National Cat Herders Day

National Cat Herders Day is a humorous yet deeply relatable holiday observed annually on December 15. It recognizes the frustration, skill, and patience required to manage people or tasks that simply refuse to be organized.

History of National Cat Herders Day

The concept of “herding cats” is an idiom used to describe the futile attempt to control a group of entities that are inherently uncontrollable. The phrase’s origin is often linked to the IT world of the 1980s, where Dave Platt famously compared managing senior programmers to herding cats. However, the idiom exploded into mainstream culture in 2000, thanks to a popular Super Bowl commercial by Electronic Data Systems (EDS). The ad featured rugged cowboys on the open range, speaking stoically about the hardships of driving thousands of shorthairs and tabbies across the plains, serving as a metaphor for the company’s ability to solve complex digital problems.

The holiday itself was established by Thomas and Ruth Roy of Wellcat.com. Known for creating “quirky” holidays, the Roys designated this day for anyone who feels like their daily life involves rounding up independent, stubborn, or chaotic forces. It was designed to validate the feelings of project managers, parents, teachers, and event planners who spend their days trying to align individuals who have no interest in following directions.

Why is National Cat Herders Day important?

This day provides necessary recognition for the invisible labor of coordination. In many jobs, the work of keeping a team moving in the same direction is undervalued because, when done well, it looks effortless. National Cat Herders Day shines a spotlight on the “soft skills” of diplomacy, negotiation, and patience that are essential for leadership but often go unnoticed on a resume.

Furthermore, the holiday uses humor as a coping mechanism for stress. By framing a chaotic job as “cat herding,” professionals can step back and laugh at the absurdity of their situation rather than succumbing to burnout. It creates a sense of solidarity among those who carry the mental load of organization, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggle to create order out of chaos.

• It validates the difficulty of managing independent people.
• The day promotes humor as a tool for stress relief.
• It highlights the value of project managers and coordinators.
• It offers a chance to pause and appreciate one’s own patience.
• The observance builds community among those in high-stress roles.

How to Celebrate National Cat Herders Day

If you know someone whose job fits this description—whether they are a project manager, a parent of toddlers, or a wedding planner—the best way to celebrate is to acknowledge their effort. A simple note of thanks or a small gift can go a long way in making them feel seen. If you are the “cat herder,” give yourself permission to stop managing for a few hours. Step away from the chaos and let the “cats” do what they will while you recharge.

For a more lighthearted observance, many teams use this day to bond over the shared difficulties of their work. Watch the original “Cat Herders” commercial together or share stories of the most “impossible” projects you have successfully delivered. It is a day to accept that while you cannot control everything, you can still take pride in the fact that you keep the herd moving forward.

• Send a thank-you note to your project manager.
• Watch the classic EDS “Cat Herders” commercial online.
• Take a mental health break from your organizing duties.
• Share a funny “herding cats” meme with coworkers.
• Treat a stressed-out parent or teacher to coffee.

National Cat Herders Day Dates