From International Cat Day to National Cat Health Month, there are MANY occasions throughout the year that have been established to honor cats and raise awareness about their importance in our lives.
Whether you're a cat parent, a cat lover, or simply curious about the different ways we can celebrate our furry companions, this list of cat holidays is for you. It's an attempt to consolidate all of the various cat-related occasions that have been established around the world (with a little info about each!) so that you know when to pull out your party hat and celebrate your favorite felines. And if you know of a cat-related holiday that ISN'T included here (new or not), please let me know at carin@hideandscratch.com so I can get it added!
My hope is that this serves as a comprehensive resource to all about the different cat-related dates out there!
And if you're not already following Hide & Scratch on Instagram, be sure to do so to be reminded about each holiday throughout the year!
January Cat Holidays
January 2 - Happy New Year for Cats Day
Wellcat.com established Happy Mew Year for Cats Day so that cats could have their own special New Year's celebration.
Similar to New Year's, now is an excellent time for pet parents to set a few feline-inspired resolutions, like supporting our parentless feline friends by making a financial donation to your neighborhood animal shelter or rescue, donating much-needed daily necessities, or volunteering as a foster pet parent.
January 14 - National Dress Up Your Pet Day
It’s National Dress Up Your Pet Day, and we want you to go all out. Celebrate by dressing up your furry family member in comfortable pet clothing, maybe even get matching outfits if you want to get crazy. Matching attire is accepted and even encouraged on National Dress Up Your Pet Day! Make sure our furry buddies are still comfortable, of course!
Colleen Paige, a celebrity pet lifestyle expert and animal behaviorist, founded National Dress Up Your Pet Day in 2009. It honors animals and gives the pet fashion industry encouragement.
Make sure your pet is appropriately attired for the occasion because this opportunity to dazzle the neighbors and let your beloved pet show off only comes around once a year!
January 22 - National Answer Your Cat’s Question Day
Thomas and Ruth Roy of wellcat.com founded National Answer Your Cat's Questions Day. It is observed every year on January 22. It was made especially so that cat lovers may spend time with their furry companions and deepen their friendship.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if your cat could express her questions to you verbally for just one day? Your cat is trying to tell you something every time it meows, purrs, or trills. Get off social media, lay on the floor next to your cats, and spend some quality time with them to honor this day!
January 24 - Change a Pet’s Life Day
According to Petpartners.com, January 24th, 2009 was chosen as a special day to focus national attention on the numerous animals kept in shelters across the country who are awaiting adoption and rescue.
Even if you're not ready to adopt, there are many amazing ways to change a pet's life all year long, such as making a donation to your local shelter or raising awareness on social media.
February Cat Holidays
February - National Cat Health Month
February is National Cat Health Month, making it the ideal time for pet owners to pay attention to the well-being of their feline companions.
Every cat parent should take advantage of the month to pay closer attention to their cat's physical and emotional wellness and to educate themselves about symptoms of disease or unhealthy behavior.
There are numerous ways to celebrate your love, and one way to express it to your feline friend is to plan a trip to the vet to coincide with their big day.
We adore National Cat Health Month because it serves as a great way to honor our furry friends beyond merely sharing cat memes and acts as a gentle reminder to provide our precious kitties, extra love.
February - Spay and Neuter Awareness Month
Spay and Neuter Awareness Month aims to raise awareness of the necessity of spaying and neutering aims to motivate pet owners to get their animals treated and to provide information about the advantages of doing so. Because spring is often referred to as "kitten season," this holiday falls in February. Letting just one female and her kids (and their offspring) breed can result in the addition of up to 420,000 cats to the world in just seven years. As you can see, things swiftly spiral out of control!
The most powerful method we have for reducing pet overpopulation and ensuring that every animal gets a loving home is of course none other than spaying and neutering. Spaying or neutering your pet has also been shown to have positive effects on their health and behavior.
February - Pet Dental Health Month
Many cats develop substantial gingivitis by the age of three, and many of them also have periodontal disease. It is a slow-moving but serious illness that hurts them and compromises their general health. Cats frequently don't exhibit symptoms of mouth discomfort. Because tooth discomfort develops gradually over time, people simply become accustomed to it. You must be proactive in meeting your feline friend's needs because they won't let you know if they require dental care.
