Cats are known for many things: elegance, independence, uncanny punctuality around dinnertime. But above all, cats demand one thing—without ever needing to say it aloud: respect.
It’s not a suggestion. It’s a lifestyle.
That’s what Respect Your Cat Day, held every year on March 28, reminds us. At first glance, it might sound like another quirky internet holiday—like National Nap on a Keyboard Day (which, for the record, our sources confirm cats celebrate daily). But this one carries more weight than its whimsical name implies.
The day traces its origins back to 1384, when King Richard II of England passed a law banning the consumption of cats. In other words, it marked an early (if unusual) milestone in recognising the value of feline life. And while we’ve come a long way since then—cat cafes, luxury cat condos, Instagram celebrities named Sir Pounce—Respect Your Cat Day is still as relevant as ever.
Because for all their self-sufficiency, cats rely on us. Not just for food and shelter, but for something deeper: safety, understanding, and the kind of care that honours their true nature.
That’s what this article is here to explore.
We’ll begin with a closer look at the meaning behind the day, offer inspired ideas for celebrating it (think beyond catnip), and then dig into the everyday actions that express the deepest kind of respect: keeping your cat healthy, happy, and thriving.
Oh, and throughout our journey, you’ll be hearing from a few highly opinionated cats of distinction. They insisted. And you try saying no to a cat.
Meet Cosmo
Our first guest is Cosmo, a tuxedo cat of impeccable taste and inflated self-worth. He describes himself as “aloof but approachable” and once spent an entire weekend ignoring his humans because they changed his brand of litter.
Cosmo isn’t here for nonsense—but he is here for substance. “Respect,” he says from his velvet throne, “begins with awareness. You don’t ask a cat how their day was. You learn the answer by observing our tail flicks. It’s subtle. You must elevate your attention.”
Wise words from a cat who once deleted an entire Google doc by lying on a laptop.
Shall we begin?
9 Thoughtful Ways to Celebrate Respect Your Cat Day
Celebrating Respect Your Cat Day isn’t about extravagant gestures—it’s about honouring the nuanced, instinctive, and often hilarious needs of your feline housemate. Here are ten meaningful, vet-aligned, and cat-approved ways to make the day special—without needing to book a private jet or turn your lounge into a rainforest.
1. Curate a Territory Upgrade
Cats don’t just live in your home—they rule it. But ruling requires resources. Vertical space, scratching surfaces, hiding spots, and window access all contribute to a feline's sense of security and control. If your cat currently lives in a one-level world, now’s the time to introduce elevation and choice.
Consider adding a multi-level cat tree or window perch where they can monitor their kingdom and sunbathe on command. This isn’t a luxury—it’s behavioural enrichment backed by feline psychologists.
Flamingo Gulf Black Cat Scratching Tree (35 x 35 x 103cm) - this should do the trick!
2. Plan a High-Engagement Play Session
Ten minutes of intentional play can reduce stress, prevent destructive behaviour, and provide much-needed physical stimulation—especially for indoor cats. The trick is to mimic prey: fast, unpredictable, and temporary.
Use toys that trigger hunting instincts (feathers, wands, moving mice) and let your cat win at the end to avoid frustration.
Meet Zara
Zara is a ten-year-old Somali cat with the energy of a squirrel on espresso. “I don’t care how old I am,” she says. “If it moves like a bird, I must destroy it. Respect means never assuming I’ve retired.”
Flamingo Cat Teaser Feathers - it's up to Zara's high standards, to be sure.
3. Refresh Their Dining Experience
Meal times are sacred. But repetition can be dull—even for cats. Try rotating flavours (within the same brand to avoid stomach upsets), upgrading to a higher-protein formula, or adding a quality wet food topper for moisture and variety.
Even better? Use a puzzle feeder to extend the feeding ritual into a stimulating mental workout.
Catit Flower Cat Drinking Fountain 3L - offering the champagne of water, (i.e. running water!) to complement their dining experience.
4. Brush Up on Grooming
Many cats do groom themselves, but that doesn’t mean they don’t benefit from a helping hand—especially long-haired breeds or older cats. Grooming improves coat condition, reduces hairballs, and offers bonding time (assuming your cat consents).
Introducing Beatrix
Beatrix, a Persian of grand lineage and zero tolerance for knots, insists grooming is “not vanity—it’s survival.” She recommends brushing “at least every other day, or else I resemble a Victorian lampshade.” (We see her point.)
