Learn more fun facts on the International Cat Day Video Page.
- Categories:
- Animal
- Tags:
- CatPet
- Where:
- World
- Date change rule:
- Every August 8
- Holiday emoji:
- 🐈
International Cat Day purrs into action every August 8, inviting us to celebrate the unique charm and mystery of our feline companions. From ancient worship to modern-day internet sensations, cats hold a special place in our hearts. Embrace the day by spoiling your own cat, supporting local shelters, or simply appreciating their playful antics.
Want to sponsor International Cat Day? Learn how
Expected International Cat Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that International Cat Day brings a flurry of deals from pet retailers. Expect major discounts from brands like Chewy and Petco on cat food, toys, and accessories. Online marketplaces such as Amazon and Walmart often feature special promotions on cat trees, litter, and grooming supplies. Smaller, independent pet boutiques might offer unique handmade items or special adoption event discounts. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as August 8 approaches.
Platform Guide for International Cat Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalCatDay. Share adorable photos and videos of your feline friends, showcasing their unique personalities and favorite activities.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #InternationalCatDay. Film creative videos of your cats’ funniest moments, elaborate play setups, or heartwarming cuddles to go viral.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #InternationalCatDay. Join cat-lover groups, share stories of your rescue cats, or highlight local shelter adoption drives.
International Cat Day Hero
Dorothy Harrison Eustis
History of International Cat Day
Cats are carnivorous small furry mammals — for the most part — with four legs, a tail, and claws, that humans have domesticated as pets since ancient times, even though they have descended from the African Wildcat and they used to catch vermin.
The first historical human record about cats could be found in Ancient Egyptian Civilization’s culture. We all seem to relate cats with Egyptians, because of their adoration and consideration of cats as gods. Mafdet was the first known cat deity and was regarded as the protector against snakes, scorpions, and evil during the First Dynasty, so for them, cats were not just deities, but also protectors.
Later, after the Egyptian Dynasty collapsed, Cats became popular everywhere! Greeks and Romans used them as pest control, and in the East, cats were originally owned by rich and wealthy people. But during the Middle Ages, in Europe, Cats became associated with superstition and suspected of carrying the disease during the Black Death of 1348, that is the reason why too many cats got killed in that era, and it wasn’t until the 1600s that cats’ reputation started to recover.
In America, cats were part of the cargo on the colonization ships to minimize vermin and disease, so those cats went ashore and flourished. Nowadays, cats seem to be one of the pop icons in modern society – we have about half of a billion among us. And, since 2002, thanks to the “International Fund for Animal Welfare” cats have their own holiday!
Effective since August 3, 2020, the leading cat welfare charity, International Cat Care, became the custodians of International Cat Day. Since 1958, they’ve challenged cruelty, ignorance, and misunderstanding to affect positive change in the lives of cats. With an estimated global population of 600 million cats, half of which are thought to be unowned, their work has never been more important. To learn more about the charity, visit their website.
International Cat Day timeline
Cats are rumored to be the source of the Black Death so all over Europe thousands of street- and house cats are slain.
On October 18, Félicette becomes the first cat to go to space.
International Cat Day is created by the International Fund for Animal Welfare to take place on August 8.
French archaeologists discover a 9,500-year-old cat grave in Cyprus.
Pusheen is created by artists Claire Belton and Andrew Duff as a character for their webcomic “Everyday Cute.”
Grumpy Cat’s Facebook page hits 7 million likes.
How Businesses Can Celebrate International Cat Day
Local businesses can celebrate International Cat Day by partnering with animal shelters for adoption events, offering special discounts on pet-friendly products, or hosting cat-themed promotions. Pet stores can run ‘buy one, get one’ deals on cat food or toys, while cafes might introduce cat-themed drinks. Veterinary clinics could offer discounted check-ups or microchipping services, encouraging responsible pet ownership.
International Cat Day - Survey Results
International Cat Day Traditions
Cats get the royal treatment on International Cat Day. Not that this isn’t already the case on most days, but they are especially pampered and showered with love today.
Cats are the finickiest members of the family, so the day is spent catering to their every need; buying them their favorite treats and expensive catnip, letting them shred to their heart’s content, allowing them to wail, and even tuning in to their favorite TV show (there are videos on the internet of cats obediently watching “Tom and Jerry.”)
Not every cat is lucky enough to have a good home where it enjoys a lavish lifestyle. Stray cats are subjected to cruelty and injuries due to car accidents and other harmful situations, so donations are generously made to animal shelters and welfare organizations. Cats are also adopted and taken to their new homes, especially by children who are getting their first pet.
International Cat Day By The Numbers
18% – the percentage of households in the U.K. ruled by a cat.
9,500 – the number of years ago when the oldest-known pet cat existed.
70% – the percentage of their lives cats spend sleeping.
20 – the number of years an orange cat named ‘Stubbs’ served as the mayor of a small town in Alaska.
48.5 – the record number of inches for the longest cat ever.
19.05 – the record number of inches of the tallest cat ever.
£7 million – the net worth of the richest cat in the world.
1963 – the year when a cat was successfully sent to space.
30 mph – the maximum speed of a house cat.
International Cat Day FAQs
When is International Cat Day?
International Cat Day 2026 falls on Saturday, August 8. It’s the perfect weekend opportunity to celebrate your feline friends with extra playtime and treats.
How many cats are there in the world?
Estimates suggest there are roughly 600 million cats worldwide, with a significant portion being domestic pets. This vast number highlights the global appeal of feline companionship.
What is the origin of International Cat Day?
International Cat Day was established in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). The organization created the day to raise awareness for cat welfare and promote responsible pet ownership globally.
Are cats good for your health?
Yes, studies suggest that owning a cat can offer several health benefits, including reduced stress, lower blood pressure, and decreased risk of heart disease. Their purrs can also have a calming effect.
International Cat Day Activities
Time to share with those that are in need
There are many homeless cats around the world, so what better day to show them respect and love than by giving them food and supplies!
Spend some time with your fluffy babies
If you have a cat, International Cat Day is the perfect day to have a great time and show love to your baby.
Treat them with "catness"
Even if you don't like cats, remember to treat them with respect and kindness, take the occasion to spread awareness about respect to cats on your social media.
5 FACTS ABOUT CATS THAT MIGHT BLOW YOUR MIND
The loudest Purr!
Merlin, a Black and White Cat from the U.K., has the record for the loudest purr and his purr is 67.8db.
Faster than you think
Your little kitty can hit the speeds of around 30mph!
The richest kitty in town!
According to "Guinness World Records", when Blackie's millionaire owner passed away, he got a 7-million-pound fortune.
Not so sweet
Cats can not detect sweetness, which explains why they are not drawn to it at all.
Meow to you!
According to science, cats only use their meows to talk to humans and not to each other - except to their mothers when they are kittens.
Why We Love International Cat Day
We love all living beings
Holidays like this show off that as humans, we do love all living beings and there are more of us who respect and love kitties than those who don't.
A lovely reminder
It’s easy to get the idea that we are the most important beings on the planet, but as a lovely reminder: we are not alone so we need to respect the other beings' rights and do our part — starting with our pets.
Fuzzy stress relievers
It is scientifically proven that Cats help to improve mental health as stress relievers just by being themselves! Petting a fuzzy feline can cause our bodies to produce stress-reducing hormones.
Social Media Tips for International Cat Day
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