Use this Pet Dental Health Month as an excuse to have all cats examined by a veterinarian once a year to evaluate their oral health.
February 14 - Pet Theft Awareness Day
Domesticating animals has been enjoyable throughout human history. Animals and people have an unbreakable link of trust and a sense of belonging, and being separated from one another may be devastating for both. This is why February 14 is Pet Theft Awareness Day, a day dedicated to promoting awareness of pet theft. We commemorate Pet Theft Awareness Day to raise awareness of the heinous crime of pet theft out of respect for our four-legged friends.
Pet Theft Awareness Day is the ideal opportunity to spread information about pet safety precautions and steps we can take to retrieve stolen pets because pet theft is on the rise.
February 18 - 24 - National Justice for Animals Week
According to the ALDF, those who abuse animals are five times more likely to also harm humans, making it a major crime. Unfortunately, it happens frequently that animal abuse goes unpunished. Animals are mistreated and killed every day without anyone being held accountable.
National Justice for Animals Week, established by the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), is an annual celebration aimed at bringing attention to animal abuse, instructing the public on how to report instances of abuse, and offering advice on how to advocate for stricter laws and enforcement in your neighborhood.
Every year, National Justice for Animals Week is observed from February 18 through February 24, which falls on the fourth week of the month.
March Cat Holidays
March 2 - International Rescue Cat Day
International Rescue Cat Day was created to encourage people to adopt cats from shelters and rescues instead of buying them from pet stores or breeders. Adopting a rescue cat not only saves a life, it also helps to reduce the number of cats that are euthanized each year due to overcrowding in shelters.
To celebrate International Rescue Cat Day, people can volunteer at their local animal shelter, donate money or supplies to a rescue organization, or adopt a rescue cat. People can also use social media to spread the word about the importance of adopting rescue cats and share pictures and stories of their own rescue cats to inspire others to adopt.
By raising awareness about the benefits of adopting rescue cats, International Rescue Cat Day aims to make a positive impact on the lives of cats and humans alike.
March 3 - What if Cats & Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs Day
Ruth and Tom Roy, who are renowned for inventing holidays—nearly a hundred of them, in fact—are the creators of this bizarre and offbeat commemoration day and What if Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs Day is one of them!.
Imagine a world where our favorite animal friends had thumbs. If they had thumbs that made it easy (well, easier) for them to steal your belongings, open their own food tins, and generally cause more difficulty than they currently cause. What sort of world would that be?
March 3 - 9 - Professional Pet Sitters Week
National Professional Pet Sitters Week was established in 1995 by Pet Sitters International to celebrate those who look after animals.
The goal of National Professional Pet Sitters Week is to persuade consumers who are looking into this option to only hire professional pet sitters and to ensure that they are qualified to look after their animals. National Professional Pet Sitters Week is a chance for people in the industry to recognize their achievements and for others who are interested in the field to learn more about it as a potential career path.
March 17 - Saint Gertrude of Nivelles Day (Patron Saint of Cats)
There is no specific narrative connecting St. Gertrude to her patronage of cats. But in the 1980s, ardent Christian admirers of Gertrude made the transition from viewing Gertrude as a saint of travelers, gardeners, to patro saint of cats.
Let's enjoy this day of the month and give thanks to this Patron Saint of Cats by asking God to grant long lives of health to all of our adorable cats.
March 23 - Cuddly Kitten Day
Calling all cat lovers to celebrate and cuddle their precious little kittens to their hearts' content because March 23 is Cuddly Kitten Day!
It is precisely as it sounds—a special day for smooching your feline furry friend. Regardless of what your favorite kitten is, all of them are honored on this day. What a fantastic day!
March 28 - Respect Your Cat Day
Whether you are joyful or sad, your cat friend is always there to share the moment, right? Your cat has always been there for you and will continue to be. So on March 28, thank your cat for all of the efforts s/he puts into being your faithful buddy.
Our feline friends and the joy they bring to our lives should be honored and celebrated. Understanding and caring for your cat are both important components of showing respect. This will help you have a better relationship with your unique feline friend.
April Cat Holidays
April - National Heartworm Awareness Month
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition that can affect dogs, cats, and other animals. Heartworms are parasitic worms that are carried and transmitted by infected mosquitoes. When infected by the worm, the functioning of blood vessels in the heart is impaired, which reduces lung capacity and leads to death.
