August 8

International Cat Day

An awareness day on August 8 celebrating cats and promoting their welfare, protection, and responsible ownership worldwide.

Yearly Date

August 8

Observed

Internationally

Introduction

International Cat Day on Aug. 8 is the purr-fect time to show your furry friend some extra love and appreciation! This day has been celebrated since 2002 and is a great way to recognize our feline friends for all of the joy they bring us. Whether you have one cat or many, this special day is an opportunity to learn more about cats, their behavior, and how we can best take care of them.

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International Cat Day Timeline

2002

International Cat Day Inception

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and other animal rights groups created International Cat Day on August 8, 2002, to bring awareness and appreciation towards felines.

2005

Popularity Increases

After its inception, the day started growing in popularity, with many people and cat owners worldwide beginning to celebrate it.

2010

University Studies on Cats

Researchers at the University of Bristol study the effect of human interaction on cat behavior, further putting a spotlight on feline welfare.

2016

Surpassing Dogs in Popularity

Cats surpass dogs as the most popular pet in Europe, bringing additional attention to International Cat Day.

2019

First Cat-protection Law

New Zealand passes its first cat-protection law, further illustrating the impact of International Cat Day on promoting animal rights.

How to Celebrate International Cat Day

1 Adopt a cat

Head to your local animal shelter and give an adorable kitty a forever home. Not only will you be helping a homeless animal, but you'll gain a loving companion.

2 Donate to a cat charity

There are many organizations dedicated to helping cats in need. Consider donating money, food, toys, or supplies to a local rescue center.

3 Organize a cat toy drive

Get your friends and family involved in the celebration of International Cat Day by collecting cat toys for local shelters. Ask everyone to bring their old pet toys or purchase new ones made for cats.

4 Share photos and stories

Spread the love by sharing photos and stories of cats that have touched your life on social media. Use the hashtag #InternationalCatDay so others can enjoy them too!

5 Visit a cat cafe

What better way to celebrate International Cat Day than by visiting a cat cafe? Enjoy some coffee and snacks while playing with adorable cats - what could be better?

Why We Love International Cat Day

Cats are friendly

Though they may often appear aloof, cats can be very affectionate and loyal companions. They love to snuggle up with their owners and can provide lots of comfort in times of stress or sorrow. Plus, they will also happily romp around the house for hours on end and give out plenty of purrs!

Cats keep us entertained

Cats can be quite entertaining to watch as they go about their day. Whether it's chasing a laser pointer or pouncing on toy mice, cats never seem to get bored and always find new ways to amuse themselves (and us!). So if you're looking for some distraction from your daily life, just spend some time watching your feline friend - you won't regret it!

Cats help improve our well-being

Studies have shown that spending time with cats can do wonders for our health. Not only can petting a cat reduce stress levels, but having a furry companion in our homes can also lead to improved mental health and an overall sense of wellbeing. So why not celebrate International Cat Day this year by showing your beloved kitty how much they mean to you?