(Old pics - I miss my fluffy overlady)

NATIONAL RESPECT YOUR CAT DAY

On March 28th, we stop pretending we’re the bosses and lean into the reality of National Respect Your Cat Day. This National Day is a time to acknowledge the truth: Your cat is better than you. Well? Someone had to say it!

#RespectYourCatDay

Before we get started, we should acknowledge the 9,500 years of history that led to a tiny, 10-pound tiger deciding that your clean laundry is the perfect place for a nap. Let's also stop pretending we’re the bosses of these tiny felines. We know you have no control over their lives. Let's give respect where respect is due--to the cool cat of your house.

From Pharaohs to Pillows

We're pretty positive we know why cats have an entitled personality. It started a long time ago when ancient Egyptians worshiped cats as gods. Clearly, cats have never forgotten that little piece of their ancestry. Throughout history, cats have been the ultimate sailing mate for sailors and the perfect guard to protected crops from pests for farmers. Today, their job is mostly to judge you from a distance. Watching you move and lurking around corners to keep you in line with your tasks. We all know what could happen when you're not paying attention to your cat. They jump out at you and scare you, causing your heart to race at a pace faster than their reflexes.

CELEBRATING RESPECT YOUR CAT DAY: Feline Etiquette

We have some pointers to help you celebrate National Respect Your Cat Day. These recommendations will hopefully avoid you catching a good swat in the process:

** Keep an open door policy in your home. Once you acknowledge that a closed door is a personal insult to a cat, you will avoid an irritable feline. Just because a cat is hanging out in a room for a long period of time doesn't they want to stay there. They like to travel freely when they choose to.

** Use a slow blink when looking at your cat. In cat language, blinking slowly is the ultimate sign of respect, trust, and true friendship. If you encounter your cat while wondering through your house. stop and make intense eye contact to maintain your friendship.

** Respect the nap-zones. Cats spend up to 15 hours a day napping. Let them sleep where they want. If they fall asleep on your laptop, you obviously don't need to check your e-mail. Are they sleeping on your lap? Moving before their nap is over will cause you to get claws poking through your jeans, causing the most hideous scratch. A cat knows their worth. Let them nap.

** The petting rule. Know the difference between a "nice" pet and a "you can quit now" pet. If you want be sure your cat is up for some affection, we recommend petting the cat for about 5 seconds, then pulling your hand away. If your cat wants more, they'll show you with a bossy nudge. If they want to be left alone, they'll probably swat at you.

** Say you're sorry. Has your cat every fallen off of a counter? Did they look at you like you pushed them? Of course you did! Cats don't just lose their balance. You're the problem (even if you're not). Just say you're sorry so they can move on with their day.

Share your stories, photos, and videos on social media using the hashtag #RespectYourCatDay. Extra points for judgmental photos and videos!

Creator of National Respect Your Cat Day

We can't be completely sure, but we think this day was founded by a cat who learned how to type while its human was sleeping.