International Cat Day

🐈 Happy International Cat Day, everyone!

International Cat Day is celebrated each year on August 8, a special day truly dedicated to cats, whether they’re cuddly house pets, feral friends, or majestic wild cousins.

Today is a special day to celebrate our feline friends from all around the world. Whether your cat is a sassy Siamese or a cuddly Maine Coon, today is the day to give them some extra love.

So why do we celebrate International Cat Day? Well, it all started back in 2002 when the International Fund for Animal Welfare created the day to raise awareness of the plight of street cats. Every year since then, cat lovers have been using August 8th to celebrate their feline companions and to promote cat welfare.

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• All American Pet Photo Day

Holidays Today

Tomorrow

History of International Cat Day

International Cat Day was established in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to champion awareness of cat welfare and encourage people to care for and protect feline companions worldwide. In 2020, guardianship of the holiday passed to the British charity International Cat Care, which has been working since 1958 to improve cat health and well‑being globally.

Over the years the day evolved beyond pampering pet cats—it now also shines a spotlight on vulnerable feral and homeless populations, encourages adoption, and supports spay‑neuter initiatives. Schools, shelters, and animal lovers worldwide join together each August to celebrate cats’ companionship and highlight welfare issues.

Why is International Cat Day important?

It’s more than just a day to marvel at whiskers and kitty quirks—International Cat Day calls gently but firmly for awareness of the millions of cats who lack safe homes or veterinary care. It’s a reminder that every purr‑filled friendship also comes with responsibility. Talking about cat welfare raises empathy and motivates real change through adoption and community support.

Reflecting on cats’ long history with humans—from revered guardians in Ancient Egypt to modern internet celebrities—the holiday fosters connection across time and geography. It draws us to consider how our attitudes shape cats’ futures and how small actions—a shelter donation, a neuter clinic, even just learning cat body language—can matter. Through celebration and advocacy, the day bridges love with purpose.

Some ways International Cat Day matters:

• it highlights cats in shelters and on the streets
• it promotes responsible ownership and veterinary care
• it supports spay/neuter and adoption programs
• it invites respectful reflection on our shared history with cats
• it builds bonds between people and feline friends

Fun facts about cats

1. Cats have a unique “vocabulary” with their humans.
   Domestic cats rarely meow at other cats—meowing is mostly reserved for communicating with people.
2. A group of cats is called a “clowder.”
   Though rare in casual conversation, the term is recognized for describing a group of domestic cats.
3. Their purring can promote healing.
   A cat’s purr vibrates at a frequency of 25 to 150 Hz, which has been shown to promote tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation.
4. They can rotate their ears 180 degrees.
   Each of a cat’s ears has 32 muscles, allowing them to rotate independently to detect sounds from various directions.
5. Cats sleep an average of 13 to 16 hours a day.
   They are among the top sleepers in the animal kingdom—partly due to their predator instincts.
6. They mark territory with scent glands.
   Cats have glands in their cheeks, paws, and tail area, which they use to leave scent markings for comfort and communication.
7. Cats were worshipped in Ancient Egypt.
   They were considered sacred and often depicted in art; harming a cat was once punishable by death.
8. Whiskers help cats “see” in the dark.
   Whiskers are highly sensitive and help cats measure gaps, detect air currents, and even sense vibrations.
9. They can jump up to six times their body length.
   A healthy adult cat can leap over 8 feet (2.4 meters) in a single bound.
10. Cats can make over 100 different sounds.
    In contrast, dogs only make about 10, showing how vocal and expressive cats can be.

How to Celebrate International Cat Day

Celebrating this day can be as simple as giving your cat some extra time, scratching behind their ears, or trying out a new toy together. If you don’t have a cat at home, watching funny cat videos, browsing adoption profiles, or sharing cat memes still keeps the spirit going. Small acts of joy can foster care and connection.

You might also use the day to think about stray or rescue cats—drop off supplies at a local shelter, volunteer an hour of your time, or even open your heart to adoption or fostering. Sharing stories or educational posts on social media using #InternationalCatDay can inspire others and raise awareness in a gentle, effective way.

There are many ways that you can celebrate International Cat Day. Here are a few ideas:

• Spend some extra time playing with your cat. They’ll love the attention, and it’s a great way to bond with them.
• Make a special treat for your cat. Cook up some chicken or fish especially for them, or buy them a new toy to play with.
• Donate to a local cat shelter or rescue group. This is a great way to help out some kitties in need and make sure that they get the love and care that they deserve.
• Spread the word about cat welfare. Talk to your friends and family about the importance of spaying and neutering cats, and of course, always adopt from a shelter instead of buying from a breeder.
• Share fun or educational cat content online.
• Consider fostering or adopting if you can.
• Learn about cat care and behavior.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, today is a day to show your cat how much you love them. So give them a belly rub, a treat, or just a good old fashioned cuddle. They’ll be sure to return the favor.

International Cat Day Dates Table