Cats are super intelligent and highly attuned to your feelings. According to Wikipedia, cats have a good memory and the ability to problem solve and communicate needs and desires.

For example, Maine Coon cats have been known to open doors and learn tricks. Find out more about different cat breeds and their unique talents for International Cat Day.

#10. It’s easier to keep cats healthy with a furbulous cat insurance plan

When the cat-human bond is so strong you’re heavily invested in keeping your cat healthy – on any day of the cat calendar. Insurance helps you overcome financial barriers to this. Not only can pet insurance admin be simple, it can be fast so you can claim any time, any day, seven days a week.

Read how Steve the Russian Blue cat benefited from having a pet plan and find out how PD Insurance makes pet claims easy.

Other days to add to your cat calendar

Since it’s International Cat Day, let’s celebrate the cat human bond by adding these a-meowsing days to your cat calendar.

• 4 June. Hug Your Cat Day
• 17 August. Black Cat Appreciation Day
• 1 September. Ginger Cat Appreciation Day

As for today, did you know you’ll get one or more months of free pet insurance when you buy your PD Insurance plan online? Click below to explore.