Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

National Hug Your Cat Day 2026: How & When It Is Celebrated

Share

woman hug her siamese cat

As cat parents, we feel that every day should be “Hug Your Cat Day”, but did you know that there is a specific day to love your cat that’s officially recognized? Every year on June 4th is National Hug Your Cat Day, and it’s coming up as usual in 2024.

While you probably already shower your cat with hugs and love, you can take this extra-special day to pamper your cat even more and show your love to other cats. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about National Hug Your Cat Day and more.

divider 2 cats

What Is National Hug Your Cat Day?

National Hug Your Cat Day is a great excuse to hug your cat even more than you already do. It’s a day to spoil your cat and show them how much you appreciate them. Many people don’t know that cats were celebrated and worshiped in Egyptian times. They were viewed as magical, majestic felines in Egypt and still are to this day.

The people of Egypt saw them as royals and would pamper them, dress them up in jewels, and feed them extravagant meals. In fact, when cats passed away, their owners would mourn them by shaving off their eyebrows, and the cats were given a cat mummification burial.

In today’s culture, however, cats often live in the shadow of canines, and they aren’t shown the proper respect and love that we pet parents feel they should be shown. Therefore, we celebrate National Hug Your Cat Day every year to honor our feline friends.

chimera kitten hug by owner
Image Credit: Natalia Kokhanova, Shutterstock

divider 2 catsHow Can You Celebrate National Hug Your Cat Day 2026?

You may be wondering at this point just how you can celebrate National Hug Your Cat Day. We’ll give you a few ideas in the section below.

1. Hug Your Cat

While this may seem like a no-brainer, it certainly bears mentioning. On National Hug Your Cat Day, make sure that you hug your cat. While we all know that cats live and operate on their own schedule, your cat will always like to be petted and loved.

The cat may even show its appreciation for you on National Hug Your Cat Day by jumping into your lap for a snuggle.

tabby cat lying on a womans chest
Image Credit: Alek_B, Pixabay

2. Play Games

Hugging and petting are always appreciated, but playing with your feline is another excellent way to show your love. You can break out the laser pointer or feather toys, or if your pet is a natural retriever, you can play a game of fetch with a catnip mouse or ball of paper.

Playing is an important part of keeping your cat mentally and physically engaged, and a great toy will make it much easier. We like Hepper's Catnip Stick Toys because they're sturdy enough to handle intense play and completely filled with organic catnip. You'll love the fun range of pastel colors and your cat will enjoy the prey-like shape!

Hepper Stick Catnip Cat Kicker Toy
  • No Filler - Like all the best cat toys our is stuffed with 100% organic catnip. Cheap cat toys with...
  • Flexible Play - Simple plush shape is great for biting, scratching and pawing. It can start life as...
  • Durably Designed - Our cat safe toys are hand-stitched with a double-lined exterior construction for...

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!


3. Volunteer at a Shelter

National Hug Your Cat Day isn’t just about hugging and loving your cat. You can volunteer at a shelter to be sure that all cats get the love and appreciation they need on that special day. In fact, don’t stop there; volunteer every time you can, as these animals need all the love, patience, support, and hugs they can get while they wait to be adopted and taken to a forever home.

cat at an animal shelter
Image Credit: JW Design, Shutterstock

divider 2 cats

Final Thoughts

National Hug Your Cat Day 2024 is on June 4th, and you don’t want to miss it. It’s the perfect opportunity to hug your cat, show them how much you care, and give back to the animal community by volunteering at your local animal shelter.

Cats are loyal, loving creatures that used to be treated like royalty. You can revive the Egyptian tradition by participating in National Hug Your Cat Day. Show your cat how much you love them with plenty of hugs, exciting games, and a few tasty treats.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: Piqsels

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Catster's Digital Magazine is Back!

Vet-approved health & behavior advice

Real cat stories & community features

When a Cat Becomes a Water Fountain – Why Cats Vomit After Drinking

Seeing a cat drink water and then promptly bring it back up can be confusing. Sometimes the explanation is fairly simple, particularly if...

Chatting About Sleeping Positions, Loafing & Cats in Tubes | Chatty Cattys, Episode 33

In this episode of Catster’s Chatty Cattys podcast, Dr. Karyn and Nicole dive deep into the fascinating world of feline sleep behaviors. From...

The Bite Stuff: The Truth Behind a Cat’s Sudden Nip

A cat bite that seems to come out of nowhere is one of the more confusing things a cat owner deals with. Everything...

Your Cat’s Purr Proves They’re One of a Kind

There are few sounds more comforting to a cat parent than the familiar rumble of a purring cat. You probably know your own...

More related

Can Cats Eat Chorizo? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

If you enjoy sausages and salami, chances are that you enjoy chorizo. If you’ve been adding chorizo to your meals on occasion and...

Moody Blues: Cats and Their Emotions

Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller. Cats, the effervescent...

How to Feed Multiple Cats: 6 Vet-Reviewed Tips That Work

According to data from Forbes, cats are the second most popular animal companions in the US, after dogs, so it’s no surprise many...

Cat Flavored Pies and Corgi Thighs  – Are We Really Eating Our Pets?

There are certain words and phrases that we automatically understand the meaning of, even if they’re not, strictly speaking, grammatically correct. Take ice...

Keep reading

Are Azaleas Poisonous to Cats? Vet-Reviewed Houseplants Examined

Azaleas are ornamental shrubs that are incredibly popular and loved by gardeners everywhere. Not only are they sturdy, resistant plants, but the flowers also turn stunning colors that range from a vibrant jewel color to a pretty, pale pastel hue....

Catster_Are Azaleas Poisonous to Cats

When Can Kittens Eat Dry Food? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Kittens are adorable little creatures that require a lot of attention and care to grow up healthy and happy. One of the most important aspects of their care is feeding. As kittens grow, they will need to transition from milk...

When Can Kittens Eat Dry Food

Can Cats Drink Soda? Vet Approved Nutrition & Safety

Are you a soda lover who can’t go a day without a big, tall glass of your favorite fizzy drink? If you’re also a cat owner, maybe you’ve seen your cat drink some leftover soda you left in a glass....

Can Cats Drink Soda

Can Fleas Kill a Cat? Vet-Approved Facts & Safety Guide

Fleas are an annoying part of cat ownership. Unfortunately, your cat will likely get at least one flea infestation at some point during their life. Keeping on top of regular flea treatments should protect your kitty from harm even if...

Cat with fleas

Where Do Outdoor Cats Sleep? 7 Places They Like to Curl Up (Vet-Reviewed)

Some cats are strictly indoor pets and prefer lounging on a bed, tower, or sofa. However, others split their time between being inside and outside. So, when it comes to finding a safe place to sleep outdoors, where do our...

cat walking outdoors looking at the camera

Can Cats Eat Chicken? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Your cat probably loves chicken. Most cats usually do. It is found in a lot of cat food, both canned and dry, and in cat treats, but perhaps you’re wondering if it’s okay for you to slip your cat some...

Can Cats Eat Chicken

Cat Not Eating But Still Purring? 7 Vet-Reviewed Possible Reasons & Solutions

When cats aren’t feeling well, they can exhibit a range of behaviors, including hiding away from the rest of the family and avoiding food. What if your cat is not eating but still behaving normally, such as purring? Does that...

picky cat not eating

How Long Do Cat Colds Last? Causes, Signs, & Treatments

Just like us, our cats can get the sniffles here and there. Respiratory illnesses are among the most common things that can go wrong with cats, and severe cases generally require veterinary attention. So, before reading the rest of this...

tired or sick cat

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.