February 22: Japan's National Cat Day 😺

Cat Day in Japan, or "Neko no Hi" (猫の日), is celebrated every year on 22 February. The date was chosen because the numbers 22/2 can be read as "ni ni ni," which sounds like "nyan nyan nyan" — the Japanese onomatopoeia for a cat's meow (similar to "meow meow meow" in English).

The day was established in 1987 by the Japan Pet Food Association (of course!) after a poll of cat lovers suggested it be the most fitting date to honour felines. It's a day to appreciate cats' companionship and their special place in Japanese culture. Japan has a deep connection with cats. They symbolize good luck and protection (like the maneki-neko, or beckoning cat, thought to bring fortune). Cats are also beloved for their independent yet affectionate nature, inspiring countless works of art, literature, and pop culture icons like Hello Kitty.

On Cat Day, people share photos of their pets, buy them special treats, and visit cat cafes. Stores and brands even release cat-themed products and limited-edition items to mark the occasion.

Family Mart offered special Cat Day treats for felines:





Mainichi expanded on the impact of "nekonomics":

The economic impact of cats -- referred to in Japan as "nekonomics" or "catnomics" -- including the cost of keeping the pets in this country is predicted to reach around 2.91 trillion yen (about $19.50 billion) in 2025, according to an economist. Kansai University Professor Emeritus Katsuhiro Miyamoto estimated the figure ahead of Feb. 22, which is informally dubbed "Cat Day" in Japan, as the date "2-2-2" in Japanese sounds similar to "nya nya nya" (equivalent to "meow meow meow"). This year's figure is apparently close to the actual economic impact of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The Japan Pet Food Association announced in 2023 that the average monthly cost of raising one cat, including food, in Japan is approximately 11,004 yen (around $74). Since the national consumer price index for December 2024 rose by 3.6% compared to the same period the previous year, and assuming the same rate of increase in 2025, Miyamoto estimated it would cost 11,811 yen (roughly $80) a month, or 141,732 yen (approx. $950) annually to own a cat.

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