National Cat Day is observed every year on October 29 in the United States. It is a day to celebrate cats as beloved companions and, just as importantly, to shine a light on the many cats who are still waiting in shelters and rescues to find a home. Part feel-good celebration and part awareness campaign, it encourages both cat lovers and prospective adopters to take action.
When is National Cat Day?
National Cat Day falls on the fixed date of October 29, so it is easy to remember from year to year even though the weekday changes. It should not be confused with International Cat Day, which is marked on August 8, or with other feline observances scattered across the calendar. In the US, October 29 is the recognized date.
History and origin of National Cat Day
National Cat Day was founded in 2005 by Colleen Paige, a pet and family lifestyle expert, author, and animal welfare advocate. Paige created the day specifically to draw attention to the number of cats that need to be rescued each year and to encourage people to consider adoption. She is also the founder of several other well-known animal observances, including National Dog Day, National Puppy Day, National Mutt Day, and National Wildlife Day. The founding and purpose of National Cat Day are well documented and directly attributable to Paige, which sets it apart from many informal internet holidays.
Since its creation, the day has been embraced by animal shelters, rescue groups, veterinary practices, and pet brands, which use it to run adoption drives and awareness campaigns. Social media has amplified it enormously, turning October 29 into a flood of cat photos, adoption success stories, and shelter appeals. That visibility is precisely what Paige intended: a single, memorable date that channels the public’s affection for cats into action for the animals that still need help.
Why National Cat Day matters
Shelters across the country take in large numbers of cats every year, and cats are often adopted at lower rates than dogs. National Cat Day helps counter that by encouraging adoption, fostering, donations, and volunteering. It also promotes responsible ownership, including spaying and neutering to reduce the population of unwanted litters. Beyond the welfare message, the day celebrates the genuine health and emotional benefits cats bring: companionship, stress relief, and comfort for millions of households.
The awareness angle is especially important for cats that are harder to place, such as older animals, those with medical needs, and black cats, which studies and shelters have long noted tend to wait longer for homes. By spotlighting these animals, National Cat Day encourages adopters to look beyond kittens and consider the full range of cats in need. It also gives current owners a nudge to keep up with wellness visits, vaccinations, and microchipping, all of which help keep cats healthy and reunite them with their families if they get lost.
How to celebrate National Cat Day
- Adopt a cat or kitten from a local shelter or rescue if you are ready for the commitment.
- Donate money, food, litter, or supplies to a shelter or rescue organization.
- Volunteer your time to help socialize cats or support adoption events.
- Foster a cat to free up shelter space and help it transition to a permanent home.
- Spoil your own cat with new toys, a special treat, or extra playtime.
- Spread awareness online with #NationalCatDay to encourage others to adopt.
- Schedule a wellness check-up or ensure your cat is spayed or neutered and microchipped.
Related days and observances
National Cat Day is part of a wider network of animal-focused observances. Related days include International Cat Day, National Dog Day, National Puppy Day, National Kitten Day, National Pet Day, and National Mutt Day. Many of these were also created by Colleen Paige, giving them a shared focus on rescue and responsible ownership.
Fun facts
Colleen Paige built an entire calendar of pet holidays around a single idea: that a dedicated day can measurably increase adoptions and donations. Shelters frequently report spikes in interest around these observances. Cats themselves are the most popular pet in many countries, and their long history of companionship with humans stretches back thousands of years, which makes a day in their honor feel well earned.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Cat Day?
In the United States it is observed every year on the fixed date of October 29.
Who started National Cat Day?
Pet and family lifestyle expert Colleen Paige founded it in 2005 to raise awareness of cats needing rescue.
Why do we celebrate National Cat Day?
To honor cats as companions and to highlight the many cats waiting for adoption in shelters and rescues.
How do you celebrate National Cat Day?
Adopt a cat, donate or volunteer at a shelter, treat your own cat, or share cat photos online.
Is National Cat Day a public holiday?
No. It is an informal awareness day, not a federal or public holiday.
What is the hashtag for National Cat Day?
The common tags are #NationalCatDay and #CatDay.