National Kitten Day is a heartwarming celebration dedicated to raising awareness about homeless kittens and promoting their adoption. It’s a day to shower these adorable fur babies with love while supporting shelters and rescue organizations.

Quick Facts

  • When is it?: July 10 annually
  • Tagged as: Adoption Awareness, Animal Welfare
  • What’s the hashtag?: #NationalKittenDay
  • When was it founded?: 2012
  • Who founded it?: Colleen Paige, an animal advocate and pet lifestyle expert

History of National Kitten Day

National Kitten Day was established in 2012 by Colleen Paige to spotlight the plight of homeless kittens and encourage adoption. Initially celebrated in December, it was moved to July for better weather, making it easier to host outdoor events and adoption drives. The day complements National Cat Day by focusing on the youngest members of the feline family.

Timeline

  • 7500 BC: Cats begin domestication in the Near East.
  • 1935: Disney releases Three Orphan Kittens, winning an Academy Award.
  • 1946: The Shy Little Kitten children’s book is published.
  • 2012: National Kitten Day is founded.
  • 2015: The celebration moves from December to July.

Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)

YearMonth and DateDay
2025July 10Thursday
2026July 10Friday
2027July 10Saturday
2028July 10Monday
2029July 10Tuesday
2030July 10Wednesday

Observed

National Kitten Day is observed worldwide with activities like adoption events, fundraising for shelters, fostering kittens, and spreading awareness about spaying and neutering.

Fun Facts About Kittens

  • Kittens are born blind and deaf, opening their eyes around 7–10 days old.
  • All kittens are born with blue eyes, which may change color as they grow.
  • They have exceptional hearing and a specialized nasal organ for enhanced smell.

Quiz

  1. When is National Kitten Day celebrated?
  2. Who founded National Kitten Day?
  3. What is the official hashtag for this day?

(Answers: 1. July 10; 2. Colleen Paige; 3. #NationalKittenDay)

FAQs

Q: Can I celebrate without adopting a kitten?
A: Yes! You can volunteer at shelters, donate supplies, or spread awareness online.

Q: Why was the date changed from December to July?
A: To take advantage of warmer weather for outdoor events and adoption drives.

Importance of National Kitten Day

This day emphasizes the need to provide loving homes for abandoned kittens while highlighting the importance of spaying and neutering to control overpopulation.

Related

  • National Cat Day (October)
  • International Cat Day (August)
  • Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month (June)