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 Meow Like a Pirate Day 2025: When & How to Celebrate

cat wearing pirate costume

Shiver me, timbers! There is actually a day called National Meow Like a Pirate Day. Although its name may spark some confusion, it’s a great day for fun and bonding between you and your feline friend.

September 19th is the day for cat lovers to bring out their inner Blackbeard and honor their cat’s role in history. We have you covered with all the information you need on National Meow Like a Pirate Day, so you don’t have to walk the plank for your lack of knowledge of this fun and frivolous holiday.

divider 3 paws

What and When Is National Meow Like a Pirate Day?

There seems to be a holiday for almost anything, but we love one that honors our feline companions. Meow Like a Pirate Day was established in 2015 to honor cats traveling with their pirate comrades and is observed concurrently with Talk Like a Pirate Day. Although cats were taken aboard to assist in warding off the rats, they were also signs of luck. It was believed that cats might fend off the nefarious spirits of the lost pirates at sea.

To honor their cherished furry companions, two cat-loving pirate aficionados established this amusing holiday in 2002. Since then, cat owners and pirate enthusiasts worldwide have gotten together to commemorate the relationship between cats and their humans.

National Meow Like a Pirate Day is one of the most bizarre holidays, but if you’re always looking for an excuse to host a party or dress up your cat, this could be the best one yet. On September 19th, you can celebrate National Meow Like a Pirate Day with your feline friend.

Funny cat in a puppet costume of a pirate on the pier
Image By: Daykiney, Shutterstock

Why National Meow Like a Pirate Day Is So Great

Pirates have been part of movies, TV shows, and party themes for years. While cats are one of the most popular and loved pets and are often the subject of the most hilarious and top trending videos on the internet, when you combine these two, you have a day perfect for a fun, fantastic, meme-worthy party. Additionally, you can get your cat involved in the festivities; after all, who doesn’t love a great costume for their cat?

National Meow Like a Pirate Day also pays homage to the history of cats. Cats were valuable to pirates as they could effectively reduce the rodent population aboard the ships, saving their food supplies and protecting them from diseases. Cats, as you can imagine, were also great companions during long and tedious journeys, and even cats today continue to sail on ships.

More importantly, it shines a light on the joy a pet cat can bring to your life and encourages more people to adopt! Any holiday honoring pets is an excellent opportunity to spread awareness for animal concerns, especially homeless animals.

How to Celebrate National Meow Like a Pirate Day

There are many ways you can celebrate National Meow Like a Pirate Day! Whether you want to go big or make a small contribution, there is a way for you to get involved.

cat wearing a pirate costume
Image Credit: Benevolente82, Shutterstock

Play Dress Up

This is the most obvious and fun way to celebrate this not-so-serious holiday. You can DIY or shop around for a Jack Sparrow look-alike costume for you and your cat. You can have fun dressing up in eye patches, hook hands, and Jolly Roger pirate hats.

Then, you can take pictures and videos and share them across your social media for everybody to see. Don’t stop there! Consider throwing a party where your friends and their cats can join too.

Learn the Lingo

While pirates don’t meow like cats, they do have a fascinating lingo. Key phrases include “ahoy” and “shiver me timbers,” along with words such as “maties” and “yo ho ho!” Most pirates are not particularly eloquent due to the rum they consume at sea, so a few slurs can help give you a convincing pirate accent.

Support Your Local Shelter

Consider volunteering at your shelter the day or afternoon, even while sporting your best pirate costume. If you don’t have the extra time available, you could also contribute by donating money or items the shelter may need, such as food, blankets, and toys.

Adopt a Cat

Consider adopting a cat on National Meow Like a Pirate Day! Providing a home to a cat in need may be the best hidden treasure.

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

Understanding Your Cat’s Meow

While we are on the subject of pirate lingo and meowing like a pirate, we thought we would talk more about your cat’s language. Over time, you might become so familiar with your cat’s behavior and routine that you can pick up on minor mood swings.

When you recognize your cat’s extensive repertoire of chirps and meows, you know when they are hungry, need affection, and are in danger or experiencing discomfort. Meowing is mainly used only by mothers and their kittens to communicate, but similar outcomes are achieved when cats meow at people.

A cat’s meow can range in pitch, length, and volume. It shows they want to be fed, petted, or let outside, and sometimes it can be an indication of pain or discomfort.