By increasing awareness and taking proactive steps to prevent heartworm disease, pet owners can help protect their pets and ensure they live happy healthy lives. Follow the recommendations of the American Heartworm Society and take your pet for their annual heartworm screening and give them year-round heartworm preventative medication to keep them healthy.
April - National Pet First Aid Awareness Month
National Pet First Aid Awareness month was established in order to encourage pet owners and animal lovers to learn about the basics of pet first aid and emergency care, as well as how to prevent accidents and injuries in their furry friends.
During this month, pet organizations and veterinary professionals across the United States provide educational resources and training opportunities to help pet owners feel more confident in handling a pet emergency.
By raising awareness about the importance of pet first aid, National Pet First Aid Awareness Month aims to reduce the number of preventable pet injuries and deaths and to promote responsible pet ownership.
April - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month is an important observance that reminds us of our responsibility to protect and care for animals. By promoting awareness and taking action, we can positively impact the lives of animals and help prevent cruelty and neglect.
Individuals can also make a difference by adopting pets from animal shelters instead of buying them from pet stores or breeders. They can also take steps to protect and care for animals in their community by reporting animal abuse or neglect to authorities, providing food and shelter to stray animals, and promoting responsible pet ownership.
April 4 - Every Day is Tag Day
Every Day is Tag Day is a campaign that promotes the importance of identification tags and encourages pet owners to ensure that their pets wear tags at all times. By ensuring that pets are properly identified, we can increase the chances of lost pets being reunited with their owners and promote responsible pet ownership. The campaign also promotes the use of microchips, a device that is implanted under the pet's skin and contains owner information that can be scanned by a veterinarian or animal shelter.
April 6 - National Siamese Cat Day
National Siamese Cat Day is an opportunity to recognize the unique qualities and contributions of Siamese cats to our lives.
This day also serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership. People who are considering adding a Siamese cat to their family should research the breed and make sure that they are prepared for the time and resources required to care for a pet.
To celebrate this day, people may share pictures and stories of their Siamese cats on social media, participate in Siamese cat-themed events, or donate to Siamese cat rescue organizations.
April 18 - Pet Owners Independence Day
Pet Owners Independence Day is a holiday celebrated on April 18 each year where pet owners have the opportunity to relax at home while their pets try their paws at work. This is a lighthearted way to celebrate the bond between pets and their owners, although it may not be feasible for pets to perform human tasks. Nonetheless, it's a fun and creative way for pet owners to take a break and spend quality time with their pets.
April 19 - National Cat Lady Day
Happy National Cat Lady Day! Today is a day to celebrate and embrace your love for cats. Despite negative stereotypes, being a cat lady is not a bad thing - it just means you really, really love your furry friends!
Created by CatCon founder Susan Michals, National Cat Lady Day is all about recognizing and honoring the powerful, independent, and caring figures that cat ladies are.
April 26 - National Kids and Pets Day
This day is dedicated to celebrating the special bond between children and their pets.
Kids and pets share a unique relationship that is filled with love, joy, and companionship. Pets are known to have a positive impact on a child's emotional, social, and cognitive development. They teach children important life skills such as responsibility, empathy, and kindness. Pets also provide unconditional love and support and are often a child's best friend.
Parents are encouraged to teach their children about pet care, safety around animals, and the importance of treating pets with kindness and respect.
April 29 - Hairball Awareness Day
Hairballs are a common issue for cats, especially those with long hair. When a cat grooms itself, it ingests loose hair, which can accumulate in its stomach and form a hairball. If the hairball is too large to pass through the digestive tract, it can cause health problems such as vomiting, constipation, and intestinal blockages.
Hairball Awareness Day is an important reminder of the health risks that hairballs can pose to cats and the importance of taking preventative measures to keep our furry friends healthy and happy.
April 30 - National Tabby Day
This day is dedicated to celebrating one of the most popular cat breeds in the world - the tabby cat.
Tabby cats are known for their distinctive coat patterns, which often include stripes, spots, or swirling patterns. They are also known for their friendly and affectionate personalities and are a popular choice for households with children and other pets.
National Tabby Day is a fun and festive way to celebrate these beloved feline friends and to promote responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.
May Cat Holidays
May - National Pet Month
National Pet Month is dedicated to honoring all the pets in our lives. What a wonderful way to acknowledge how significant our pets are! Just consider all the hilarious cat videos on social media to see how much more enjoyable it is thanks to them.
