International Cat Day is celebrated on August 8 every year, a day to appreciate the cats we live with and to help the ones still waiting for a home. The next International Cat Day is Sunday, August 8, 2027. The countdown above runs live, so you can see exactly how long you have to plan a little feline celebration.
Who started it?
International Cat Day was created in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). In 2020 the observance was handed over to International Cat Care, a British charity founded in 1958 that works to improve the health and welfare of domestic cats worldwide. Each year it uses August 8 to share practical advice for owners, vets and shelters.
August 8 vs. October 29: which cat day is it?
If you live in the US, you may be confused, because there is more than one cat day on the calendar. Here is how they differ:
- International Cat Day: August 8, the global observance now led by International Cat Care.
- National Cat Day (US): October 29, founded by pet lifestyle expert Colleen Paige to encourage cat adoption from shelters.
- Cat Day in Japan: February 22, because 2-2-2 can be read “ni ni ni,” which sounds like “nyan nyan nyan,” the Japanese version of meow.
Plenty of cat lovers simply celebrate all of them, and the cats rarely object.
Ways to celebrate with your own cat
- Upgrade playtime: a wand toy used for 10 to 15 minutes, ending with a catch, satisfies the hunting instinct better than a toy left on the floor.
- Add some vertical space: cat trees, window perches or a cleared shelf give indoor cats a place to watch the world.
- Book the overdue checkup: cats are good at hiding discomfort, so regular vet visits matter even when they seem fine.
- Check the microchip: make sure your contact details in the chip registry are current.
- Make a cardboard castle: a few boxes and a pair of scissors often beat any store-bought toy.
Helping cats beyond your own home
Summer is busy for many US shelters and rescues because it is the peak of kitten season, so August 8 is a good moment to help. Consider fostering a litter for a few weeks, donating kitten formula or litter, or supporting a local trap-neuter-return program for community cats. If you are thinking about adoption, ask your shelter about adopting two kittens together; many rescues recommend it because they keep each other company and learn from one another.
Share the love
Cat photos are basically the internet’s native language, so International Cat Day is a big day on social media. Post a picture of your cat with the story of how they came into your life, and tag a local rescue to spread the word. Want friends to remember the date? Share this countdown link or add August 8 to your calendar.
Related days
Dog people get their turn on August 26 with National Dog Day, and World Animal Day on October 4 celebrates animals of every kind.