  • A Short Meow: A short meow is usually their way of greeting, like a short “hello.”
  • Multiple Meows: More than one meow may show excitement when seeing you. Whether it’s because they are hungry or longing for cuddles.
  • A Long, Drawn-out Meow: This may be more of a command, such as wanting you to open the window or the door.
  • High-Pitched Meow: The high-pitched meow may indicate pain but nothing serious, such as stepping on their tail. If the meowing is continuous, especially when handled, it could show that your cat is in more severe pain that needs attention.
  • Low Pitch Long Meow: You may hear this one when another strange cat is nearby. It is usually accompanied by hissing and is not a friendly pitch.
abyssinian-cat-meowing-at-the-sofa
Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

divider 3 paws

Final Thoughts

Yo ho ho! September 19th is the time to celebrate National Meow Like a Pirate Day!

This holiday stands out from others since it is lighter and more playful. It gives people of all ages the chance to have fun, loosen up, and unleash their inner swashbucklers while honoring their feline friends and their role in history.

National Meow Like a Pirate Day will provide happiness, humor, and awareness to everyone participating, whether they use pirate slang in conversation, dress in full pirate attire, or give a kitty a new forever home.


Featured Image Credit: danilobiancalana, Shutterstock

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.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Tidy Cats Litter Review in 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Although brand recognition does not equal quality or performance, Tidy Cats from Purina is one of the best-known names in cat...

Cat Dingleberries: Vet Reviewed Causes & Prevention Tips

Dingleberries (singular dingleberry) is a slang term for dried feces stuck onto a cat’s fur around the anal area and back end. While...

Why Is My Cat So Demanding? 6 Vet-Verified Ways to Deal with a Demanding Cat

One of the most endearing things about cats is their unique and diverse personalities. While some cats are quiet and unassuming, others are...

Do Cats Scratch Velvet? Vet-Verified Facts & Scratching Advice

We’ve all been sitting on the couch while watching TV, only to hear the sound of fabric ripping. You’ve probably done everything in...

More related

Good News for Big Cats: Snow Leopards Get a New Home

Few years ago snow leopards in Mongolia received a “land grant” that was supposed to help the rare big cats thrive. Back in...

10 DIY Toilet Paper Roll Toys for Cats (With Pictures)

As a cat owner, you know that providing engaging and stimulating toys for your pet is essential for their physical and mental well-being....

Blue Tortoiseshell Cat: 8 Interesting Facts (With Pictures)

The tortoiseshell is not a breed of cat but is a color point and marking. Several breeds have tortoiseshell patterns. It is lighter...

200+ Adorable Munchkin Cat Names: Unique Ideas for Your Kitty

Finding the perfect name for your new Munchkin cat can feel like the biggest challenge. There are so many names to choose from,...

Keep reading

How to Keep Cats Off Kitchen Counters: 10 Effective Vet-Approved Tips & Tricks

Cats are curious creatures that love to explore their surroundings. However, this sometimes means that they get into things that they shouldn’t or end up in strange places, though most often, it means they won’t stay off the kitchen counters....

Black and white domestic cat lying on modern kitchen

Is Sedum Poisonous to Cats? Common Houseplants Examined & Vet-Reviewed

When it comes to succulents and cats, you can never be too careful. The last thing you want is something growing in your garden or that you bring into your home to make your furry friend sick or worse. Luckily,...

Catster_Is Sedum Poisonous to Cats

Why Does My Cat Sit on My Face? 7 Common Reasons & FAQ (Vet Reviewed)

Cats sometimes behave in ways that baffle even the most seasoned cat parent—one of these is choosing our face or head to sit and sleep on even though there’s plenty of room on the bed or couch and they’ve got...

Black and white cat lying on a girls face

How Long Do Maine Coon Cats Live? Vet-Verified Lifespan & FAQ

Considered the largest of domestic cat breeds, the Maine Coon holds a special place in the hearts of feline lovers worldwide. They tend to be laid back, intelligent, and friendly, and they share their warmth and joy with friends and...

male blue tabby maine coon cat

Why Does My Cat Wake Me Up Every Morning? 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Some cats wake up their human companions in the wee hours of the night for whatever reason. There are also those that somehow know how to wake up their humans at the same time every morning, no matter what day...

cat sleeping with its owner on the bed

How Does Frontline Work on Cats? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Frontline is a popular spot-on flea treatment used to help keep pets pest-free. It is safe and effective, with two options to choose from, depending on your needs. But how does this medication kill and prevent fleas, ticks, and chewing...

How to Give a Cat a Bath (Without Getting Scratched): Expert Tips & Tricks

If you have owned a lot of cats, you know how much they hate water. If you are a new pet owner, you are likely in for a big surprise when you attempt to give your cat their first bath....

Clutch being his usual calm self in the bath

7 Best Kitten Foods for Diarrhea in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

If you have a kitten with diarrhea, it can be a scary experience. Diarrhea can dehydrate your kitten and rob it of important nutrients it needs to grow into a healthy cat. In some cases, you can improve the situation...

American cat kittens eating