National Cat Day 🐱

Overview

National Cat Day, observed annually on October 29th in the United States, is a day dedicated to celebrating felines and raising awareness about the plight of cats in shelters nationwide. Founded by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige, the day encourages prospective cat owners to adopt from shelters and rescue organizations, while also promoting responsible pet ownership and acknowledging the companionship and joy cats bring to millions of lives.

Origin and story

National Cat Day was founded in 2005 by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige, who also established National Dog Day and National Puppy Day.

Its primary goal is to encourage the adoption of cats from shelters and rescue organizations.

Quick facts

• DateOctober 29
• TypePets / Animals
• Great forPet parents, Shelters, Veterinarians

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Ways to celebrate

Unlike dogs, cats were never really bred by humans for a job — the leading theory is that they domesticated themselves, drawn to Fertile Crescent farms roughly 10,000 years ago by an easy meal: the mice raiding the grain stores.

Spend real time with one

Celebrate by:

• Donating supplies to a local shelter or foster program.
• Setting aside real, undistracted playtime with a cat today.

See the real domestication story

Helpful resources:

• A Brief History of House Cats (Smithsonian Magazine)

Did you know?

Archaeologists found a 9,500-year-old burial on Cyprus with a cat placed near a human, evidence that people were keeping cats close long before Egyptian civilization made them famous.

Fun facts

• National Cat Day was founded in 2005 by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige, who also established National Dog Day and National Puppy Day.
• Its primary goal is to encourage the adoption of cats from shelters and rescue organizations.
• Many animal shelters and rescue groups host special events, adoption drives, and fundraisers on this day to help cats find their forever homes.

Sources and attribution

A Brief History of House Cats (Smithsonian Magazine)

National Cat Day History and Founding (National Today)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

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FAQ

When is National Cat Day?

It is observed on October 29 each year.

What is National Cat Day?

National Cat Day, observed annually on October 29th in the United States, is a day dedicated to celebrating felines and raising awareness about the plight of cats in shelters nationwide. Founded by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige, the day encourages prospective cat owners to adopt from shelters and rescue organizations, while also promoting responsible pet ownership and acknowledging the companionship and joy cats bring to millions of lives.

How do people celebrate National Cat Day?

Donate supplies to a local shelter and set aside real, undistracted playtime with a cat today.

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