- Categories:
- Animal
- Tags:
- AppreciationCatPet
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every June
- Holiday emoji:
- 🐈
National Adopt a Cat Month dedicates every June to finding loving homes for felines across the United States. Coinciding with ‘kitten season,’ this month highlights the urgent need for adoptions and support for animal shelters. Consider opening your heart and home to a cat, volunteering at a local shelter, or donating to cat welfare organizations.
Want to sponsor National Adopt A Cat Month? Learn how
Expected National Adopt A Cat Month Deals
During National Adopt a Cat Month, the focus shifts from commercial deals to impactful fundraising and adoption drives. Organizations like the ASPCA and Best Friends Animal Society often partner with local shelters to waive or reduce adoption fees, making it easier to welcome a new cat. Pet supply retailers such as PetSmart Charities and Petco Love run donation-matching campaigns and in-store adoption events throughout June. Look for special promotions on cat food, litter, and toys at participating stores, with a portion of sales often benefiting animal welfare. Many local shelters also host open house events and foster recruitment drives. We will update this page with confirmed live events and programs as June approaches.
Platform Guide for National Adopt A Cat Month
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #AdoptACatMonth. Share heartwarming adoption stories, cute cat photos, or videos of your feline friends.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #AdoptACatMonth. Join local shelter groups to share adoptable cats and promote events.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #AdoptACatMonth. Tweet about the benefits of adoption and retweet calls for foster homes.
National Adopt A Cat Month Hero
Henry Bergh
History of National Adopt A Cat Month
The National Adopt a Cat Month was formed by American Humane 45 years ago in order to encourage people to stop buying cats and, instead, adopt them from shelters. The month selected for the adoption drive was June, since a lot of cats tend to reproduce during this month — and, since a cat can birth up to seven kittens, it’s not a surprise that most of them often end up in animal shelters. Seeing how shelter cats are deprived of a loving environment, American Humane kickstarted this adoption month in the hopes of spreading awareness regarding the rescuing and adoption of cats.
American Humane is an organization that has existed for over 100 years. In fact, they were the first to rescue 68,000 wounded horses in Europe when wars were common. They also stepped up to help animals during 9/11, Hurricane Sandy, and Hurricane Dorian. The motive of the organization is also to strengthen the bond between humans and animals since these innocent creatures are barely able to express themselves.
National Adopt A Cat Month timeline
Cats are considered sacred in Egypt
The Prince of Wales, Hywel Dda, formulates laws to protect cats.
Cats are murdered across Europe due to superstitions.
Cats are used on cargo ships to hunt vermin.
National Adopt A Cat Month FAQs
When is National Adopt A Cat Month?
National Adopt A Cat Month runs throughout June 2026, dedicating the entire month to finding loving homes for felines. This annual observance is a crucial time for animal shelters.
How many cats are in shelters?
Each year, approximately 3.2 million cats enter U.S. animal shelters, with about 2.1 million finding adoptive homes. June, being ‘kitten season,’ often sees an influx of new arrivals.
Why is June National Adopt A Cat Month?
June is designated National Adopt A Cat Month primarily because it’s ‘kitten season,’ when shelters experience a significant increase in the number of homeless cats and kittens. This timing helps focus efforts on finding homes for the surge of animals.
What are the benefits of adopting a cat?
Adopting a cat in 2026 offers numerous benefits, including providing a loving companion, saving a life, and often getting a pet that is already spayed/neutered and vaccinated. Cats are known for their companionship and relatively low-maintenance care.
How to Celebrate National Adopt A Cat Month
Adopt a cat
If you are a cat lover and have been thinking of bringing a new furry friend into your home, now is the best time. Head to the nearest shelter and provide a home to an innocent kitty.
Champion the cause
Promote National Adopt a Cat Month by posting about it on social media and spreading awareness regarding the cause. Also, talk about how easy it is to raise a cat so people realize they can do it too.
Donate to an animal shelter
If you can’t adopt a cat, donate to a shelter so the cats living there have a better chance of leading a comfortable life. Even the smallest of donations can help.
5 Fun Facts About Cats
Sleeping beauties
Cats sleep 70% of the day.
Meows for humans
Meowing is a language cats developed to talk to humans.
The oldest cat
The oldest cat, Creme Puff, died when she was 38 years old.
More bones than humans
Cats have 230 bones, while humans have 206.
Reach for the sky
Felines can jump six times their length.
Why National Adopt A Cat Month is Important
It helps cats find homes
The month helps in providing homes to hundreds of cats across the U.S. by promoting the cause and bringing the plight of shelter cats to the forefront. Without this dedicated month, who knows how many cats would still be suffering.
It creates awareness regarding adoption
The month brings attention to the number of cats that are stuck in shelters with the aim to convince people to adopt pets instead of purchasing them.
It promotes love for animals
A lot of videos and photos of kittens and cats are spread across social media during National Adopt A Cat Month, bringing to light the plight of our furry friends. The message of the month is also to take care of cats and not simply dump them in shelters.
Social Media Tips for National Adopt A Cat Month
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