HOLY DAYS OF THE CULT OF OTIS
Catsmas- December 24
Responsible cat guardians get their cats by adopting them or by rescuing strays from their neighborhood. This means they likely don't know when their feline companions were born. That's what Catsmas is all about! Since there's no way to know exactly when your cat was born, celebrate his or her birthday on December 24. Yeah, we know that cats aren't generally born in December, but chances are your cat doesn't know this. Plus, Otis heard that a few non-cat based religions have major holidays in December, and He doesn't want any cats to be forgotten or left out in the cold during this time of year. So decorate a cat tree with cat-friendly ornaments, give your cat a snuggle if you find him or her standing under a sprig of catnip and, if your cat has been a good boy or girl, prepare for a visit from Santa Claws!
Box Day- December 26
No one knows why, but cardboard boxes are the most interesting things in the universe to a cat. No matter how many fancy beds you buy, no matter how much you spend on cat trees or other kitty “furniture”, no matter how many balls, catnip toys, laser pointers and other items you provide, your cat will lose interest in all of them the moment you place an empty cardboard box on the floor. If a box is present, it must immediately be investigated and, most likely, sat in. Only cats know the secret of the box’s appeal, but Box Day is the day of the year to celebrate your feline’s affinity for all things cardboard. So on December 26, fill an entire room with boxes of varying size, shape and depth and let kitty explore them and sit in them to his or her heart’s desire.
Neuter Years (eve and day)- December 31- January 1
As another year ends and a new one begins it’s time to raise a glass and celebrate all of the pet guardians who did the right thing in the past 12 months and had their male cats neutered. It’s also time for guardians whose boys have not been sterilized to make a resolution to have them neutered as soon as possible in the new year. So as you watch that big ball drop in Times Square, you should keep in mind that there may be balls closer to home that need to be addressed.
Spay Day- The last Tuesday in February
Spay Day is an annual event sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society International that promotes spaying and neutering of pets. Part of being a responsible cat guardian is getting your feline companion spayed or neutered, so the Cult of Otis officially recognizes Spay Day among it’s list of holy days.
Meowmorial Day- The first Monday in June
Meowmorial Day is a day to remember all of the cats that we have loved and lost. Our feline friends bring so much joy to our lives, they deserve to be remembered with respect and gratitude. Plant a tree in their memory. Donate to an animal rescue organization in their name. Most of all, just remember them all for the special individuals they were.
Dependence Day- The Fourth of Mewly
Dependence Day is a day to recognize the relationship that has evolved between humans and domestic cats. Domestic cats depend on us to provide them with the care, protection and affection that they require to survive. Domestic cats should never be left to fend for themselves in the world at large. They need our help, and Dependence Day is the day to renew our commitment to help any lost, abandoned or feral domestic cats that we encounter.
Neighbor Day- The second Monday in September
You know the importance of keeping cats happy, healthy and safely confined, but your neighbors may not. Chances are you have many people in your neighborhood that let their cats roam free and unprotected. Neighbor Day is the day to spread the word in your neighborhood about responsible pet guardianship. Many people let their cats roam because it is what they have always done. They may not have ever even thought of the dangers to which their cat is exposed. Sometimes a little education is all that is needed to affect a positive change.
Howloween- October 31
Howloween is also known as “Black Cat Day”. Since at least the Middle Ages these unfortunate souls have been vilified in human mythology. They have difficulty getting adopted from shelters and heartless and cruel people often torture them on the human holiday known as Halloween. Otis is appalled by the unfair treatment of his dark-furred brothers and sisters and he has officially designated October 31st as a day to celebrate all black cats. It is also a day for all Cult of Otis members to be especially vigilant in watching out for the safety of cats in our neighborhoods. People will be less likely to attempt to harm animals if they know we are all watching out for them.
