Every year, on the 8th of August, we celebrate World Cat Day, also known as International Cat Day. This special day came about in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare to pay tribute to the most popular pet in the world – the cat.
A Second Celebration
Interestingly, people love cats so much that they have a second day dedicated to them. On the 17th of February, there is another World Cat Day, thanks to an initiative by an Italian animal protection organisation. This day was created to shield cats from persecution and to promote feline adoptions.
Why Cats Are Special
Indeed anyone who owns a cat knows that every day essentially feels like World Cat Day. These independent yet affectionate creatures have a way of winning our hearts and often receive endless pampering from their owners and even their neighbours.
These are my cats (from left to right):
Charlie, Ginny and Olívia
They were all strays before they came to live with us.
How to Celebrate
On this day, you can show your appreciation for the calm, companionship, and joy your cat brings into your life by treating them to something special. Perhaps a gourmet meal or a new toy would be fitting. Sharing photos of your beloved feline on social media is another delightful way to commemorate World Cat Day.
Did You Know?
Did you know, that there are estimated to be around 600 million cats worldwide, with a significant population in Europe?
References to the relationship between cats and humans date back approximately 9500 years.
Initially valued for their ability to eliminate rodents and pests, cats were welcomed into homes and even aboard ships, spreading across the globe.
In ancient Egypt, cats were revered. In a flood, cats were rescued first, even before people.
Learning Portuguese with Cats
So celebrating World Cat Day is a perfect opportunity to practice some Portuguese. Here are a few feline phrases to get you started:
- Gato/Gata – Cat (male/female)
- Gatinho/Gatinha – Kitten (male/female)
- Miau – Meow
- Rabo – Tail
- Bigodes – Whiskers
- Ronronar – To purr
- Brinquedo – Toy
- Comida – Food
Have a Patreon subscription? ☕
If you’re an active supporter on any of my Patreon tiers (starting with Meia-de-Leite), you get access to a printable PDF containing all the vocabulary from this post.
Why not try using these words in sentences? For example, “O meu gato adora brincar com o seu novo brinquedo” (My cat loves playing with its new toy). Try this quiz as well:
This way, you not only celebrate your feline friend but also enhance your Portuguese vocabulary!
Related Ports for Further Reading
- August in Portugal
- Black Cat Appreciation Day
- International Dog Day
- Pets in Portuguese
- Portuguese Dogs