August 8, 2015 is World Cat-Day
International Cat Day was founded in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and other animal rights groups.
Cats are our most popular pets. It is estimated there are over 500 million cats worldwide. In 2007 a study of US households showed that there are about 72 million pet dogs but around 82 million pet cats, with the average being 2.2 cats per household.
However there is another International Cat Day on February 20. This one was officially created in 2009 by cat lovers on social-networking sites following the death of Socks Clinton.
Socks at the podium in the White House Press Briefing Room by Barbara Kinney – Clinton Presidential Library & Museum
Owning a cat has been shown to improve mental health and to relieve stress, anxiety and depression.
Cats have been associated with humans for at least 9,500 years and throughout history many superstitions have evolved about them.
Cherise Udell reports on CARE2 that
- “In America most people consider black cats – especially one that crosses your path – to be a sign of bad luck.
- In many Asian countries, owning a black cat today is considered lucky.
- In England, a black cat is good luck – unless you live in Yorkshire and then it is deemed bad luck!
- In Scotland, a black cat suddenly appearing on your doorstep is a sign of future prosperity.
- In the 18th and 19th century in Northern Europe, a fisherman’s wife would actively seek out a black cat as it was believed it would ensure her husband’s return home safely after a fishing expedition.
- In Japan, black cats are a sign of good luck. Many single women seek a black cat as this cat is believed to bring many suitors.
- In ancient Egypt, the black cat personified the goddess Bast, and was believed to bring good fortune.”
