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National Treat Your Pet Day 2026: History & Celebration Tips

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woman owner giving treat to her cat

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.

divider cats oct 2024

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 pets.1 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.

Himalayan cat sniffing a treat from their owners hand
Image By: freestocks.org, Pexels

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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.

Our Favorite Cat Toys Right Now

Here are a some of our favorite toys, each catering to a variety of senses and play preferences. Which one will your feline fancy? 

Image Product Details
Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set
  • Contains catnip
  • Kitten safe
  • Encourages self-play
  • Hepper Furball Set Hepper Furball Set
  • Set
  • Added bells
  • Satisfies prey instinct
  • 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. 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: 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.

    The Hepper Hi-Lo Modern Cat Scratcher is a functional and stylish design that makes it the ultimate scratching spot for your cat – and a superhero in the battle against furniture destruction. Unlike most cat toys that end up being ignored, this one's a crowd-pleaser for both cats and their hoomans.

    Hepper Hi-Lo Cardboard Cat Scratcher with Real...
    • Premium Materials - Hepper's cardboard scratcher is made with dense, B-flute cardboard, and a metal...
    • High, Low and Lower - A single cat scratch pad won't keep your cat engaged. 3 unique positions keeps...
    • Activates Muscles - The Hi Lo isn't just a cat nail file to stop the chief cat couch scratcher. The...

    With its 3 configurations, thick textured cardboard, and solid birch plywood frame, it encourages your cat's natural scratching instincts, so they stay away from your precious furniture, rugs, and curtains, among all other things they shouldn't scratch. The Hi-Lo is like your home's mini guardian, keeping it safe while looking super sleek and trendy.

    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!


    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-lying-on-blanket-in-bedroom
    Image Credit: 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.

    divider 3 paws

    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.

    See Also: 


    Featured Image Credit: Andriy Blokhin, Shutterstock

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