Cats have been living next to humans for hundreds of years. These animals protect rodents' home supplies, create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort, help to heal some diseases and simply delight hosts with their presence. According to statistics, a cat is a pet of 80% of the world's population.
The love of people for these creatures is so great that a special holiday was established in their honor on the first day of spring. So, March 1 is International Cat Day. The date is not official, but this does not reduce its popularity with feline owners.
history of the holiday
In 1933, the Cat Museum was created in Moscow. From the day of its foundation to our time, visitors are shown works of art associated with these animals. Artists discover the mysterious world of unusual creatures, depict the features of their behavior, the so-called cat magic.
Museum staff also take part in various exhibitions and specialized shows. On television (the channel "Capital") a special program is weekly broadcast on the life and work of cats, on the relationship between animals and humans.
The initiative to celebrate International Cat Day on March 1 belongs to the Moscow Cat Museum, as well as to the editorial board of the magazine “Cat and Dog”. The idea to define one day a year for the holiday of pets was suggested by the owners and lovers of these amazing animals.
Honoring cats in different countries
Purring creatures are respected in a number of countries, but they are especially appreciated in the UK. There is nothing surprising in this, given that every year one cat saves about ten tons of grain from mice. Some purrs are even in the service of the state: they do not allow rodents to destroy the relics of the British Museum. For this, four-legged guards receive a salary in the form of delicacies, a special uniform and comfortable housing. There are similar guards in Austria. The cats guarding the warehouses are assigned a lifetime pension: milk, meat and broth. In China, cats were consumed for a long time, but the situation has changed with the establishment of the holiday. Now lovers of cat meat in the Middle Kingdom will face a rather big fine or 15 days of arrest. All over the world, special feeds, clothing models, toys, accessories for training are developed for these animals, cat hotels and cafes are opening.
March 1 is International Cat Day, but representatives of this family are honored on other days. So, the Americans take great care of their pets on October 29, the Japanese on February 22, and the Animal Welfare international foundation initiated the date on August 8.
International Cat Day (March 1) in Russia
On this day, exhibitions, shows, fairs, and other events are held in our country. A visit to the nearest museum or cultural center with the whole family will give an unforgettable experience not only to children, but also to adults. You may be able to listen to a lecture on March 1 - International Cat Day, History. If for some reason you can’t go to the exhibition, you can arrange a holiday at home. Competitions, quizzes, theatrical performances, reading poetry on the cat theme - this is not a complete list of leisure options. Thrill-seekers dress up in special costumes and meow on the roofs, imitating their favorites.
Owners of charming purses do not forget that International Cat Day, whose history is not so long, but significant for supporters of the holiday and just inquisitive citizens, is a good reason to pay attention to your pet. Cats and cats get delicious treats, and animals are dressed in special costumes and brought to the festive promenade.
Where did the cats come from
According to scientific data, the first cat appeared on Earth from 6 to 9 thousand years ago. For the first time, the ancient Egyptians began to domesticate these animals. Distribution around the world cats are obliged to the Phoenicians, who took them with them on ships. So representatives of the cat family penetrated into Greece and Rome, and from there into Georgia and England.
Murky appeared in Russia in the 7th century BC thanks to merchants who brought their goods to Russian lands. Animals catching mice were very expensive, so they were considered luxury for a long time. To keep the purr was affordable only for representatives of noble estates. The appearance of cats in people with a small income became possible only in the XVI century. Then the animals were used as farm assistants. No one thought that centuries later a holiday related to them would be established. But today, no one is surprised that March 1 is International Cat Day.
Cat and religious beliefs
Throughout history, people have deified a mysterious animal, worshiped it, or, conversely, considered it a fiend of hell. In Egyptian mythology, the cat head has the goddess Bastet, who patronizes women and motherhood. Cats lived in a temple dedicated to the goddess. The priest looked after the animals.
In the Middle Ages, church ministers did not like cats, especially black ones, and considered them reincarnated witches.
Therefore, at that time many animals died on the bonfire of the Inquisition. Deserved love returned to cats in the Renaissance - the heyday of science and art. Animals attracted the attention of artists, sculptors, scientists. Centuries ago, people thought about breeding new breeds of these creatures, and today the domestic cat is represented by more than thirty varieties.
Interesting about cats
These animals are very self-sufficient. In mind, they are significantly superior to dogs, but practically not amenable to training, since they find fulfilling all the requirements of a person a meaningless occupation. The cat’s owner’s feet are rubbed not out of subservience. So they “mark” a person, “introduce” him into their circle of communication.
Thanks to the cat, the chemical element iodine was discovered. The favorite of his master scientist simply jumped onto the table and mixed the ingredients. The famous physicist Isaac Newton respected his cat so much that he invented a special door for it. So it’s not in vain that March 1 is International Cat Day.
Record holders
Cats and cats amaze people not only with behavior, but also with their achievements. So, the cat nicknamed Colonel Meow has the longest coat (23 centimeters). The Texas Puffy cat, 38 years old, belongs to the Scarlet savannah breed and is 144 centimeters long, while the little Smokey meows with a force of 67.7 decibels.
International Cat Day, when the owners show increased care for their pets, is another reason to remember our smaller brothers and take care of them.