International Cat Day: Celebrating Our Favourite Feline Friends in Portishead
Every year on 8 August, cat lovers around the world pause to celebrate the animal that has somehow managed to conquer our hearts, our sofas, and most of our available lap space.
International Cat Day was founded in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, with the aim of raising awareness of cat welfare and encouraging people to appreciate cats for the wonderfully complex creatures they are.
Here in Portishead, we're lucky enough to share our homes with a brilliant community of cats, from confident harbourside prowlers to shy indoor sofa-dwellers.
So today felt like the perfect excuse to celebrate them properly.
A Brief History of Cats and Us
Cats have been living alongside humans for around 10,000 years, first drawn to early farming settlements by the mice and rats attracted to stored grain. Unlike dogs, cats essentially domesticated themselves turning up, deciding we were tolerable, and staying. That slightly aloof, "I chose to be here" energy hasn't left them since.
It's worth remembering this history when your cat gives you a look of pure disdain for being five minutes late with dinner. They've been doing this for millennia.
Five Ways to Mark the Day with Your Cat
You don't need to do anything elaborate as most cats would frankly prefer you didn't but here are a few simple ways to make the day feel special:
1. A new hiding spot or box. Cats are drawn to enclosed spaces because they feel safe and help regulate temperature. A cardboard box is genuinely one of the best gifts you can give.
2. Extra play time. Even five to ten minutes with a wand toy taps into natural hunting instincts and is great enrichment, especially for indoor cats.
3. A grooming session. If your cat enjoys being brushed, this is a lovely bonding moment and helps with shedding and hairballs.
4. Something to sniff. A sprig of fresh catnip or even a new blanket with an interesting scent can be a small but exciting novelty.
5. Just give them your time. Sometimes the best gift is simply sitting nearby, letting them approach on their own terms.
Why We Do What We Do
Every cat we look after has their own personality, quirks, and routines and getting to know those details is genuinely one of the best parts of this job.
International Cat Day is a nice reminder of why I started Portishead Cat Sitter in the first place. Cats deserve care that's attentive, patient, and tailored to them specifically, not a one-size fits all visit.
If you're heading away and want your cat looked after by someone local who takes the time to understand their routine, Portishead Cat Sitter would love to help.
Get in touch to find out more about our visits across Portishead and North Somerset.
Happy International Cat Day, from Portishead Cat Sitter!
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