Flamingo Cat Grooming Glove - this will go a long way to getting rid of lose hair and gaining your cat's approval at the same time.
5. Introduce a New Scent or Sound Experience
Cats explore the world through scent, and enrichment can come in many forms. Try scent diffusion using feline-safe herbs (like valerian or silvervine), or gentle classical music designed to reduce anxiety.
These new experiences stimulate the brain without overstimulation—and can be especially valuable for indoor cats.
Royal Canin Sensory Feel, Taste and Smell wet food - this range of food delivers an enhanced eating experience to delight your cat's sensors.
Enter Madame Figaro
Madame Figaro is a Russian Blue with refined taste and a low tolerance for mediocrity. “Dinner,” she insists, “should be an experience, not an obligation.” She favours the Royal Canin Sensory range, which she calls “a multi-sensory masterpiece—finally, food that speaks fluent feline.”
6. Schedule a Wellness Check
If your cat hasn’t seen a vet in over a year, Respect Your Cat Day is the ideal prompt. Regular check-ups help catch silent conditions early—especially dental disease, kidney issues, or weight creep. This is real respect: proactive health care.
Make the carrier less traumatic by leaving it out a few days beforehand with treats inside, so your cat can reframe it as part of the environment—not a harbinger of doom.
Milbemax Tasty Cat Tablet 40mg Single - Deworming your cat has never been easier with this tasty 40 mg broad-spectrum wormer.
7. Enrich Their Environment with Choice
Cats value autonomy. Adding choice—multiple litter trays, quiet resting zones, or access to different textures and temperatures—can help reduce stress and reactive behaviours.
Respect isn’t just about affection; it’s about control over their environment.
Flamingo Basket Clio Wood and Cushion Black Cat Bed (45 x 38 x 12cm) - ensures your cat has a dedicated space to rest, making it a perfect addition to any household.
8. Make Time for Bonding on Their Terms
Some cats are lap enthusiasts. Others show affection through proximity, not contact. Learn your cat’s preferences and spend dedicated time simply being with them—reading, watching a show, or working with them nearby. It sounds simple, but cats notice.
Enter Rupert
Rupert is a lanky tabby with strong boundaries. “I don’t do laps. I do ‘adjacent presence.’ You respect me by not petting me unless I request it through legally binding blinks.”
9. Do Something That Matters for Other Cats
Respect Your Cat Day is also a chance to extend care beyond your home. Consider donating food or bedding to a local shelter, adopting if the time is right, or sponsoring a cat in need.
Empathy is contagious—and cats, for all their mystery, have a remarkable way of softening our hearts to the world.
Meet Pudding
Pudding is a rescue tabby with a crooked ear, a soft spot for volunteers, and a deep sense of purpose. “I spent six months in a shelter before finding my forever couch,” she says. “So, trust me—your old blanket or a bag of kibble can change everything.” She's living proof that small acts of kindness ripple wide.
From Celebration to Commitment: What Respect Really Means in Cat Care
Celebration is a beautiful thing, but true respect comes from the everyday routines that support your cat’s long-term wellness. From the food they eat to the space they live in, every decision we make has an impact on their health and happiness.
So, let’s look deeper into the pillars of holistic feline care.
Nutrition: Feeding Their Best Life
Cats are obligate carnivores. Their bodies are designed for a high-protein, low-carb diet that supports muscle tone, energy, and organ health. Not all cat foods are created equal—quality ingredients matter.
Look for complete and balanced meals that list meat as the first ingredient, avoid unnecessary fillers, and cater to your cat’s life stage or specific needs like weight management, kidney support, or hairball control.
Some trusted options available at Petworld include:
• Royal Canin Hairball Care – Supports digestion and reduces hairball formation
• Pro Plan LiveClear – Helps manage allergens while offering complete nutrition
• Montego Classic Cat Food – A balanced, affordable option for everyday feeding
For wet food variety or added hydration:
• Hill’s Science Plan Wet Food – Tailored nutrition for specific needs
• Catmor Wet Pouches – A value-friendly option that many cats find irresistible
Hydration is also critical. Many cats, especially those on dry food, don’t drink enough water. Increase moisture through wet food, broths, or a cat water fountain that encourages natural drinking behaviour.
Flamingo Bellagio White & Pink Cat Drinking Fountain 2L - a key to the ongoing battle to get your catster hydrated every day.
