National Hug Your Cat Day is the perfect excuse to shower your kitty with love, strengthen your bond, and just enjoy being together. Whether your cat’s a snuggler or more of a “pets-on-my-terms” type, this lighthearted holiday is a great reminder to connect, cuddle, and appreciate the special relationship you share.

What is National Hug Your Cat Day… and Why Does It Matter?

Hug Your Cat Day is all about pressing pause on our hectic schedules to enjoy a simple, meaningful moment with our cats. While it’s definitely a playful holiday, it also shines a light on the emotional and even health-related benefits of spending time with our pets. It’s a chance to celebrate the comfort, trust, and companionship that cats bring into our lives.

Mark your calendar! This feel-good day happens every year on June 4th—a great excuse (not that we need one) to share some cuddles with our favorite feline companions.

Cuddling isn’t just great for your cat—it’s actually really good for you too. Hugging or petting a cat can lower your stress, reduce blood pressure, and even trigger a release of oxytocin (that happy, calming hormone). And for your cat, gentle affection helps them feel safe, secure, and loved.

Celebrating cat-focused holidays isn’t just about fun—it’s also a chance to reassess your cat’s daily enrichment. Adding new climbing furniture, cozy resting spots, or interactive toys can stimulate your cat mentally and physically, while shared activities like brushing, petting, or playtime deepen your bond. 

How To Celebrate Hug Your Cat Day: 7 Purr-fect Ideas

Take a moment to celebrate your cat’s unique personality by posting a favorite photo or short video along with a personal story. It could be something heartwarming, hilarious, or even a little weird—whatever captures your cat's essence. Here are some angles you could take:

• A “Gotcha Day” memory – Share the story of how you adopted your cat and what made you choose each other.

• A funny habit or quirk – Does your cat steal your socks? Meow like a banshee at 3 a.m.? Sit like a loaf of bread?

• A before-and-after – Show a photo from when you first got them and how they've blossomed since.

• A tribute to a cat who passed – National Cat Day can also be a time to honor and remember cats we’ve loved and lost.

After giving your cat a bunch of hugs, take your hugs over to the cat's who need them the most at your local cat cafe.

Most cat cafés partner with shelters and rescues, providing a comfortable, cage-free environment where adoptable cats can socialize and meet potential adopters. By visiting and supporting the café, you're helping fund their operations and giving these cats a better chance at finding forever homes.

One of our favorite cat cafés is Catz Den in Wayland, MI. They offer a great after-school teen program and have therapy cats. There's also a spacious cat room where you can spend time with cats that are available for adoption.

Whether your cat is a playful kitten or a wise senior, capturing their likeness in a custom canvas is a meaningful way to celebrate this moment in their life.

Cats are sun-chasing, nap-loving experts—so why not refresh their lounging setup? Rearranging a window perch or placing a comfy bed in their favorite sunbeam can feel like a big treat. Add a soft blanket, a sprinkle of catnip, or a cozy cave-style bed to make it extra inviting.

We’d love to hear how you and your cat are celebrating!

Share your favorite Hug Your Cat Day moments in the comments—or tag us on social media with your snuggles, naps, and treats. Let’s spread the joy (and the fur) together. Wishing you and your kitty a happy Hug Your Cat Day!