National Cat Herders Day
National Cat Herders Day is a quirky holiday that celebrates people who manage seemingly impossible tasks or chaotic situations, metaphorically compared to the impossible task of herding cats.
Quick Facts
When is it?: December 15th annually
Tagged as: Work & Career, Self-improvement
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalCatHerdersDay #CatHerdersDay
When was it founded?: 1980s
Who founded it?: Thomas and Ruth Roy of Wellcat.com
History of Cat Herders Day
The term “herding cats” gained widespread recognition after EDS’s memorable Super Bowl commercial in 2000, featuring cowboys attempting to herd cats. The metaphor perfectly captures the challenges of managing difficult situations or uncontrollable elements, particularly in professional settings.
Timeline
- 1980s: Thomas and Ruth Roy create and copyright National Cat Herders Day
- 1997: Warren Bennis publishes “Managing People Is Like Herding Cats”
- 2000: EDS airs the famous “Cat Herders” Super Bowl commercial
- 2005: The phrase becomes widely used in corporate culture
Dates 2025-2030
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | December 15 | Monday |
| 2026 | December 15 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | December 15 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | December 15 | Friday |
| 2029 | December 15 | Saturday |
| 2030 | December 15 | Sunday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by acknowledging those who manage difficult tasks, sharing stories of workplace challenges, and showing appreciation for individuals who excel at managing chaos.
Fun Facts About Cat Herders Day
- The holiday has nothing to do with actually herding cats
- It was inspired by an IT industry phrase about managing programmers
- The term became a popular corporate metaphor after a Super Bowl commercial
- The day falls during the busy holiday season, making it particularly relevant
Quiz
- What year was the famous EDS commercial aired?
- Who created National Cat Herders Day?
- What date is it celebrated annually?
-(Answers: 2000, Thomas and Ruth Roy, December 15)
FAQs
- Is this about actual cat herding? No, it’s metaphorical
- Why December 15th? It’s strategically placed during the hectic holiday season
- Who celebrates this day? Anyone managing challenging situations or teams
Related
- International Tea Day
- National Wear Your Pearls Day
- Answer Your Cat’s Question Day
- What If Cats & Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs Day
- National Mew Year for Cats
