８月8日は「世界猫の日」

8月8日は、世界猫の日。

2002年にカナダの動物愛護団体、国際動物福祉基金（IFAW）が制定したそうです。

英語では "International Cat Day" "World Cat Day"

写真は「猫神」碑。

顔は摩耗してよくわかりませんが、三角耳と首輪がはっきりと見えます。

In Japan, there is a traditional belief in cat gods, or neko-gami, especially in regions where silk farming was common. Cats were revered because they protected silkworms by catching mice, which would otherwise eat the silkworms and damage their cocoons.

In Japan, many animal memorials exist, including those for cats. While pet cats are often respectfully buried, some cat memorials were built out of a traditional belief that cats could turn into supernatural beings— such as bakeneko or nekomata—if not properly honored.These monuments were intended not only to show affection but also to ward off potential misfortune or curses.