Did you know that there are roughly 86.9 million households with pets in the United States? Moreover, roughly half of those households have more than one, which only shows how important it is to celebrate this day with them!
May - Responsible Animal Guardian Month
Responsible Animal Guardian Month is a time to remind everyone who has a pet that they are in charge of their pet's well-being.
In Defense of Animals (IDA) has proclaimed May to be Responsible Animal Guardian Month in order to emphasize the significance of humans' obligations to their pets. But of course, it doesn't change the fact that we still recognize that adopting a furry buddy is a daily, yearly, and lifelong commitment because we adore animals.
The IDA hopes that through promoting this campaign, people will be inspired to uphold their obligations and develop a more compassionate attitude toward animals.
May - Chip Your Pet Month
10 million pets are lost in America each year, with millions finding their way to animal shelters. Only 2% of the cats in these shelters without microchips have their owners found.
A microchip is a tiny implant about the size of a grain of rice placed beneath a pet's skin, usually between the shoulders. In the event that a pet is lost and found, veterinary clinics or animal shelters can contact you using the contact information on these implants.
May 5 - 11 - National Pet Week
National Pet Week, which begins the first full week in May, honors the bond and interconnectedness of humans and pets. It was established in 1982 by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Homes with pets are becoming more commonplace, despite all the duties that go along with pet ownership. Hence, National Pet Week helps pet owners by offering them resources and support to help them on their path to a fulfilling and long-lasting relationship.
May 3 - National Specially Abled Pets Day
The holiday known as Specially-abled Pets Day, formerly known as Disabled Pets Day, honors these remarkable and valiant creatures, promotes public awareness of how to care for disabled pets, and helps special-needs animals find homes.
Animal advocate, author, and pet lifestyle expert Colleen Paige founded National Specially-abled Pets Day. This day is set aside to educate the public about caring for disabled pets. The day features disabled animals looking for a home. It also encourages animal lovers to consider choosing a disabled pet when they are looking at adopting a new pet family member. Before you adopt a pet with special needs, consider the time, energy, and financial needs, too.
June Cat Holidays
June - Adopt-a-Cat Month
The American Humane Society established National Adopt a Cat Month 45 years ago to encourage people to avoid buying cats and instead adopt animals from shelters. The reason why it's being celebrated in June is simply because June is when many cats reproduce — and because a cat may have up to seven kittens, it's no wonder that the majority of them wind up in animal shelters.
June 4 - Hug Your Cat Day
Be sure to hug your cat on National Hug Your Cat Day!!
I'm not sure where this "holiday" originated from, but I'm on board with celebrating and reminding others to give their #furbabies some extra #snuggles today!!
June 19 - National Garfield the Cat Day
The famous comic strip featuring Garfield, his owner Jon Arbuckle, and dog Odie first appeared on June 19, 1978 and thus June 19th is celebrated as "National Garfield the Cat Day" Not at all by coincidence, Jim Davis (Garfield’s creator) created a whole biography for Garfield, which gives his birthday as that very same date.
Eat some lasagna and take a cat nap to honor the famous feline!
June 17 - Take Your Cat to Work Day
This holiday was originally inspired by Take Your Dog To Work ® (TYDTWDay®), which was first established in 1999. Since bringing dogs to work has become more normal for more than two decades since Take Your Dog To Work Day® was introduced, it's no surprise that more and more cat owners want in on the activity!
Pet Sitters International (PSI) believes that by attending the events, non-pet owners will be able to observe firsthand the extraordinary attachment that their coworkers have with their pets and will be inspired to adopt their own new best friend.
June 24 - Cat World Domination Day
According to "the internet," blogger Angela Sparkle (of sparklecat.com) decided to deem her birthday (June 24) as "Cat World Domination Day" because well, why not? Cats pretty much rule the world as it is and we should definitely set aside a day to celebrate our furry overlords so that they let us continue to think that WE'RE the ones in charge.
July Cat Holidays
July - National Lost Pet Prevention Month
Statistics show that one out of every three pets disappears at some point in their lives. Because of this, PetHub established National Lost Pet Prevention Month in 2014. It is designed to give pet owners specialized, in-depth resources, tools, and techniques for preventing a lost pet as well as suggestions for quickly finding them if they do go missing.
