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 2026: When & How to Celebrate

Share

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 Credit: 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

Why Chicken Bones Are More Dangerous for Cats Than Most Parents Realize

Chicken bones seem harmless enough, but for cats, they can cause serious damage quickly. Whether your cat swiped a piece off the counter...

Fantastic Pet Pantries and Where to Find Them

Let’s face it: times are really tough right now, and those of us in the 99% are struggling with the cost of just...

Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Cat Refuses to Drink Water! (April 13, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

Why Healthy Cats Still Vomit Sometimes (And How to Respond)

A cat that just vomited needs a specific kind of care, and the feeding decisions you make in the next few hours actually...

More related

100+ Spiritual Cat Names: Ideas for your Mystical Cat

Spirituality can mean different things to different people, but a spiritual identity is a core part of people’s lives all around the world....

7 Famous Seafaring Ship Cats That Sailed The Seven Seas

Did you know cats have been traveling aboard ships for thousands of years? Cats are no strangers to the sea; even ancient Egyptian...

Seychellois Cat: Breed Info, Pictures, Temperament & Traits

The Seychellois cat breed is a rare breed in the Oriental group of cats. They are also quite remarkable, affectionate, intelligent, and just...

Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month: When & What Is It?

Pet Poison Prevention Month takes place in March each year. It’s a time dedicated to raising awareness about the items in and around...

Keep reading

Can Cats Eat Pumpkin Seeds? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Yes, most cats can eat pumpkin seeds without suffering any adverse effects. Pumpkin seeds are packed with nutrients that are extremely beneficial. What’s more, some cats seem to love the taste of these seeds. Therefore, do not be afraid to...

Can Cats Eat Pumpkin Seeds

Why Does Cat Pee Smell Like Ammonia? 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Cat owners who use effective cat litter and clean the litter box frequently don’t tend to have issues with cat urine odor. However, some cat owners still struggle to manage the prominent odor of their cat’s urine. So what is...

woman covering nose while cleaning the litter box

Can Cats Eat Pumpkin Pie? The Interesting Answer

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their digestive system is designed to digest meat, bones, and other animal body parts. Pumpkin pie is not on this list, and while cats can eat pumpkin or plain canned pumpkin, pumpkin pie is bad...

Can Cats Eat Pumpkin Pie

How to Treat a Cat’s Broken Nail: Vet-Approved Care Tips & FAQ

Cats are curious creatures and sometimes get into accidents, which can lead to injuries like a broken nail. If your cat has injured its nail, it’s important to know how to properly treat the wound in order to help your...

Vet looking for swelling in cat paws, pododermatitis prevention, health checkup

Cat Pheromone Sprays: Differences, Comparisons & Top Picks in 2026

Cats receive information and respond to other cats and species through natural pheromones that they release. Pheromones can have a big impact on your cat’s emotions and behaviors and are a powerful tool that can help anxious or stressed cats....

spraying on cat

Do Cats Like When You Sing to Them? Fun Facts

Even the shyest among us can feel confident belting out our favorite tunes in the comfort of home, and it’s even better when our cats are there to listen. As a perfect audience for our shameless rehearsals, cats listen on...

cute cat on owner's arms

Do Flea Collars Work on Cats? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

As much as we love our cats, dealing with fleas can be a huge pain. Flea collars are one method of flea prevention that many pet owners opt for, but do they actually work? The answer is yes, but they...

tortie Oriental cat wearing flea collar

Can Cats Drink Bottled Water? Vet-Reviewed Types & Recommendations

Healthy cats need to drink around four ounces of water per five pounds of body weight daily. This amount will vary though, depending on their diet, activity levels and any underlying medical conditions. Unfortunately, some kitties are very picky and...

Can Cats Drink Bottled Water

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.