Lora Lee For most people, March 17th is the day to celebrate St. Patrick. However, few people realize that this day is also the feast day of St. Gertrude of Nivelles, the Patron Saint of Cats. She lived in Belguim from 626 to 659. It is said the Saint Gertrude was extremely hospitable to not only humans, but animals as well. She would often look after and feed the stray cats the resided around her monastery. These cats would, in turn, keep the mice away. This patron saint was also invoked upon against mice and rats. Put the two together and Saint Gertrude became the Catholic Church’s official “Cat Lady”. Which does makes sense being that we all know that cats are natural vermin exterminators.
It is cool that us cat parents have our own Saint looking after our furbabies. You can even order your cat a collar tag with her picture and your cat’s name so they will always be protected. So, while most people will be raising a glass of green beer in celebration of St. Patrick, I will be raising a glass of milk to celebrate St. Gertrude. Cheers!