May all our lost pets find a new home with someone who will treat them right and like a family.
July 10 - National Kitten Day
National Kitten Day is not only a celebration of kittens and their adorableness, but it also draws attention to the plight of the homeless in an effort to save as many as possible through adoption.
The campaign was first established in 2012 by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige as a connected holiday to National Cat Day, and it was first held the following year.
We hope that more people will adopt kittens and give them home. How can you look at those eyes and say no?
July 16 - Feline Leukemia Day
The Community Cats Podcast and Feline Leukemia advocacy supporter Margaret Tompkins host an annual online event with important expert information on feline leukemia virus, or FeLV, ways to manage it, and the adoption of FeLV+ cats.
According to vet.cornell.edu, FeLV infects between 2% and 3% of all cats in the United States. It cannot be removed from the body, and the condition is always deadly.
In order to avoid contracting FeLV, immunization is strongly advised. Fortunately, since an effective vaccine and reliable diagnostic methods were developed, the prevalence of FeLV in cats has decreased considerably over the past 25 years.
3rd Week in July - National Feed a Rescue Pet Week
In order to aid as many animals as possible, The Animal Rescue Site by GreaterGood.org collaborated to create the first-ever "National Feed a Rescue Pet Week" in July of 2017.
August Cat Holidays
August 8 - International Cat Day
Every year on August 8, people around the world celebrate International Cat Day. In 2002, the International Fund for Animal Welfare founded it. It's a day to educate people about cats and how to care for and protect them.
One of the biggest animal welfare and environmental charities in the world is the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), which was established by Brian Davies back in 1939. The group fights for increased protection while also working to rescue individual animals, protect populations, protect ecosystems, and preserve them.
August 17 - National Black Cat Appreciation Day
Despite superstitions, all cats, especially black ones, are incredibly adorable. These feline species could appear mysterious with their sleek, black coats, just like the majority of cats do. Additionally, they are as clever or evasive as tabbies, cinnamon, ginger, calico, white, or gray cats.
National Black Cat Day was first established on 27th October 2011 by Cats Protection. It was discovered when the campaign was first introduced that black cats took an average of one week longer to find a home than cats of other colors. The campaign was started to honor black cats and to help promote them as lovely pets deserving of the same love and care as other cats.
Volunteer to help the shelters in your community and consider adopting a black cat to show your love for them too!
August 22 - National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day
National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day, which occurs on the 22nd of August was established as a reminder that your furbabies need regular check ups too! Humans are accustomed to routinely seeing the dentist, doctor, and optometrist for checkups, but many cat owners only take their felines to the vet when they are experiencing medical issues.
Consider this event beneficial for both you and your cat if you can keep them supple and healthy by spotting any medical issues before they require time-consuming and expensive therapy.
September Cat Holidays
September - Happy Cat Month
It's a common misperception that cats are very independent and don't require the same level of molly-coddling as dogs. But the truth is they are very friendly pets, and they require the same amount of love and attention as our dogs.
The CATalyst Council created Happy Cat Month to promote knowledge and understanding our cat companion's welfare, health, and importance.
Celebrating Cat Month doesn't need to be fancy. You can celebrate it just by simply going for a walk or a date with your cat, but if you want to go for something huge, you can adopt!
September 1 - Ginger Cat Appreciation Day
A ginger stray cat was discovered in 1997 by Chris Roy, a former software developer who became an animal rights activist. He brought the stray home and made the decision to temporarily foster him out of compassion. He had no idea how that kitten's runt would alter the direction of his life, which he later named Doobert, who lived for 17 years.
In 2014, Roy's life was turned upside down by Doobert's passing, which plunged him into a state of intense sadness. In memory of his late ginger cat, Roy established September 1 as Ginger Cat Appreciation Day and introduced Doobert, an online service that connects animal shelters and rescue organizations with volunteers across the world.
Since 2014, Doobert has worked with more than 1,200 nonprofits in North America and gathered a volunteer base of over 27,000 animal lovers. Roy wants people to know that it is our responsibility as humans to look after our animal companions.
September 5 - National White Cat Day
National Black Cat Day is celebrated on the 27th of October, but have you ever wondered if there's a day to commemorate white cats too?
