March 1 - International Cat Day: the history of appearance

Cats live near the man for hundreds of years. These animals take care of home supplies from rodents, create an atmosphere of warmth and coziness, help to cure some diseases and simply delight owners with their presence. According to statistics, the cat is a domestic pet of 80% of the world population.

People's love for these creatures is so great that a special holiday was instituted in their honor on the first day of spring. So, on March 1 - International Cat Day. The date is not official, but this does not reduce its popularity among the owners of representatives of the cat family.

history of the holiday

In 1933 a cat museum was established in Moscow. From the day of its foundation to our time, visitors are shown works of art related to these animals. Artists discover the mysterious world of unusual creatures, depict the features of their behavior, the so-called magic of cats.

Employees of the museum also take part in various exhibitions and specialized shows. On television (the channel "Capital") weekly aired a special program on the life and activities of cats, the relationship between animals and man.

The initiative to celebrate the International Cat Day on March 1 belongs to the Moscow cat museum, as well as the editorial board of the magazine "Cat and Dog." The idea to determine one day in the year for the holiday of pets was suggested by the owners and lovers of these amazing animals.

Cats in different countries

Murmuring 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 from mice about ten tons of grain. Some purrs are even in the service of the state: they do not allow the rodents to destroy the relics of the British Museum. For this four-legged guards receive a salary in the form of delicacies, special uniforms and cozy dwelling. Similar guards exist in Austria. Cats guarding warehouses are given a lifetime pension: milk, meat and broth. In China, cats used to eat for a long time, but with the establishment of the holiday the situation changed. Now lovers of cat meat in the Middle Kingdom is waiting for a rather big penalty or 15 days of arrest. All over the world special feeds, models of clothes, toys, accessories for training, cat's hotels and cafes are being developed for these animals.

March 1 - International Cat Day, but representatives of this family are honored on other days. So, the Americans show increased concern for their pets on October 29, the Japanese - on February 22, and the international fund Animal Welfare initiated the date on August 8.

International Cat Day (March 1) in Russia

On this day in our country there are exhibitions, shows, fairs, as well as other events. Visiting the nearest museum or house of culture with the whole family will give unforgettable impressions not only to children, but also to adults. Perhaps, it will be possible to listen to a lecture on the theme "March 1 - International Cat Day, history". If for some reason to go to the exhibition does not work, then you can arrange a holiday at home. Competitions, quizzes, theatrical performances, reading poetry on the cat theme - this is not a complete list of options for leisure activities. Fans of the thrill are dressed in special costumes and meow on the roofs, imitating their pets.

Do not forget the owners of the charming purr and the fact that the International Cat Day, whose history is not so long, but significant for the supporters of the holiday and just inquisitive citizens, is a good reason to pay attention to the pet. Cats and cats get delicious treats, animals are also dressed in special costumes and taken to the festive promenade.

Where did the cats come from?

According to scientific data, the first cat appeared on the Earth from 6 to 9 thousand years ago. Ancient Egyptians began to domesticate these animals for the first time. The spread of cats all over the world is due to the Phoenicians, who took them with them to the ships. So the representatives of the cat family penetrated into Greece and Rome, and from there to Georgia and England.

In Russia, purrs appeared in the 7th century BC thanks to merchants who were carrying their goods to Russian lands. Animals that catch mice were very expensive, so for a long time they were considered a luxury. Only the representatives of noble estates could afford to keep the purr. The appearance of cats in people with a small income became possible only in the XVI century. Then the animals were used as housekeepers. Nobody thought that centuries later a festive holiday would be established. But today nobody 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, it was considered the descent of hell. In Egyptian mythology, the cat's head is 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 officials did not like cats, especially black cats, who considered them to be reincarnated witches.

Therefore, at that time many animals died at the stake of the Inquisition. Honored love returned to the cats in the Renaissance - the heyday of science and art. Animals attracted the attention of artists, sculptors, scientists. Several centuries ago people thought about the development of new breeds of these creatures, and today the domestic cat is represented by more than thirty varieties.

Interesting facts about cats

These animals are very self-sufficient. In their minds, they are much superior to dogs, but they practically do not give in to training, because they find fulfillment of all the requirements of a person meaningless for themselves. O legs of the cat's owner are rubbed not out of servility. So they "mark" a person, "introduce" him into their social circle.

Thanks to the cat, the chemical element iodine was discovered. The favorite of her master scientist just jumped on the table and mixed the ingredients. The famous physicist Isaak Newton so respected his cat that he invented a special door for her. So, March 1st is International Day of Cats.

Records

Cats and cats affect people not only by their behavior, but also by their achievements. So, the cat named Colonel Meow has the longest hair (23 centimeters). Cat Puffy of Texas lived 38 years, belonging to the breed of savanna Scarlet has a length of 144 centimeters, and little Smookie mews with a strength of 67.7 decibels.

International Cat Day, when the owners show increased concern for their pets, is another reason to remember our little brothers and take care of them.