Meow Like a Pirate Day
Observed
annually on September 19th
Dates
September 19th, 2022
September 19th, 2023
September 19th, 2024
September 19th, 2025
September 19th, 2026
Tags
Music & Sound
Pets & Animals
Weird & Obscure
Hashtags
Sources
Meow Like a Pirate Day is celebrated by cats on the same day that humans celebrate International Talk Like a Pirate Day. But what do cats have to do with pirates? Some evidence suggests that they often sailed with them on their ships. But they weren't just passive passengers—they served a purpose. For one, they killed rodents like mice and rats that often infested ships. This was helpful not only because it kept food safe so that pirates wouldn't run out of it during their voyages, and kept ropes and woodwork intact so the ship functioned, but also because it helped keep pirates from getting sick because rodents carried disease or carried fleas that carried disease. For another, cats became companions of the crew, who often spent long stretches of time away from home and craved companionship. Legend has it that some pirates viewed black cats on board as good luck and that if the cats were kept safe, nothing bad would happen to the ship. But, if they were thrown overboard, a bad storm would come, and with it, bad luck. Today, cats pay tribute to their feline relatives who were pirates and did so much to help out their human shipmates!
How to Observe Meow Like a Pirate Day
To all cats reading this: today is your day to meow like a pirate! Let out a loud "Aarrr!!" every time you meow. Your human friends will likely be making similar noises today since it is also International Talk Like a Pirate Day. To all humans reading this: today is the perfect day to get your cat some mice to play with—either live ones or toy ones. Pretend your house is a ship and let the mice go in different parts of it, and watch as your cat finds and catches them. You could also dress your cat like a pirate. Then, spend the rest of the day "Aarrring" with your cat.