Global Cat Day

Categories:: Animal
Tags:: Cat Pet
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every October 16
Holiday emoji:: 🐱

Global Cat Day pounces onto the calendar every October 16, reminding us to educate, engage, and empower people to defend and protect cats. Join the global community in recognizing the unique bond we share with these mysterious creatures. Adopt, volunteer, or simply shower your own feline friend with extra affection today!

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History
Timeline
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FAQs
Importance
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Expected Global Cat Day Deals

While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that Global Cat Day often brings a flurry of deals from pet retailers and brands. Look for discounts on cat food, toys, and accessories from major players like PetSmart, Chewy, and Petco. Specialty brands such as Purina Cat Chow, Friskies, and Blue Buffalo often offer coupons or bundles. Local pet stores and shelters may also host adoption events with reduced fees or starter kits from brands like Wellness Pet Food. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as October 16 approaches.

Platform Guide for Global Cat Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #GlobalCatDay. Share adorable photos or videos of your cats, highlighting their unique personalities and the joy they bring.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #GlobalCatDay. Create short, engaging videos showcasing funny cat antics, heartwarming rescue stories, or creative DIY cat toys.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #GlobalCatDay. Share articles on cat welfare, organize a virtual cat-themed event, or post about local shelter needs.

Global Cat Day Hero

Cleveland Amory

Cleveland Amory (1917-1998) was an American author, journalist, and animal rights activist. A passionate advocate for animals, he founded The Fund for Animals in 1967, which established the Black Beauty Ranch, a sanctuary for abused and unwanted animals, including many cats. Amory's dedication significantly raised public awareness about animal welfare and the plight of stray and feral cats.

History of Global Cat Day

Global Cat Day confirms one thing — we have loved our cats since the beginning of time — or close to it. In fact, the Ancient Egyptians were the first civilization to harness the glory of the feline. Nearly 4,000 years ago, they domesticated our four-legged friends by keeping them near food stores. (This helped control vermin and other pests.) Cats quickly earned a reputation as great hunters, and later, Egyptians worshipped them as gods. Nothing much has changed since the old days.

An advocacy group known as Alley Cat Allies, along with millions of supporters, will observe Global Cat Day with a commitment to save cats from being killed.

“The Global Cat Day Pledge includes the fundamental principle that all cats have the right to live their lives, and it guides everything we do to protect cats,” says Allies founder and president Becky Robinson. “We stand for humane, non-lethal programs for cats, and those who join us can take action to stop cats from being killed.”

Robinson’s asking everyone who values the lives of cats to sign the Alley Cat Allies’ Global Cat Day Pledge online.

The organization, which promotes humane treatment of all cats, reports that millions of cats and kittens are in life-threatening danger. That’s because felines are killed more than any other animal in shelters across the nation.

Global Cat Day demands that community leaders abolish policies that result in the killing of cats; equip communities with lifesaving, humane policies like Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR); and change any policies that threaten cats’ health and safety.

TNR is the mainstream approach in which cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, ear-tipped and returned to the outdoor homes where they live and thrive. As sound public policy, TNR reduces shelter intake, “euthanasia” and calls to animal services, which saves taxpayer dollars.

Global Cat Day timeline

7500 BC

Cats and humans unite

Evidence of the close relationship between cats and humans goes back about 9,500 years. A Neolithic grave excavated in Cyprus contains the skeletons of both a human and a cat.

1950s

Cats come indoors

Cats roam U.S. neighborhoods freely — before the invention of and marketing of clay litter. However it wasn’t until the 1960s that litter boxes really caught on. After that, we grew to love them as indoor pets, but their outdoor survival skills still remain.

1990

The original cat ladies

Becky Robinson and a friend discover an alley with 56 feral cats in the Washington, DC neighborhood of Adams Morgan. With the help of the cats’ caregivers, they humanely trapped the cats, had them neutered, and returned them to their outdoor homes. Later, out of concern for cats routinely killed by animal control agencies and shelters, Robinson begins Alley Cat Allies.

