National Feral Cat Day is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about feral cats and promoting humane approaches to managing their populations through trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs.
Quick Facts
- When is it: October 16th annually
- Tagged as: Global Cat Day (since 2017)
- What’s the hashtag: #NationalFeralCatDay
- When was it founded: 2001
- Who founded it: Alley Cat Allies
History
The day was established by Alley Cat Allies during their 10th anniversary celebration to promote awareness about community cats and advocate for their humane treatment. In 2017, it evolved into Global Cat Day to reflect its worldwide impact while maintaining its original mission.
Timeline
- 2001: First National Feral Cat Day established
- 2017: Rebranded as Global Cat Day
- Present: Continues to promote TNR programs worldwide
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Oct 16 | Thursday |
| 2026 | Oct 16 | Friday |
| 2027 | Oct 16 | Saturday |
| 2028 | Oct 16 | Monday |
| 2029 | Oct 16 | Tuesday |
Observed
The day is marked by TNR events, educational workshops, spay/neuter clinics, and community outreach programs worldwide.
Fun Facts About Feral Cats
- Feral cats can live in groups called colonies
- They’re excellent natural rodent controllers
- The average lifespan of a feral cat is 2-3 years
- They’re highly independent and self-sufficient
Quiz
- When is National Feral Cat Day celebrated?
- What does TNR stand for?
- Who founded this awareness day?
-(Answers: October 16th; Trap-Neuter-Return; Alley Cat Allies)
FAQs
Q: Can feral cats be domesticated?
A: Adult feral cats rarely adapt to domestic life, but young kittens can be socialized.
Q: What’s the difference between stray and feral cats?
A: Stray cats are lost or abandoned pets, while feral cats have never had human contact.
Importance of National Feral Cat Day
The day helps educate communities about humane population control methods and promotes better understanding of feral cats’ role in our ecosystem.
Related
- World Animal Day
- International Cat Day
- Adopt a Shelter Cat Month
- Global Pet Day
- World Spay Day