Introducing Reginald
Reginald is a medium-haired gentleman with a chronic case of what his humans call “fluff tummy.” Between the hairballs and his delicate digestion, he's become a connoisseur of functional nutrition. “I used to cough up existential dread—and hair,” he explains. “Then they switched me to a targeted diet. Now? I glide through life like a silk scarf.”
He insists mealtimes should be “gourmet, grain-appropriate, and garnished with a sense of occasion.”
Preventative Healthcare: Staying Ahead of Trouble
Prevention is easier—and more affordable—than treatment. At a minimum, your cat should see a vet once a year for a full physical exam, dental check, and up-to-date vaccinations. Early detection of issues like kidney disease or diabetes can mean better outcomes and fewer costly interventions later. Even indoor cats are vulnerable to age-related conditions that aren’t always visible on the surface.
Parasite control is another must: fleas, ticks, and worms can affect even indoor cats, especially when brought in on shoes, clothing, or other pets. These pests aren’t just annoying—they can transmit tapeworms, cause anaemia, or trigger allergic dermatitis.
Common options include:
• Spot-on treatments applied to the skin
• Oral tablets
• Anti-parasitic collars
• Shampoos and powders for occasional use
Revolution Plus (2.6 to 5kg) Orange Cat Tick & Flea Treatment - purr-fect for world parasite domination, your cat will love it.
Microchipping and ID Essentials:
Don’t forget the value of microchipping and keeping ID tags current. While it may seem like a separate topic, microchipping is a crucial part of preventative care: it’s your cat’s safety net. If they ever slip out unnoticed, a microchip can be the difference between reunion and heartbreak. Studies show that microchipped cats are over 20 times more likely to be returned to their families.
Dental Health: The Overlooked Essential
Dental disease affects most cats by the age of three—and what starts as tartar can escalate into gum infections, tooth loss, and even organ damage if bacteria enter the bloodstream. Signs of trouble include bad breath, drooling, pawing at the mouth, and reduced appetite. Left untreated, dental issues don’t just cause pain—they can shorten your cat’s life.
Daily brushing is often recommended, but let’s be honest: not all cats are enthusiastic about having a bristly tool shoved in their mouth. For most households, a more realistic approach includes dental treats, water additives, and vet-approved oral gels that promote fresher breath and healthier gums without drama.ss
Healthy Bites Breath & Dental Cat Treats - get your catteroo on the right track with these taste-tested treats.
Say hello to Mocha
Mocha is a cinnamon-toned Burmese with a delicate palate and a history of dramatic exits from brushing attempts. “I once launched myself off the bookshelf to escape a toothbrush,” she recalls. “But I will graciously accept a dental chew—as long as it’s presented with the reverence I deserve.”
Mental & Physical Stimulation: Preventing Boredom and Behavioural Issues
Boredom is the silent saboteur of feline well-being. When cats lack stimulation, their frustration doesn’t manifest in polite conversation—it shows up in torn curtains, midnight zoomies, and aggressive sock ambushes. Indoor cats are particularly vulnerable, as their world is smaller and their prey opportunities mostly involve dust bunnies.
Create vertical variety with cat trees, floating shelves, or window perches, and offer toys that simulate hunting—feathered, twitchy, and occasionally unpredictable. Rotating toys weekly keeps them novel, and scratching posts help your cat mark territory (without using your couch as a sacrificial offering).
Marltons Cat Activity Toy - click here to check out this boredom-busting cat toy.
Don’t underestimate the power of a cardboard box, either. Enrichment doesn’t need to be fancy—it just needs to give your cat choices, novelty, and control. A tunnel one week, a crinkly paper bag the next. One day they’re a jungle panther; the next, a dignified loaf on a sunbeam. The goal is simple: help them live out their full fantasy life without taking it out on your furniture.
Grooming & Hygiene: More Than Just Looking Good
Let’s face it—cats are self-cleaning, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need backup. Here’s what respectful grooming and hygiene really look like:
• Brushing is more than beautification.
Long-haired breeds like Persians can mat overnight (somehow while sleeping), while short-haired cats still benefit from a weekly session to reduce shedding and hairballs. Bonus: it’s also a sneaky bonding opportunity—until the tail flicks start.
• Litter hygiene is non-negotiable.
A dirty box is the quickest way to find a surprise on your bath mat. Scoop daily, use clumping unscented litter, and provide one box per cat—plus one extra. Privacy counts too; no one wants to do their business with an audience.
