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Every day is a day to celebrate our feline companions, of course. After all, they bring so much entertainment, love, and excitement into our homes. However, there is a nationally agreed upon day that celebrates kitties from all walks of life—National Cat Day.
National Cat Day is on October 29. So, we will explain a little bit about the purpose of National Cat Day and how you can celebrate it!
What Is National Cat Day?
National Cat Day is a designed national holiday where you can admire our beloved feline friends. It was designated to create education surrounding homeless cats, encouraging all cat lovers to spread the worst and do their part.
History of National Cat Day
So, exactly how long has National Cat Day been a practice? It was first celebrated in 2005. It really caught on and has since become a real tradition for many folks who love cats to celebrate. You can join in the next holiday.
Relevant Hashtags
Make it social media relevant. Use some hashtags to spread the word and get the message out there. Here are a few to use.
- #nationalcatday
- #cats
- #catsofinstagram
- #instacats
- #catday
- #catlover
- #kitty
- #kitten
- #catstagram
How Can You Get Involved in National Cat Day?
You can get involved in several ways—so do so in a way that makes you happy; a way that makes you say, “Mission accomplished!”
1. Have an Appreciation Day with Your Cat
When did you last think of something exciting to do with your cat? You can show your feline how much you care about them in many ways. You can do something as simple as getting a new interactive toy and spending the evening playing together.
- Having a spa day
- Going on a hike
- Letting your cat ride in a backpack while you walk
- Getting a cat hoodie for pouch snuggles
or you can devise your own creative way to say, “I love you.”
2. Donate to a Cat-Based Organization
Do you have a rescue facility or association that is near and dear to your heart? Maybe you could find it in the budget to donate to a special cause. There are plenty of associations that accept donations online.
If you prefer to help locally, you can always reach out to the organization of your choice and ask how they’d like to receive payment. Some take cash only, others can take cards, and some facilities would prefer supply donations rather than cash.
Sometimes, folks don’t realize just how overrun, underfunded, and overwhelmed shelters and other animal foundations can be. A little bit goes a long way, and they always appreciate your kindness.
3. Volunteer at a Shelter or Rescue
If you want to offer time and not money, you can volunteer instead! Many rescues, shelters, and sanctuaries are understaffed and unable to give attention to each animal individually. If you go in, you can interact with the cats as they wish.
Some kitties will want to play. Others will want to cuddle. Sometimes, certain kitties may want to interact from a distance if they are a bit aloof or afraid. But any interaction helps them not only become more adoptable, but it will also light up their day.
Living in a tiny kennel can be a challenge for any animal. A cat getting out to stretch their legs, sharpen their claws, and explore the space is crucial. You could very well be why a kitty’s day was better—and the facility workers will be grateful for your time.
4. Adopt a New Family Member
If you wind up at the shelter loving on many homeless kitties, you might get an itch. When did you last bring a brand-new purring pal into the home? If your current cat could really use a playmate, or you’ve been promising your child that they can have a new pet.
There’s never a bad reason to adopt—unless, of course, you live in a place where you are not allowed to have pets. So, if you have been mulling over the idea or feel like now is the time, just go for it! You’re sure to find a fantastic kitty that would love to be a part of the family.
5. Advocate for Homeless Cats
There are even more ways to help homeless cats during this time. You can spread the word about essential statistics and facts via social media channels. Use your voice to spread awareness and prevent homelessness. Even share a few “Adopt Me” posts from shelters.
The more cat lovers that can rally together to make a difference, the better!
6. Check in on Your Homeless Cats Locally
If you live near a town or city, you might know of a spot where homeless cats tend to congregate. Many locals take care of these kitties, offering essentials like food, water, insulation, and shelter.
You can also chip in, providing whatever you think might be most needed. You can also create shelter boxes for cold or poor weather.
Shelter Statistics
Some shelter statistics can not only be alarming; they can be downright heartbreaking. Pet homelessness is an epidemic across the nation, and it doesn’t just affect cats—it impacts dogs, rabbits, horses, guinea pigs, and any other domestic pet.
It is recorded that 7.6 million companion animals are surrendered or taken in every year to shelters across the United States alone. Of all of them, 3.4 million are cats. Of that number, a whopping 2.7 million cats are euthanized. These numbers are heartbreaking.
With the efforts of animal lovers determined to make a difference, we can improve the statistics to create an all-time drastic low.
Remember to Spay and Neuter Your Cats!
One of the biggest messages of National Cat Day is to remember to spay and neuter your cats. Kittens reach sexual maturity very quickly. Many vets recommend getting your kitten fixed before they turn 4 months old.
Once a cat reaches sexual maturity, poor behaviors can start, such as excessive neediness during heat and spraying to mark territory and attract mates. Not only are these behaviors unwanted in the home, but it can increase the risk of unwanted cat pregnancy.
If your cat falls pregnant, it will be your responsibility to vet the mother and kittens on a timed schedule. On average, you will also need to secure homes for between 2 to 12 kittens. So, it’s always best to spay or neuter.
Conclusion
So, now you can mark National Cat Day down on your calendar. Any cat lover can celebrate this day—whether you own a cat yourself or just love all the cuddly cuties. There are plenty of ways to contribute and celebrate along with the rest of the cat-crazy crowd!
If you are interested in participating in an event or visiting a shelter, call ahead to get rules and recommendations.
Featured Image Credit: cottonbro, Pexels
The post National Cat Day 2024: Everything You Need to Know by Ashley Bates appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.
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