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 Treat Your Pet Day 2026: History & Celebration Tips

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

divider 1 paws

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

    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

    100+ Shy Cat Names: Ideas for Sweet & Timid Cats

    Not all cats can be described as outgoing. Cats are often categorized as shy or even a bit skittish—hence the term “scaredy cat.”...

    What Happened to Pot Roast the TikTok Cat? Her Condition & the Backlash

    These days it’s not just influencers and celebs that enjoy internet fame; some pets do, too! One such pet was Pot Roast, the...

    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...

    7 Best Cat Litter Subscriptions of 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks 

    Next to cat food, kitty litter is one of the most important things that you need when you own a cat. Adding it...

    More related

    Will a Cat Overeat If They Get Excess Food? Vet-Approved Facts & Feeding Tips

    Cat owners who spend time away from their pets often worry about their pets going hungry. To ensure that their pet is never...

    10 Halloween Safety Tips for Your Cat: Vet-Approved Advice

    While there’s a strong association between cats and Halloween, many cats can feel spooked or stressed out during this holiday. New Halloween decorations,...

    Is Litter Deodorizer Safe for My Cat? Vet-Approved Facts & Sanitation Tips

    One of the least enjoyable things about owning a cat is dealing with litter boxes and all the unpleasantness that comes with them....

    How to Pick Furniture That Cats Won’t Scratch: The Best Materials & Fabrics to Choose

    If you own a cat or two, you may want to take their claws into account when choosing furniture. Scratching is an instinctual...

    Keep reading

    Does Vinegar Stop Cats From Pooping Where They Shouldn’t? Vet-Verified Tips & Reasons for This Behavior

    Having to deal with a cat that has a bad habit of pooping somewhere they shouldn’t can be frustrating. Fortunately, vinegar could help. Cats generally dislike the smell of vinegar, which means it can act as a natural deterrent and...

    a jar of vinegar

    Cat Ear Language: What Feline Body Language Can Tell You (With Examples)

    If you’ve ever spent any time observing your cat’s ears, you’ll already know that you can detect your cat’s feelings by how their ears are positioned. Cats can express many emotions and different moods through their ears, and when taken...

    close up ragamuffin beside the window

    Kitten Teething: Vet Reviewed Signs, Timeline & FAQs

    A kitten’s first few months are full of milestones. They go from tiny balls of fur with closed eyes to playful kittens who are weaned and ready for their new homes. One step all kittens go through is teething. Below,...

    a kitten lying on the floor

    How Does a Mother Cat Discipline Her Kittens? Vet-Reviewed Cat Behavior

    Disciplining and correcting kittens is part of a mother cat’s job. She has to teach her kittens how to behave appropriately and interact with their littermates. This is important for them to learn while they’re young so they grow up...

    kittens in the grass with their mother

    How to Train a Cat to Sleep at Night: 5 Vet-Reviewed Tips

    Your cat may sleep during the day, but once the sun goes down, they may start pouncing or playing, jumping all over. Whether you get up early or simply value your beauty sleep, this isn’t a fun way to spend...

    Cat sleeping

    Can Cats Eat Melon? Vet-Approved Nutritional Facts

    There’s nothing like a juicy piece of watermelon to quench your thirst on a hot summer day. Melons are sweet, refreshing, and full of fiber and nutrients. You might be wondering if your cat can benefit from the vitamins and...

    Can Cats Eat Melon

    How Do Cats Clean Themselves? Normal Behavior & Advice (Vet-Reviewed)

    Cats are known for their impressive ability to self-groom. However, there is a line between healthy grooming and compulsive grooming. Likewise, some cats under-groom. Both compulsive grooming and under-grooming occur due to other underlying health problems. Understanding what’s normal for...

    white himalayan cat grooming hepper pod bed

    15 Weird Cat Behaviors That Stump Kitty Parents: Facts & Explanation

    Cats are comical in some ways and confusing in others, and they have some undeniably curious habits. Often, it’s worth the effort to figure out what’s causing their behavior. If they don’t leave you scratching your head, your cat could...

    cat making crazy face playing with wand

    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.