Annually, on January 2nd, cat lovers celebrate a whimsical holiday dedicated entirely to our feline friends – Happy Mew Year for Cats Day! This delightful occasion, officially created in 2009, offers a playful twist on the traditional New Year’s festivities by putting cats at its center. Today, in honor of this quirky holiday, I’m sharing my top 4 Ways to Celebrate Atlanta Cats in 2025, no matter the date!
The Origins of Happy Mew Year
According to DaysoftheYear.com, Happy Mew Year for Cats Day was created by Thomas and Ruth Roy of Wellcat, a line of herbs for humans. In addition to Happy Mew Year, this inventive couple created more than seventy copyrighted “wacky holidays,” as published on their website. Unlike traditional New Year’s celebrations, Happy Mew Year for Cats Day puts cats front and center, highlighting their unique ability to bring comfort, joy, and unconditional love to their human companions.
4 Ways to Celebrate Atlanta Cats in 2025
While I had never heard of Happy Mew Year for Cats Day until this week, I thought it would be fun to discuss how we can make 2025 the best year yet for Atlanta cats. While I know many cat parents – many of which are our beloved clients – who are outstanding cat guardians, I still think that cats are underrepresented and sometimes inadequately spoiled as compared to dogs. It’s time Atlanta cats get their time in the sun, especially considering how much they love to sunbathe!
In the spirit of Happy Mew Year for Cats Day, here are my top 4 ways to celebrate cats in Atlanta in 2025:
1. Expand Your Cat’s Culinary Experiences
Cats love to eat – don’t let the finicky ones fool you. Unfortunately, much of the commercial cat food we feed our cats can be underwhelming, especially if we feed them the same food daily. I’d never go for the same boring meal daily, would you?!
Instead, it’s time to explore new mealtime options for our kitties, starting with the following tips:
- Alternate flavors: Choose a food brand like Weruva that offers a variety of canned food recipes and alternate their different flavors and lines to keep your kitty satisfied. Experts agree that you can generally give your cat different recipes or flavors within the same brand of cat food to add variety to their diet, as long as you introduce new flavors gradually and monitor for any digestive upset.
- Ditch the processed kitty treats: Opt, instead, for a freeze-dried single-ingredient treat made from lean proteins and organ meats. I know, I know, it sounds gross but freeze-dried treats are not at all messy or stinky. They are, however, packed with nutrients. Plus, cats love them!
- Top their food: Consider a delicious kitty-specific liquid like goats milk or bone broth. There are many on the market and you can also make your own bone broth at home, assuming you don’t salt or spice it.
2. Create an Indoor Playground For Your Tiny Hunter
Cats are very territorial, which means that they really enjoy being in their domain. Because they are simultaneously predator and prey, cats need to be able to observe their environment from varying heights and distances. Here are some ways to transform your home into a cat paradise in 2025:
- Climbing structures: Cat shelves, cat trees, and cat condos are all the rage and it’s because they make cats happy. No matter how large or small your home, there is something out there that can add enrichment and comfort to your kitty’s life.
- Cozy window perches: We know cats love the sunbathe, so find a way to bring sunlight into your home by opening a window, investing in a window perch, or placing a cat tree in a sunny area of your home. Cozy naps in the sun are a wonderful way to make our kitties smile.
- Upgrade your toys: From puzzle feeders where kitties can bat open compartments to catnip toys that get cats roaring to go, there are many ways to spruce up your cat’s toy selection. Don’t forget to throw away old, broken toys to keep kitties safe.
- Participate in playtime: One of the best ways to bond with your kitty is to play with him or her. No matter their age, cats love to play; engaging their hunting instinct is a great motivator for cats in need of exercise.
3. Keep a Close Eye on the Litter Box
Keeping an eye on your cat’s litter box is key to their happiness! Here are some tips to ensure your feline friend feels comfortable and content:
- Clean Regularly: Scoop the litter box at least once daily and do a thorough cleaning weekly to keep things smelling and feeling fresh.
- Choose the Right Box: Make sure the litter box is spacious and easy for your cat to access. Most cats prefer open litter boxes with lots of escape routes so keep that in mind when investing in a new box.
- Provide Enough Boxes: The rule of thumb is one litter box per cat, plus one extra, to prevent territorial disputes and ensure that your kitty doesn’t develop undesirable litter box habits.
- Observe Preferences: Pay attention to your cat’s favorite litter types—whether they prefer clumping, non-clumping, or natural options. When you find one that works, it’s likely best to stick to it or make changes very gradually.
4. Stick to Wellness Checks and Grooming Routines
Cats are known for being independent and self-sufficient, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Our cats love to be spoiled. They are actually quite delicate and can fall ill quite quickly. When they do, they hide their pain and discomfort, often until their condition becomes serious. For this reason, I recommend the following care essentials for cats:
- Schedule a comprehensive veterinary check-up annually, twice a year for seniors
- Keep up with dental care with annual cleanings and regular brushing
- Don’t skip vaccinations, especially during the first few years of life
- Don’t forget nail trims and brushing – consider professional grooming when your cat gets too old to keep up with it him or herself
- Discuss all behavior and appetite changes with your veterinarian as soon as you notice them
Celebrating Atlanta Cats in 2025
The beauty of Happy Mew Year for Cats Day lies in its simplicity. It’s a moment to pause and appreciate the unique personalities, unconditional love, and daily joy that cats provide. As we enter 2025, Buckhead Pet Pals remains committed to providing our feline friends with the best possible care, understanding, and love. Happy Mew Year to all the magnificent cats of Atlanta and beyond!
Existing clients, please request cat sitting and dog walking services here. New clients, learn more about our onboarding process and scheduling software/app here. We welcome your questions and comments via phone at 404-303-0312 or email at office@buckheadpetpals.com.
Buckhead Pet Pals proudly serves Atlanta, Buckhead, Sandy Spring, Marietta, and Roswell. Learn more about our service area here. We look forward to caring for Atlanta’s most beloved cats!
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