National Pet Memorial Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of September each year. In 2023, that day will be September 10, when pet owners across the country will have the opportunity to remember their beloved pets who have passed away.
In 2024, National Pet Memorial Day will fall on September 8. Learn more about this sweet holiday and how you can honor the memory of your favorite cats.
What is National Pet Memorial Day?
The relationship between animals and humans has evolved from work to love and companionship. Although they used to be considered property, many people now consider their cats part of the family—and they grieve a lot when they cross the rainbow bridge.
However, there is evidence that ancient people mourned their lost cats. Pet memorials were first found in 14,000 BCE in what is now Germany, 11,000 BCE in North America, and 7,000 BCE in China. Famous historical figures, such as Alexander the Great, commemorated their pets with burials and monuments.
Even in recent history, we see memorials celebrating the lives of special cats. Pet cemeteries can be found all over the country, and we have monuments to famous pets such as Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier who followed his night watchman owner to Scotland, and Towser, a hardworking cat that caught a record-setting 28,899 rats. There’s also Trigger, the beloved horse that Roy Rogers stuffed after his death in 1965.
In the spirit of these special relationships, National Pet Memorial Day is an opportunity to create a lasting memory for your lost cats and celebrate your relationship.
How to Celebrate National Pet Memorial Day
Here are some ideas to celebrate your lost cat on National Pet Memorial Day:
- Create a cat photo album or scrapbook to cherish the memory of your pet.
- Gather your memories, like an old collar, tuft of hair, or ink paw print, and share stories about your cat.
- Plant a memorial tree that will bloom at the time of your cat’s death. If you don’t have a yard, see if you can plant a tree in a community garden or park.
- Have a small memorial service with your loved one and share photos and memories.
- Donate pet supplies to a local shelter or rescue organization in your cat’s name.
- Show your pets a little extra love with a fun walk, a new toy, or a long cuddle session to appreciate the time you have.
- Volunteer at a rescue or shelter to share the love with some homeless cats.
- Welcome a new cat to your family if you’re ready.
Other Pet Memorial Day
National Pet Memorial Day is not the only holiday in honor of our lost pets. Here are some other pet days:
- World Pet Memorial Day: Celebrated on the second Tuesday of June, it’s a day for people around the world to remember their lost pets.
- Rainbow Bridge Memorial Day: Celebrated on August 28 each year, this day celebrates the bond between humans and their pets who cross the “rainbow bridge.”
- National Pet Day: Celebrated on April 11, National Pet Day focuses on the millions of pets in need of a home and encourages others to adopt.
Conclusion
Losing a pet can be one of the most difficult experiences. National Pet Memorial Day is an opportunity to remember and celebrate your pet, give back to others the honor of your pet, and raise awareness of how difficult it is to lose a pet.
Featured Image Credit: Elena Nechiporenko, Shutterstock