According to whatnationaldayisit.com , a website that does the research of finding if there's any carbon footprint of anything related to White Cat Day on the internet, the most recent detection in reference to White Cat Day was 1 year, 11 months ago.
September 13 - Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day
Approximately 65-85% of white cats with blue eyes are born deaf.
David Rogers established Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day in 2014 to raise awareness of the "interactive role people play in our pets' physical birth problems as well as their mental health." This day is dedicated to educating the public about pet birth defects and the significance of identification, prevention, and treatment.
September 19 - National Meow Like a Pirate Day
Since 1995, September 19th has been celebrated as Talk Like a Pirate Day, but in 2015, Meow Like a Pirate Day was added to honor cats. They now have a fantastic opportunity to set sail and use their sea paws.
Even if at first it might not seem like the most logical thing to do, there is some historical support for the relationship. They were viewed by the sailors as lucky charms that could ward off evil spirits (and, of course, rats).
October Cat Holidays
October - Black Cat Month
One of the many reasons why black cats should be adopted, especially during this month of awareness, is that when it comes to felines in pop culture, black cats rule.
Felix the Cat, Snowball II from The Simpsons, and Jiji from the famed anime Kiki's Delivery Service are three excellent black cats championing the cause. The list is endless!
October is officially designated as Black Cat Awareness Month. The month is meant to promote the adoption of black cats, who, sadly, have lower adoption rates than differently colored cats.
October 12 - National Pet Obesity Awareness Day
In the United States, the rate of overweight and obese pets has reached epidemic proportions, with one in four cats struggling with the issue, according to Banfield Pet Hospital's State of Pet Health Report.
Although overweight cats may be fluffy and adorable, we can't overlook the fact that they are always in danger due to potential repercussions of their unhealthful diet, which we, as owners, are responsible for.
Something more about the holiday itself?
October 16 - Global Cat Day
Global Cat Day is led by Alley Cat Allies to save cats from being harmed and killed.
They started this advocacy with the goal of encouraging everyone for the sustainable, nonlethal neutering and returning of cats and making it clear that the Endangered Species Act does not legalize cruelty to cats.
To get involved and support this initiative, watch the video on their Youtube channel and sign a pledge to show your support.
October 27 - Black Cat Appreciation Day
Black Cat Appreciation Day was established in 2011 by Wayne H. Morris in memory of his sister and Sinbad, a 20-year-old black cat. That year, both Sinbad and his sister passed away. Morris established the holiday in an effort to debunk common misconceptions about black cats. Every year since 2011, the celebration has grown tremendously.
Sadly, still many individuals are likely not to acquire black cats because of the superstitions surrounding them. That's why we celebrate Black Cat Appreciation Day for this reason. With the help of this national event, we can honor and raise awareness for the house panther breed.
Consider adopting a black cat or trying to volunteer at your neighborhood shelter.
October 30 - National Treat Your Pet Day
On October 30th, 2021, Dr. Marty Pets launched the first-ever National Treat Your Pet Day to mark the beginning of the holiday and Halloween.
Today is the day that our cherished cats can enjoy their favorite snacks or goodies! Even though we all advocate for our cats' healthy diets, there's no harm in occasionally offering them extra treats. So now that they've been eating healthfully for a year, it's time to indulge their taste senses! There are several different reward options available for your greatest buddy, including biscuits, kibbles, and cookies that are pet-friendly.
November Cat Holidays
November - Adopt a Senior Pet Month
A cat's nine lives may not be as long-lasting as we initially believed given that their average lifespan varies from 10 to 15 years. Nevertheless, you and your senior cat might spend a lot of pleasant years together with the right medical attention.
Like people, senior cats may need some adjusting because they may be accustomed to their ways. But most of the time they can be quickly connected with the appropriate family or person. So, if you're looking for a new friend, don't discount an older cat.
The ASPCA established Adopt a Senior Pet Month to change people's perceptions of senior pets as adoptable companions. They are just as adaptable as the younger ones, and often even more so.
If you decide to adopt this year, think about getting an older animal.
November - Pet Cancer Awareness Month
The first National Pet Cancer Awareness Month was observed in 2005. The Animal Cancer Foundation and Nationwide launched this holiday in an effort to raise money and awareness for the main cause of death in pets.
Since the dawn of ancient civilizations, there has been a record of animal cancer. Cancer has been recognized and studied in both humans and animals. One such is the discovery of written accounts of animal cancer in Egypt in the year 1600 B.C.
