What is National Cat Day? A day to spoil and appreciate your cat, of course. Every year, on October 29, cat lovers across America take part in this holiday. Keep an eye out for August 8 of next year for International Cat Day, where you can celebrate with your friends all across the globe! But for now, take the time to celebrate your cat today. 

What is it?

National Cat Day was created in 2005 by Colleen Paige to raise awareness for rescue cats in need of a home. She encouraged animal lovers to visit shelters and either volunteer their time or adopt a new furry friend. Paige’s mission was “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.” In other words, her goal was to help raise public awareness of the number of cats that need a home, and to show love and affection to the cats we already have. 

Why should you celebrate?

Celebrating National Cat Day encourages the safety and well-being of cats across the country. Many cats are mistreated, homeless, or abandoned. You can do your part to help these cats by engaging in the activities listed below! 

6 Fun National Cat Day Activities

1. Adopt a Cat from a Shelter

The best thing you can do today is adopt from your local shelter! We recommend researching nearby shelters before choosing which one to visit to be sure you adopt from one that is ethical and treats their animals well. The best gift for a cat today is adoption into a safe and loving home. 

2. Volunteer at a Shelter

If you’re unable to adopt a cat today, take a little time out of your day to volunteer at a shelter! Most shelters are very open to volunteers, and have a wide range of projects for you to help with. Some shelters will even let you go in and play with the cats who need love and attention for a few hours.

3. Treat your Cats at Home to a Day of Pampering 

If we’re being real here, every day is a day of pampering for your cat, but give them something extra special today! Cats love new toys, catnip, and giant scratching posts. If you’re feeling extra generous, go ahead and get yourself a gift too! Pick up a Lilly Brush Be Forever Furless Mini to take care of all that extra shedding all over your house. 

4. Donate to your Local Shelter

If you don’t have the time or energy to invest directly in a cat’s life, invest in a local shelter! Shelters are always welcoming donations, and this is a great way to get involved and help save a cat’s life without taking on the responsibility of adopting one yourself. 

5. Have a Photo Shoot with your Cat

That is, if your cat is patient enough to deal with you. If they’re fairly low-tolerance of shenanigans, catch them in their natural habitats– curled up by the window on a sunlit rug, stretching on their back with their paws up in the air, or leaping from countertop to countertop (for those quality action shots). You can post these fun photos on your social media and help spread awareness of National Cat Day! 

6. Bake Homemade Cat Treats

While you can always make life easier for yourself and buy cat treats at the pet store, baking your own is way more fun! On top of the kitchen excitement, you’ll know exactly what’s going into the treats, so you don’t have to worry about any unhealthy additives, preservatives, or suspicious ingredients. Try this 3 ingredient recipe here or browse this list.

Happy National Cat Day!

Most of all, be sure to love on your cat today! Give him or her lots of attention, and lots of pets, but always remember to keep in mind the cats that don’t have a safe home. If you ever find yourself able to help those cats in any way, we encourage you to do so. For more fun, check out this website to explore the history of cats and some statistics, and this blog for more activities!

Alexa Highsmith

Writing Specialist at Lilly Brush Co.

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