Every day is a day to celebrate our feline companions, of course. After all, they bring so much entertainment, love, and excitement to our homes. However, there is one nationally agreed-upon day that celebrates kitties from all walks of life—National Cat Day.
National Cat Day is on October 29. So, we’re going to explain a little about the purpose of National Cat Day and how you can celebrate it!
What is National Cat Day?
National Cat Day is a designated national holiday where you can admire our beloved feline friends. It is dedicated to creating education surrounding homeless cats, encouraging all cat lovers to spread the worst and do their part.
History of National Cat Day
So, exactly how long has National Cat Day been a practice? It was first celebrated in 2005. It really caught on and has since become a true tradition for many people who love to celebrate cats. You can join next vacation.
Make it relevant on social media. Use some hashtags to spread the word and get the message out there. Here are some available.
- #nationalcatday
- #cat
- #catsofinstagram
- #instacats
- #catday
- #love cats
- #kitty
- #kitten
- #catstagram
How Can You Participate in National Cat Day?
You can get involved in many ways—so do it in a way that makes you happy; a way for you to say, “Mission accomplished!”
1. Have an Appreciation Day with Your Cat
When was the last time you thought of something exciting to do with your cat? You can show your cat how much you care about him in many ways. You can do something as simple as getting a new interactive toy and spending the evening playing together.
Or, if you want to go even bigger, you can try:
- Having a spa day
- Going on a hike
- Letting your cat ride in a backpack while you walk
- Getting a cat hoodie for the pouches
or you can come up with your own creative way to say, “I love you.”
2. Donate to a Cat-Based Organization
Do you have a rescue facility or association near and dear to your heart? Perhaps you can find it in the budget to donate to a special cause. There are many associations that accept donations online.
If you prefer to help locally, you can always contact the organization of your choice and ask how they would like to be paid. Some take cash only, others may take cards, and some facilities prefer supply donations over cash.
Sometimes, people don’t realize how big, underfunded, and overcrowded animal shelters and other foundations are. A little goes a long way, and they always appreciate your kindness.
3. Volunteer at a Shelter or Rescue
If you want to offer time and not money, you can volunteer instead! Many rescues, shelters, and sanctuaries are understaffed and unable to give individual attention to each animal. If you come in, you can interact with the cats as they like.
Some kittens like to play. Others like to hug. Sometimes, some kittens may want to interact at a distance if they are a little distant or scared. But any interaction helps them not only become more adoptable, but it also brightens their day.
Living in a small kennel can be a challenge for any animal. A cat that goes out to stretch their legs, sharpen their claws, and explore space is very important. You could be the reason a kitten’s day is better—and the facility workers will appreciate your time.
4. Adopt a New Family Member
If you end up at a shelter that likes a lot of homeless kittens, you might get itchy. When was the last time you brought home a new purring pal? Whether your current cat could really use a companion, or you’ve promised your child that they can get a new pet.
There’s no bad reason to adopt—unless, of course, you live in a place where you’re not allowed to have pets. So, if you’ve been thinking about the idea or feel like now is the time, just go for it! You’re sure to find an amazing kitten who wants to be part of the family.
5. Advocate for Homeless Cats
There are more ways to help homeless cats this season. You can spread the word about important statistics and facts through social media channels. Use your voice to spread awareness and prevent homelessness. Share some more “Adopt Me” posts from shelters.
The more cat lovers that can come together to make a difference, the better!
6. Check in with Your Local Homeless Cats
If you live near a town or city, you may know a place where homeless cats tend to congregate. Many locals take care of these kittens, offering essentials such as food, water, insulation, and shelter.
You can also chip in, providing whatever you think may be most needed. You can also make shelter boxes for cold or bad weather.
Shelter Statistics
Some shelter statistics may not only be alarming; they can be quite heartbreaking. Pet homelessness is a nationwide epidemic, and it doesn’t just affect cats—it affects dogs, rabbits, horses, guinea pigs, and any other pet.
It has been recorded that 7.6 million companion animals are surrendered or brought in each year to shelters across the United States alone. Of all these, 3.4 million are cats. Of that number, a whopping 2.7 million cats were euthanized. These numbers are heartbreaking.
With the efforts of animal lovers determined to make a difference, we can improve the statistics to create an all-time low.
Remember to Spay and Neuter Your Cats!
One of the biggest messages of National Cat Day is to remember to spay and neuter your cats. Kittens reach sexual maturity very quickly. Many vets recommend spaying your kitten before they are 4 months old.
Once the cat reaches sexual maturity, difficult behaviors may begin, such as excessive needing during heat and spraying to mark territory and attract mates. Not only are these behaviors undesirable in the home, but they can increase the cat’s risk of unwanted pregnancy.
If your cat becomes pregnant, it is your responsibility to check on the mother and kittens on a set schedule. On average, you will also need to secure homes for between 2 and 12 kittens. So, it is always best to spay or neuter.
Conclusion
So, you can now mark National Cat Day on your calendar. Any cat lover can celebrate this day—whether you own a cat yourself or just love all the cuddly cuties. There are many ways to contribute and celebrate with the other cat-crazy crowd!
If you are interested in participating in an event or visiting a shelter, call ahead to get rules and recommendations.
Featured Image Credit: cottonbro, Pexels
