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National Treat Your Pet Day 2024: History & Celebration Tips

Written by: Catster Editorial Team

Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

hand giving treats to calico cat

National Treat Your Pet Day 2024: History & Celebration Tips

As the end of October rolls around, many of us are looking forward to celebrating Halloween and all the holidays that come after it, but there’s another special day that falls on October 30th every year: National Treat Your Pet Day!

National Treat Your Pet Day is an unofficial holiday dedicated to pampering our pets and showering them with extra affection. Pet owners have to show that extra love to their furry, feathered, or scaly friends by offering them special treats, toys, and additional care and attention.

If you are a cat lover, read along to learn how to celebrate National Treat Your Pet Day with your favorite feline friend.

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A Bit of History

National Treat Your Pet Day was established by veterinarian Dr. Marty Goldstein, who owns the pet food/treat company Dr. Marty Pets. According to Dr. Marty, “With the abundance of chocolate, candies, and pumpkin-spiced goodies for humans this time of year, it’s extra important that we provide non-toxic, healthy treats for our pets1. National Treat Your Pet Day is a great reminder for pet parents to prioritize their pets’ health during the holiday season, allowing the whole family to celebrate together safely,” he added.

calico cat having treats
Photo Credit by: Andriy Blokhin, Shutterstock

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Top 9 Ways on How to Celebrate National Treat Your Pet Day

We all know that there is a huge variety of pets people may choose to have in their lives. Here are some ideas that can make cats of all kinds feel loved and appreciated on National Treat Your Pet Day:

1. Giving Special Treats

Provide your cat with their favorite treats, try some new ones you’ve heard about, or even jump on Pinterest and learn how to make homemade pet-friendly treats.


2. Buying New Toys and Activities

Get your paws on some new toys or learn some new games that your cat might enjoy.


3. Providing Extra Physical Attention

Spend extra time cuddling, petting, and giving scratches to your cat—if they enjoy that kind of attention!


4. Pampering Them

Give your cat a special grooming session, or take them to a professional groomer for a pampering experience. While some pets get anxious about groping, others love the experience and the extra time with you.

man grooming his cat
Photo Credit by: Olya Detry, Shutterstock

5. Trick-or-Treating!

National Treat Your Pet Day falls the day before Halloween. Why not dress up your cat (if they like that sort of thing!) for some cute photos or walk around the block with you and your kiddos?


6. Scritching and Scratching

Invest in a new scratching post for your cat so they can indulge their urge to scratch on something that isn’t your new sofa.


7. Perching and Climbing

Cats cherish their alone time and need private places to hide. Cat trees or other arrangements that let your cat steal some time up high (and get some exercise on the way) would be a great treat for National Pet Day.


8. Splurge on a Pet-Friendly Hotel

If finances allow, find a local hotel that allows pets and enjoy a relaxing time away from home together.

cat sitting on bed in a hotel room
Image Credit by: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock

9. Indulge in a Spa Day

Go above and beyond grooming and find a spa that will pamper your cat the way they deserve.

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Conclusion

National Treat Your Pet Day is an especially fun way to celebrate the companionship and love pets give us. It’s, of course, important to treat them well every day by providing love, proper care, and attention to their needs. Every pet is unique, so tailor the celebration to your cat’s preferences and personality, and above all, have a ton of fun treating your pet.


Featured Image Credit: Andriy Blokhin, Shutterstock

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