National Day

Cat Herders Day

Celebrated on 12/15/2026

Quick Fact

Cat Herders Day, celebrated on December 15th, humorously acknowledges the near-impossible task of herding cats—a phrase used to describe managing a chaotic or uncooperative group. The holiday was inspired by a famous EDS commercial during the 2000 Super Bowl, which depicted cowboys herding cats to illustrate the challenge of managing complex IT projects.

Origins and Establishment of Cat Herders Day

Cat Herders Day was first observed in the early 2000s, though its exact origin is unclear. It is believed to have been inspired by the 2000 Super Bowl commercial for EDS (Electronic Data Systems) titled "Herding Cats," which humorously compared the difficulty of managing IT systems to herding cats. The holiday gained traction as a lighthearted way to acknowledge and laugh at the daily challenges of coordinating groups of people, especially in workplaces. The date December 15th was chosen as a mid-month break during the holiday season, offering a moment of levity.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Over time, Cat Herders Day has evolved from an obscure internet joke into a recognized day of humor and stress relief. Today, it is celebrated by sharing cat herding memes, telling funny stories about uncooperative coworkers or family members, and even organizing playful team-building activities. Some workplaces use it as an excuse for casual dress or themed snacks, while cat lovers often post pictures of their pets. The holiday has also been adopted by project managers and IT professionals as a symbol of their daily struggles.

Facts & General Observations

  • The phrase "herding cats" dates back to at least the 1980s, but it was popularized by the EDS Super Bowl ad, which cost $10 million to air.
  • A survey by CareerBuilder found that 73% of workers have experienced a project that felt like "herding cats."
  • Cat Herders Day is often paired with National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day (December 15th) for a double dose of fun.

Explore more celebrations, trivia, and quests on National Day Quest.