All throughout November, pet lovers from across the nation observe National Pet Cancer Awareness Month to give pets that are battling cancer a little extra love and raise awareness of ways to avoid or treat cancer in our animal friends.
November 6 - 12 - Animal Shelter Appreciation Week
Many animal shelters are non-profit. This means they depend on donations and grants to stay open even when the service they provide is so vital to civil orderliness.
Shelters primarily serve the function of finding a home for stray animals, but they also facilitate reuniting lost pets with their house owners and may provide animal health services, behavioral evaluations, training, pet-sitting, grooming, and humane education.
Although they play a crucial role in society, animal shelter staff often work for below-average wages (or even just on a volunteer basis), making it even more important to dedicate a special holiday to thank them.
The Humane Society of the United States founded National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week in 1996 to acknowledge and appreciate the role of animal shelters in communities all over the country.
Don't forget to support your local animal shelter!
November 18 - Feline Infectious Peritonitis Day
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a virus that affects cats and is brought on by specific feline coronavirus strains. The majority of feline coronavirus strains are found in the digestive system and do not typically cause serious illness.
FeCV-infected cats typically don't exhibit any symptoms during the initial viral infection, but they occasionally get mild upper respiratory indications and/or brief episodes of diarrhea, which they recover from on their own. Over a half million dollars in contributions from animal lovers have supported 26 important studies by FIP experts around the world since the program's inception.
Some cats are now dealing with FIP as a chronic condition rather than a terminal one, because of persistent dedication to the paws' cause.
December Cat Holidays
December - National Cat Lover’s Month
Cats are amazing pets, and an entire month has been set aside to celebrate them in order to showcase their fascinating qualities. Although it would seem like National Cat Lovers Month should be about cat lovers, cats are usually the center of attention (as if they don't get enough attention on a normal day 😹).
They can be unpredictable, fiercely independent, and difficult to tame, sometimes. But they can also be quiet, lovable, affectionate, gregarious, enthusiastic, and outgoing. Cats are frequently misunderstood and mistreated simply because many people perceive them to be distant and aloof. However, cats can actually be very playful and make wonderful friends. We can't deny how much happiness they brought to our lives, which makes us love them unconditionally and turns us into cat lovers.
December 1 - Shelter Pets Day
Shelter Pets Day is observed on December 1. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and Maddie's Fund (a pet advocacy organization) collaborated to start this pet holiday in 2010 as a day for those who have adopted pets to share images on social media. The day promotes awareness for animals in shelters, including dogs and cats.
Originally focused on Facebook, it has expanded to include all social media platforms, engaging over 100 pets and their owners. Through collaboration between the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the Ad Council, and Maddie's Fund, the event raises awareness about the importance of adopting pets from shelters while the internet and social media platforms play a crucial role in connecting potential adopters with shelter animals.
December 10 - International Animal Rights Day
Animals ought to be treated with respect, dignity, and care, and humans occasionally need to be reminded of this fact because we live on a globe with so many different species. All creatures on Earth ought to be treated fairly and considerately, regardless of whether they are humans or animals.
Following the torture of people during World War II in Nazi Germany's concentration camps, the UN adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10 of that year. Following this, groups, clubs, and people from all around the world began calling for the expansion of this statement to include all species, and for December 10 to be designated as a day for promoting animal rights.
Despite the term's introduction, an official declaration in support of animal rights wasn't passed until 1998. Uncaged, an organization dedicated to animal welfare (now the Centre for Animals and Social Justice), established International Animal Rights Day to bring attention to all forms of animal abuse.
December 15 - National Cat Herders Day
Cat Herders Day celebrates people whose daily activities resemble cat herding!!!
Cats may seem innocent, charming, and lovely, but how much mischief can they really get into, just like our lives or our jobs in general? No matter how well-planned we are, rogue cats still manage to escape, which can be compared to when we are concentrating on our chores and one spills the milk or sets off a domino effect of complications. Before we know it, chaos breaks out.
Here's the funny part: even though working at your neighborhood cat shelter is the only job even vaguely comparable to herding cats, this day is not specifically dedicated to felines. This event honors people who can control both themselves and others in the face of turmoil.
The idiom "like herding cats" was popularized during a Super Bowl commercial in 2000 by EDS.