2001

The world has its first Feral Cat Day

The first Feral Cat Day (now known as Global Cat Day) got underway. Organized by Alley Cat Allies, the goal was to strengthen support for humane policies to protect cats worldwide.

2015

Cats go viral

The number of cat videos on YouTube tops 2 million — with the average views hovering around 12,000. — higher than any other category of YouTube content. Cats make up 16% of views in YouTube's "Pets & Animals" category, compared to dogs' 23%

2016

Only the name changes

Alley Cat Allies rebranded Feral Cat Day as Global Cat Day. This change came about, according to Alley Cat Allies, because "it was time for our annual event to reflect what’s been true all along: We inspire and share information with cat advocates around the world."

How Businesses Can Celebrate Global Cat Day

Local businesses can celebrate Global Cat Day by partnering with animal shelters for adoption events or donation drives. Pet supply stores could offer special discounts on cat-related products, while cafes might host ‘cat-themed’ menu items or donate a portion of sales to feline welfare organizations. Veterinary clinics can provide free check-ups or educational materials on cat health, encouraging responsible pet ownership in the community.

Global Cat Day FAQs

When is Global Cat Day?

Global Cat Day 2026 falls on a Friday, October 16, offering a perfect opportunity to celebrate our feline friends and advocate for their well-being. This date is fixed annually, making it easy to mark on your calendar.

How many cats are there in the world?

Estimates suggest there are roughly 600 million cats worldwide, with a significant portion being domestic pets. In 2026, this vast feline population continues to bring joy and companionship to millions of households globally.

What are the benefits of owning a cat?

Owning a cat in 2026 offers numerous benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood, and a sense of companionship. Their calming presence and playful antics can significantly enhance mental well-being.

Is Global Cat Day the same as National Cat Day?

No, Global Cat Day and National Cat Day are distinct observances. Global Cat Day, celebrated on October 16, 2026, focuses on international cat welfare. National Cat Day is primarily observed in the U.S. on October 29.

How to Observe Global Cat Day

Have your cat spayed or neutered
When it comes to cat advocacy Bob Barker was right, one of the best things we can do is to spay or neuter our cats and to encourage others to do the same. Not only does this reduce the number of so-called "nuisance" cats, it can also protect them from certain diseases and prevent them from wandering off to find a mate.
Spread the news
Alley Cat Allies recommends that supporters sign their pledge and then share it with friends, family, and social media followers. That type of word-of-mouth advocacy is likely to reach the world's legislators, who can take positive action to protect cats.
Organize your own event
In honor of Global Cat Day, consider organizing your own event and then registering that event with Alley Cat Allies. You can host workshops, cat food drives, or any number of things to help the cause.

5 More Reasons We Can't Stop Purring About Our Cats

Egyptians loved their cats
The ancient Egyptians were so enamored of cats that they often worshipped them in life and mummified them in death — including dressing them in precious jewels.
Kitty on board
Cats were apparently aboard Christopher Columbus' ships as he set sail for the Americas.
That's a lot of cats
The worldwide cat population exceeds 500 million.
Cats can drink saltwater
Cat kidneys are able to filter out salt from water and use the desalinated water for hydration.
More popular than man's best friend
In North America, cats are the most popular pet. According to some estimates, there are 73 million cats in that region, compared to 63 million dogs.

Why Global Cat Day is Important

Cats are our best friends, too
Yeah, yeah — we know all about the old saying. But in reality, cats are just as trusting, loving and dependent on their humans as any good dog can be. Just ask anybody who has a cat.
Information is power
Global Cat Day can remind us that local laws and ordinances have profound impacts on how the local cat population is treated. Once people are armed with information on the often sad plight of the world's kitties, they may be more inclined to help out — and to speak out.
There's power in numbers
Alley Cat Allies would like people from around the world to take a simple vow — "to speak up for the cats in their communities and show kindness for all of catkind." The more people who take that pledge, the more protected the world's cats will be.