International Cat Day
International Cat Day is an annual celebration dedicated to honoring cats and their significance in our lives. Created in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), this day raises awareness about cat welfare and encourages appreciation for these beloved companions.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: August 8th
- Tagged as: A global celebration of cats and their importance.
- What’s the hashtag?: #InternationalCatDay
- When was it founded?: 2002
- Who founded it?: International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)
History
International Cat Day was established by IFAW in 2002 to promote awareness about cats’ needs, rights, and welfare. In 2020, custodianship of the day was handed over to International Cat Care, a British organization that has been advocating for cat health and welfare since 1958.
Timeline
- 3000 BC: Ancient Egyptians begin domesticating cats to control pests.
- 1919: Felix the Cat becomes a star in animated films.
- 1982: Cats the musical opens on Broadway.
- 2002: First International Cat Day celebrated by IFAW.
- 2020: International Cat Care takes over custodianship of the day.
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August 8 | Friday |
| 2026 | August 8 | Saturday |
| 2027 | August 8 | Sunday |
| 2028 | August 8 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | August 8 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | August 8 | Thursday |
Observed
International Cat Day is celebrated globally with activities such as volunteering at shelters, sharing cat photos online using hashtags, donating to cat charities, and spending quality time with feline friends.
Fun Facts About Cats
- Cats’ genome is 95.6% similar to tigers.
- They can jump up to six times their body length.
- Cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk.
- The oldest recorded cat lived for 38 years.
Quiz
- What year was International Cat Day founded? (Answer: 2002)
- Which organization currently manages International Cat Day? (Answer: International Cat Care)
- What is the hashtag for this day? (Answer: #InternationalCatDay)
FAQs
What is International Cat Day?
It’s a global celebration dedicated to raising awareness about cats’ welfare and appreciating their role in our lives.
Who founded International Cat Day?
The day was founded by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in 2002.
Why is it celebrated on August 8th?
The date falls during summer when cats are often seen enjoying the warmth, symbolizing relaxation and happiness.
Importance of International Cat Day
This day highlights the need for proper care and adoption of cats while celebrating their companionship, which contributes to mental health and emotional well-being.
Related
- National Cat Day (October 29th)
- National Black Cat Day (October 27th)