When Is National Cat Herders Day? 2024 Update & Tips to Celebrate It
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National Cat Herders Day is always on December 15, which means that the exact day of the week differs from year to year. In 2023, this day will be on a Friday, so it is a good year to start celebrating if you don’t already!
This holiday celebrates people who have a job or life that is like herding cats. It isn’t for people who actually herd cats, of course. (What a job that would be!) Instead, it’s for those who have a tiresome or impossible job, just like herding cats would be.
Often, people with these jobs aren’t well praised. For instance, you might count kindergarten teachers or some mid-management roles into this category—anyone who seems skilled at handling complicated situations.
Where Did the Expression “Like Herding Cats” Come From?
While the exact origin of this expression is not well-documented, it is believed to have emerged in the United States in the mid-20th century. The expression “like herding cats” is used to describe a difficult or chaotic task, implying that trying to control or manage a group of individuals who are independent and uncooperative is as challenging as trying to herd cats.
Cats are known for their independent and unpredictable behavior, making them notoriously difficult to control or direct. This behavior is in contrast to herd animals like sheep or cattle, which can be guided relatively easily in a desired direction by a shepherd or rancher.
Herding anything is a challenging task, anyway. However, when paired with cats, herding becomes even more impossible.
How to Celebrate National Cat Herders Day?
There aren’t any official celebrations surrounding this day. However, there are several ways you can celebrate at home or your workplace.
Consider recognizing those with complicated, nearly impossible jobs that don’t usually get tons of recognition. The backroom IT guy is a great example. He works behind the scenes but has the nearly impossible task of keeping all of the company’s electronics up to date. See if you have a similar job at your company that deserves celebrating.
If you are the one with the impossible job, consider celebrating yourself on this day! Go out to a nice dinner or just buy yourself some ice cream. It’s the little things that count!
Conclusion
National Cat Herders Day is a chance to celebrate those with seemingly impossible jobs who still manage to get the job done. It’s a day to celebrate the moms with big families, directors of the creative firm, and restaurant managers.
While there aren’t any official celebrations, this day is a chance to celebrate those who perform all the impossible management jobs in our lives—including us.
Featured Image Credit: Fusso_pics, Shutterstock
