Celebrate National Pet Month with Your Cat

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Whether you live in the US or the UK, you’ll find that there’s an entire month devoted to recognizing the importance of our pets. Although National Pet Month is celebrated at different times on the calendar, both pet holidays provide the purr-fect excuse to pamper our cats. For fans of felines who are looking for ways to mark National Pet Month, we have the scoop on great ways to celebrate this pet holiday and exactly when this awareness month takes place!

When is National Pet Month?

National Pet Month is celebrated in the United States in May. The United Kingdom recognizes National Pet Month in April.

9 Ways to Celebrate National Pet Month with Your Cat

Ensure That Your Feline Friend is Healthy and Safe

As pet parents we want our fur babies to live long and happy lives, and one vital way to show your cat how much you care is to schedule a tip to tail wellness exam with your veterinarian. A vet visit is also a good time to have Mittens microchipped. Even if your feline family member is strictly an indoor cat, it only takes a second for a cat to dart out the door and into unfamiliar territory.

Add a Touch of Feline Finesse to Your “I Love You’s”

Cats many not fully comprehend their favorite human’s verbal form of communication (hmmmm… or can they?), but the sweet, slow blink of their pet parent’s eyes and a playful head boop will tell your four-legged friends how much you love them more than words could ever express. Here’s Animal Planet purr-sonality Jackson Galaxy explaining four different ways to non-verbally say those three little words to your fur baby:

Create a Cat Keepsake

Preserve your precious memories of your pal who meows by starting a scrapbook. By gathering favorite photos of your feline friend along with quotes and antidotes displayed on a cat-themed layout (think paw prints, toy mice, etc.), you’ll have a kitty-themed keepsake for the whole family to cherish.

Grow Catnip

Cultivate your cat’s love of catnip by exercising your green thumb! You can opt to grow catnip from seeds (which guarantees that your plants have not been treated with chemicals) or from plants that have already begun to sprout. To grow from seeds, all you need to do is:

• slightly scarify the seeds by simply rubbing the spread out seeds between two boards.
• soak the seeds overnight.
• spread them out to dry.
• plant the seeds in an area that gets a lot of sunlight (although the sprouts will need a break from the sun during peak sunlight hours.)
• water the seeds well.
• wait one to two weeks for germination.
• once the catnip sprouts have reached two inches in height, spread the plants apart by about 20 inches.
• when it comes time to dry out the catnip, cut it off and hang the catnip upside down. (Putting the catnip upside down in a paper bag dotted with air holes will allow for proper drying.)
• crush the catnip into a powder that can be placed in your cat’s toys or treats.

Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve for a Paws Cause

Clothes-conscious cat lovers know that trends may come and go, but compassion is always in fashion! During National Pet Month why not wear attire that shows that you aspire to help animals in need? A t-shirt or bracelet that spells out your feelings about the option of pet adoption and other paws causes can be true statement pieces in your wardrobe.

Build a Catio!

If you are a home owner whose indoor cat seems to crave a taste of the great outdoors, you could nurture your cat’s love of nature by creating a special space just for him or her. From shopping for materials and constructing the structure to creating furniture for your kitty’s retreat, we hope that you find inspurration for creating a catio for your fur baby as you read our personal experience with building our cats’ screened-in hangout.

Brush Up on Kitty Comportment

Delve into the inner workings of the feline mind by perusing online tutorials that explain the intricacies of cat behavior.

Visit a Cat Cafe

Although your kitty companion can’t come along, you can celebrate your love for all of our pals who purr by paying a visit to a clowder of adoptable kitties at a cat cafe in your area. First a hit in Japan, the first business that combined felines, food and philanthropy opened in the US in 2014, and now America is home to well over 70 cat cafes!

Help Our Feline Friends in Need

Along with celebrating the joy that your cat brings to your life, National Pet Month is also an opportunity to show concern for the estimated 3.2 million cats that find themselves in the US shelter system each year. You can give the present of a brighter future to cats at your local shelter with a donation of funds or much-needed supplies; by embarking on a DIY project, like making a cardboard scratcher or knitting a small blanket for a cat who is waiting for a forever home; by giving homeless felines the gift of your time by signing up to volunteer or foster; or by circulating photos of adoptables who are showcased on AdoptaPet, PetHarbor or PetFinder on social media.

Looking for more ideas for ways to celebrate with your cat? Check out our 21 ways to celebrate National Pet Day post!

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