CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - It's National Cat Day, the perfect day to give extra attention to your feline friends.  National Cat Day was created by Pet Lifestyle Expert and Animal Welfare Advocate, Colleen Paige back in 2005. Since then, it has helped save the lives of more than one million cats, according to the National Day Calendar. Here are the top trending Halloween costumes of 2024, according to Google Studies have shown that having a cat can help lower stress, anxiety, and even depression, and having a cat in your home can also help reduce the risk of heart disease in high-risk individuals. Cats can even help fight mental illness.  PHOTOS: National Cat Day 2024 22News would love to see a photo of your cat! Email us at [email protected]. Otis, 22News Reporter Julia O'Keefe's cat!Sebastian, 22News Producer Sam Elwell's cat!Rello (L) & Siena (R), 22News Boston Statehouse Reporter Olivia Ray's cats!Loki & Bean, 22News Producer Corina Wallenta's cats!Otis, 22News Reporter Julia O'Keefe's cat!Credit: Michael ThibaultCredit: Linda KrzykowskiCredit: Linda KrzykowskiCredit: Linda KrzykowskiRello (L) & Siena (R), 22News Boston Statehouse Reporter Olivia Ray's cats!Credit: Lisa M CodyCredit: KelleyCredit: KelleyCredit: KelleyCredit: KelleyCredit: KelleyCredit: KelleyCredit: Stephanie. FleuryCredit: Emily 8 weird things cats do and why Rubbing and headbutting When cats use their heads to rub you or bop you, they are declaring that you belong to them. Cats release pheromones from their cheek areas that mark you as theirs. (Credit: STR/AFP via Getty Images) Kneading Cats like to press their paws back and forth into you, and the reason may go back to their kitten days when they would press on their mother’s tummy to stimulate milk flow. When your adult cat does this, he might be showing he’s relaxed and content. Ignoring you Cats are notoriously independent and often need time to themselves. Call them the poster children for introverts. It’s fine to leave your cat alone when they need space, especially since they are sure to come looking for attention from you in no time. Chattering Have you ever heard your cat emit fast teeth chattering, especially while watching birds outside the window? It’s because they’re excited at seeing possible prey but also frustrated at not being able to get at it. Other sounds cats make include chirping, yowling and hacking. (Credit: HASAN JAMALI/AFP via Getty Images) Giving gifts Has your cat ever laid a dead mouse or bird at your feet? This is how they show they appreciate us. In the wild, cat moms teach their little ones to catch prey and bring it home. If your cat does this, don’t scold her for this normal behavior, but don’t praise it or you could end up with more gifts. Pooping outside the box If your cat is urinating or defecating outside the litter box, known as inappropriate elimination, you should try to determine why. Make sure your cat’s litter box is clean, easily accessible and located in a relatively private space. Also, illnesses such as urinary tract infections could also be the cause. Lounging in tight places Cats feel cozy and secure in small, snug spaces like boxes, dresser drawers and bathroom sinks. They may even choose those snug spots over the bed you bought for them. In the wild, cats would sleep safely hidden away to avoid predators. They also would hide in small spaces to observe their surroundings as they prepare to ambush. (Credit: STR/AFP via Getty Images) Knocking things over “Knock it off!” That’s a typical response to cats batting things off a table and watching it hit the floor. Cats have a natural curiosity, and using their sensitive paws to knock things over is their way of checking things out. Cats do this with their prey as well. Then again, they also may just be trying to get your attention. Local News Headlines State control of Holyoke school district to be removed from underperforming status USPS recommends mail-in ballots be sent by Tuesday to make it for Election Day Flags at half-staff in Massachusetts in honor of State Rep. Susan Williams Gifford Portion of Route 20 in West Springfield closed for construction WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.