September 19 has been known as Talk Like a Pirate Day since 1995, but in 2015, cats gained their due respect with the co-celebration of Meow Like a Pirate Day. Since pirates are rarely seen without a cat or two (or ten) to keep rodents at bay on their man-o-war, it’s only fitting to include them in today’s festivities. So, as we bark like an old salt, drink rum from the bottle, and throw manners out the window, don’t forget to share your booty with the ship’s cat.
Thanks to National Meow Like a Pirate Day, every September 19, felines now have an amazing argh-portunity to set sail and exercise their sea paws. While meowing like a pirate may not make the most sense at first, there is some historical precedent for the relationship. Cats, long seen as creatures of either good or bad luck, often rode along with pirates on the high seas. The sailors saw them as good luck charms who could keep away bad spirits (and of course, rats). Sure, they may not be the most water-loving choice of pets, but it’s said that many pirates weren’t actually able to swim. So really, cats are just as qualified as any other pirate to adorn a crossbow hat and set sail past the tide. Cats’ mysterious, independent personalities make them the perfect companion on a pirate ship. When it comes to the piracy profession, captains and their buccaneers didn’t have time to wonder where the ship cat was as they plundered victim clippers. The cat’s independent nature makes them attractive as pets still today.
Another reason pirates and cats make a great match is their predatory natures; they use the element of surprise to attack their enemy. So, it only makes sense to have a day to celebrate both the prowess of cats and the swashbuckling style of pirates all at once.