• Grooming isn’t just fur-deep.
Regular checks of ears, eyes, nails, and even bums (yes, we said it) can help you spot early signs of trouble. And if you're unsure whether that mystery rash is normal? Our Petworld Vet practices at Somerset West, Cape Gate, and Diep River are ready to help—no judgment, even if your cat arrives in a laundry basket.
Introducing Lady Pomeline
Lady Pomeline is a chinchilla Persian who refers to herself in the third person and once attempted to fire the housekeeper for using the wrong comb. “It’s not vanity,” she purrs. “It’s maintenance. If I don’t get brushed daily, I develop knots with their own ambitions.”
She recommends post-grooming chicken treats and quiet applause.
Emotional & Social Wellness: Respecting the Whole Cat
Let Them Come to You (And Know When to Retreat)
Cats have their own emotional rhythms—part of respecting them is learning to read the signals. When they seek out connection, lean in. When they vanish into the back of the cupboard, let them. Forcing affection, over-handling, or ignoring body language like tail flicks or flattened ears breaks trust over time. Emotional care means acknowledging their need for both solitude and socialisation—on their terms, not ours.
Build Environments That Speak Feline
To help cats feel secure, offer them choice and control over their space. Create safe zones with high perches, quiet corners, or enclosed hideaway beds where they can decompress without interruption. For cats who experience stress or anxiety, pheromone diffusers or calming sprays can also help ease tension during thunderstorms, vet trips, or unexpected guests.
Calmeze Plus Anti-Stress Dog & Cats - just apply to your kitty-cats toebeans and they'll remain their calm and serene selves during thunderstorms and vet visits.
Handle Life Changes with Cat-Level Sensitivity
Cats aren’t fans of change. Whether it's a new baby, a new pet, or a move across town, transitions can trigger stress, hiding, or even illness. Help them adjust with predictability—keep routines steady, introduce new elements gradually, and never underestimate the power of a cardboard box in a quiet room. Some cats grieve the loss of another animal deeply. Respect means noticing, responding, and not rushing the healing process.
Warning Signs: When to Seek Help
Respecting your cat means listening to what they may not be able to say. Subtle changes in appetite, litter box habits, grooming behaviour, or social withdrawal aren’t just quirks—they’re often the first whispers of an underlying issue. Cats are masters of disguise when it comes to pain or illness, which makes early observation all the more vital.
If you notice anything out of the ordinary—however small—don’t wait and see. Call your vet. Acting early could prevent something minor from becoming serious, and more importantly, it could save your cat’s life. Your attention is one of the greatest forms of care you can offer.
Petworld’s Commitment to Feline Wellness
At Petworld, we believe that respect for your cat begins with education, care, and quality. That’s why we stock a curated range of feline wellness essentials—from grain-free diets and parasite control to enrichment toys, grooming gear, and calming aids.
Our team is passionate about pets, and our mission is to help you create a better life for your animals through trusted products, expert guidance, and community support.
Explore our full cat collection: [INSERT Petworld cat category page link]
Final Thoughts: Make Respect a Daily Ritual
Respect Your Cat Day is more than a cute calendar event—it’s a meaningful reminder to look closely at how we honour the lives of the animals who share our homes. Whether you’re pampering them with a new toy, investing in their health, or simply giving them the time and space to be their true selves, it all adds up to a life well-loved.
Of course, some cats won’t thank you directly. But that slow blink from across the room? That quiet nap in your lap after ignoring you all morning? That is thanks. In feline language, respect begets trust—and trust, once earned, is everything.
Meet Archibald
Archibald is an elderly British Blue with an impeccable grooming routine and a slight disdain for enthusiasm. “I’ve lived through four sofas, two Labradors, and the invention of the robot vacuum,” he says. “What endures is care—quiet, consistent, dignified. Oh, and warm laundry.”
At Petworld, we’re proud to stand beside you through every chapter of your cat’s life—from kitten antics to senior sun naps. Our shelves are stocked with expert-selected products, our stores are staffed by passionate animal lovers, and our vet practices offer trusted care where it matters most.
So don’t let this day end at midnight. Let it mark the start of something better—more intentional, more informed, more loving.
Visit Petworld.co.za today to explore our full range of feline essentials, book a vet check-in at one of our three Vetworld clinics, or get inspired by more stories, advice, and tips on the blog.
Because when it comes to cats, one day of respect is simply not enough—and honestly, they expect nothing less.