International Cat Day — August 8
International Cat Day, observed every August 8, was founded in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). The day celebrates domestic cats and raises awareness for cat welfare worldwide — adoptions, rescues, anti-cruelty campaigns and responsible ownership.
Why August 8
The date was chosen by IFAW with no particular cat-historical significance — they just wanted a mid-summer slot when shelters could run open-door events and adoption drives.
How to mark the day
- Spoil your cat: Extra play time, a new toy, a fresh box. (Cats love boxes.)
- Donate to a shelter: Food, blankets, money or volunteer hours all help.
- Adopt, don't shop: If you're thinking about a new cat, August 8 is when many shelters waive adoption fees.
- Share #InternationalCatDay: Post a photo of your cat; the hashtag trends every year and brings traffic to rescue organisations.
Caring for an indoor cat
- Vertical space. Cats thrive when they can climb — shelves, cat trees and window perches keep them mentally healthy.
- Daily play. 10–15 minutes with a wand toy mimics hunting and burns energy. Especially important for solo cats.
- Litter hygiene. Scoop daily and full-change weekly. One litter box per cat, plus one extra is the rule of thumb.
- Annual vet visit even for indoor cats — early detection of dental and kidney issues saves money and lives.
Fact
A cat's purr vibrates at 25–150 Hz — a frequency range that some studies suggest may support bone density and tissue recovery in mammals.
International Cat Day FAQ
When is International Cat Day?
August 8 every year. The date is fixed.
Who started it?
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) launched it in 2002.
Is there also a National Cat Day?
Yes — in the US, National Cat Day is October 29, founded in 2005 by Colleen Paige. Many countries also have their own date.
How can I help cats if I can't adopt one?
Donate to local shelters, foster temporarily, share their adoption posts, or volunteer time. Even buying their wishlist items from Amazon counts.
How many domestic cats are there worldwide?
Estimates range from 600 million to 1 billion, including pet and feral cats. The US alone has around 70 million pet cats.
