- Categories:
- Animal
- Tags:
- CatPet
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every October 29
- Holiday emoji:
- 🐱
National Cat Day is celebrated every October 29 to raise awareness for the many cats needing rescue each year. This special day encourages adoption, celebrates the joy cats bring to our lives, and promotes responsible pet ownership. Consider adopting a shelter cat, volunteering at a local rescue, or simply showering your feline companion with extra love.
Want to sponsor National Cat Day? Learn how
Expected National Cat Day Deals
As National Cat Day approaches, expect major pet retailers and brands to roll out special promotions and discounts. In past years, companies like PetSmart and Petco have offered sales on cat food, toys, and accessories, while brands such as Purina and Blue Buffalo often provide coupons or BOGO deals. Many local shelters and rescue organizations, like the ASPCA, also partner with pet stores for adoption events, sometimes waiving fees or offering starter kits. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as October 29 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Cat Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalCatDay. Share heartwarming videos of your cat’s antics or a ‘day in the life’ with your feline friend.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalCatDay. Post adorable photos or reels of your cat, showcasing their unique personality and favorite cozy spots.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalCatDay. Share stories of how your cat has enriched your life or spotlight a local cat rescue.
National Cat Day Hero
Colleen Paige
History of National Cat Day
Lifestyle writer Colleen Paige has taken credit for establishing National Cat Day in 2005. Her stated mission: “To help galvanize the public to recognize the number of cats that need to be rescued each year and also to encourage cat lovers to celebrate the cat(s) in their lives for the unconditional love and companionship they bestow upon us.”
We cat-egorically believe her. She appears to love all cats — domestic and feral — and we’re certainly in favor of that.
Science magazine reports that cat domestication goes back 12,000 years. That encompasses a lot of toys and even more naps. The process appears to have taken place in the Middle East — think Israel, Iraq, and Lebanon. Domestication did not happen overnight. Cats did not go from wild beasts to softly purring pets — just, sort of, one day.
Per National Geographic: “DNA analysis suggests that cats lived for thousands of years alongside humans before they were domesticated. During that time, their genes have changed little from those of wildcats, apart from picking up one recent tweak: the distinctive stripes and dots of the tabby cat.”
Another study from University of Rome scholar Claudio Ottoni reveals that ancient sailors would bring cats along to “help protect food storages on board by killing rodents. This allowed cats to spread across the world.”
We’re glad they spread. Like dogs, who get all the credit for being lovable, cats feel everything we do. They can gauge our moods and emotions — and act accordingly. They have also given up a lot of their natural cravings to live in homes and apartments. (Especially indoor cats.)
Take a moment on National Cat Day to appreciate all the love they bring. Yes, they’re on the aloof side, but they’ve come a long way.
National Cat Day timeline
Considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians, many pictures and statues of cats have been passed down through the millennia.
The first cat is given to the emperor of China and quickly becomes a popular pet among the rich.
Egyptian traders introduce cats to Europeans, specifically the Greeks and Romans, who use them as pest control.
National Cat Day related content
Ginger Cat Appreciation Day
Ginger Cat Appreciation Day lights up the calendar every September 1, celebrating the distinct personalities and fiery coats of orange felines. Join fellow cat lovers in honoring these often-misunderstood, super-clingy, and always-ready-for-a-petting furballs. Share photos of your ginger companions, support local shelters, and spread the love for these unique cats.
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International Hug Your Cat Day
International Hug Your Cat Day arrives every May 30, inviting you to lavish your beloved feline with extra cuddles and affection. This special day reminds us to appreciate the unique bond we share with our purr-fect companions. Take time to pamper your cat, play their favorite games, and strengthen your connection.
See MoreNational Cat Day - Survey Results
National Cat Day Traditions
The main purpose behind National Cat Day is to recognize the number of cats in need of rescue each year and so it is tradition for people to try and raise awareness of the topic. As well as those cats in need of rescue, many choose to observe the day by showing some love to the cat or cats in their life. For those who want to buy their cat a treat, pet marketing agencies normally put some deals out there to make your cats day extra special, so it’s worth searching online.
National Cat Day FAQs
When is National Cat Day?
National Cat Day 2026 falls on Thursday, October 29. It’s the perfect mid-week opportunity to celebrate your feline companions and support cat welfare initiatives.
How many cats live in U.S. households?
As of recent estimates, there are approximately 90 million cats living in U.S. households. This makes them one of the most popular pets, cherished for their independence and affection.
How many cats are adopted from shelters each year?
Each year, approximately 3.2 million cats are adopted from animal shelters and rescue organizations in the United States. National Cat Day aims to boost these numbers.
What is the difference between National Cat Day and International Cat Day?
National Cat Day (October 29) is primarily observed in the United States, focusing on domestic cat rescue and adoption. International Cat Day (August 8) is a global observance, promoting general cat welfare worldwide.
National Cat Day Activities
Adopt a Cat
National Cat Day is all about raising awareness of shelter cats and reducing the number of unwanted cats that flood shelters every day. What better way to celebrate National Cat Day than by adopting a cat from your local shelter?
Donate to Your Local Shelter
Can't adopt a cat? You can still improve the lives of your local shelter cats. Consider donating food, blankets, or toys to your local shelter or other animal welfare organization. Those kitties living in shelters will feel a bit more comfortable while they're waiting for their forever homes.
Volunteer at Your Local Shelter
Shelter cats need love too. Stop by your local shelter and volunteer to play with the kittens, clean their spaces, scoop their litter boxes, and help with any other chores. Your visit is sure to be a bright spot in any shelter cat's day.
Why We Love National Cat Day
Cats Are Easy to Maintain
They can clean themselves, use a litter box, and don't need outdoor exercise. Cats can somehow adapt seamlessly to any home environment, from a small one-bedroom apartment in the city to a spacious cottage in the country.
Cats are so chatty
Although cats are primarily non-verbal communicators, they will talk to you — if you talk to them. The more you talk to your cat, the more she will respond back to you. You may both be talking about totally different things, but there's definitely a conversation going on there.
A Schnoz That's One of a Kind
Have you ever closely examined a cat's nose? Those bumps and ridges are exclusive to each individual cat and can be used as an identifier—just like a fingerprint can be used to identify a human.
National Cat Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | October 29 | Thursday |
| 2027 | October 29 | Friday |
| 2028 | October 29 | Sunday |
| 2029 | October 29 | Monday |
| 2030 | October 29 | Tuesday |
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