"Time spent with cats is never wasted."
Sigmund Freud
The History of International Cat Day
International Cat Day is celebrated annually on August 8th. This observance was created in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to raise awareness about cats and their needs, promote cat adoption, and celebrate the bond between humans and their feline companions. Since its inception, International Cat Day has grown in popularity and is now celebrated worldwide, with events, social media campaigns, and special activities dedicated to cats.
The day is observed in many countries, with particular enthusiasm in nations where cats are popular pets, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia. Cat lovers use this day to spoil their pets with extra treats, toys, and affection, while animal welfare organizations often run campaigns to encourage cat adoption and raise awareness about the welfare of stray and feral cats.
Where is International Cat Day Observed?
Global Observance: International Cat Day is celebrated worldwide, with significant participation in countries where cats are common household pets.
United States: Cat owners and animal welfare organizations actively participate in the observance, often through social media and local events.
United Kingdom: Celebrations include charity events, adoption drives, and educational programs about cat care.
Japan: Known for its strong affection for cats, Japan observes the day with various cat-themed events, from pop-up cafes to art exhibitions.
Australia: Animal shelters and rescue groups in Australia use the day to promote cat adoption and responsible pet ownership.
Variants, Other Names, and Related Observances
World Cat Day: An alternative name for International Cat Day, emphasizing its global reach.
National Cat Day: Celebrated on October 29th in the United States, focusing on raising awareness about cat adoption.
Cat Lovers Day: A more informal observance that celebrates the love and affection people have for their cats.
Related observances:
National Pet Day: Celebrated on April 11th, this day honors all pets, including cats.
National Black Cat Appreciation Day: Observed on August 17th, promoting the adoption of black cats, which are often overlooked.
Hug Your Cat Day: Celebrated on June 4th, a fun day to show extra affection to your feline friend.
World Animal Day: Celebrated on October 4th, focusing on the welfare of all animals, including cats.
Facts About Cats
Cats Have Been Domesticated for Over 9,000 Years: The domestication of cats is believed to have started around 7,500 BCE in the Near East.
Cats in Ancient Egypt: Cats were revered in ancient Egypt, where they were considered sacred and associated with the goddess Bastet.
Cat Whiskers Are Highly Sensitive: A cat’s whiskers are embedded deep in its skin and are connected to its nervous system, allowing it to detect changes in its environment.
Purring Isn’t Just for Happiness: Cats purr when they’re happy, but also when they’re scared, injured, or in pain as a way to soothe themselves.
Cats Can Jump Up to Six Times Their Length: Cats are incredibly agile and can leap significant distances thanks to their powerful hind legs.
Cats Have 18 Toes: Most cats have five toes on each front paw and four on each back paw, totaling 18 toes.
A Group of Cats Is Called a Clowder: A group of kittens, on the other hand, is called a kindle.
The World’s Oldest Known Pet Cat: The remains of a pet cat buried alongside its owner were discovered in Cyprus and date back about 9,500 years.
Cats Can’t Taste Sweets: Unlike humans, cats lack the taste receptors for sweetness, which is why they don’t crave sugary treats.
Famous Literary Cats: Cats have been featured prominently in literature, from the Cheshire Cat in "Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland" to T.S. Eliot’s "Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats."
Cats Have a Unique Gait: When a cat walks, its back paw steps into almost the exact same spot as the front paw did before it, giving them a silent, stealthy walk.
Cats’ Eyes Can Reflect Light: The tapetum lucidum in a cat’s eyes reflects light, enhancing their night vision and giving their eyes that characteristic glow in the dark.
The Heaviest Domestic Cat: The heaviest recorded domestic cat weighed in at a hefty 21.3 kg.
Cats’ Ears Can Rotate 180 Degrees: Cats have a highly developed sense of hearing, and their ears can rotate to pinpoint the direction of a sound.
Cats Spend 70% of Their Lives Sleeping: Cats are known for their love of sleep, spending around 16 to 20 hours a day napping.
Cats Sweat Through Their Paws: Unlike humans, cats don’t have sweat glands all over their bodies; they sweat only through their paws.
There Are 500 Million Domestic Cats Worldwide: Domestic cats are one of the most popular pets globally, with an estimated population of 500 million.
Cats and Their Sense of Smell: Cats have a highly developed sense of smell, which is about 14 times stronger than that of humans.
Cats Communicate with Humans Through Meowing: Interestingly, adult cats typically only meow to communicate with humans, not with each other.
The World’s Longest-Living Cat: Creme Puff, the world’s longest-living cat, lived to be 38 years old, a record that still stands.
Controversies Surrounding International Cat Day
While International Cat Day is widely celebrated, there are some controversies and issues that have arisen:
Overbreeding and Genetic Issues: The popularity of certain cat breeds has led to overbreeding, causing genetic health problems in some breeds.
Cat Declawing: The practice of declawing cats is highly controversial and is banned in many countries due to the pain and long-term effects it causes.
Outdoor Cats and Wildlife: There is ongoing debate about whether cats should be allowed outdoors, as they can pose a significant threat to local wildlife populations.
Stray and Feral Cat Populations: The large populations of stray and feral cats in many areas are a concern, leading to discussions about ethical ways to manage these populations.
Cat Hoarding: Cat hoarding is a serious issue where individuals keep more cats than they can properly care for, leading to poor living conditions for the animals.
Animal Testing: The use of cats in laboratory testing for medical and scientific research remains a contentious issue among animal rights activists.
Commercialization of Pets: The commercialization of pets, particularly through social media, has led to concerns about the welfare of cats used in advertising and entertainment.
Pet Obesity: With more sedentary lifestyles and overfeeding, pet obesity has become an increasing concern among cat owners and veterinarians.
Exotic Pet Trade: The illegal trade of exotic cats as pets poses significant ethical and conservation issues, often leading to poor outcomes for the animals involved.
Cultural Differences in Cat Treatment: The treatment of cats varies widely across cultures, leading to discussions about what constitutes ethical treatment and care.
Language Expressions Related to International Cat Day
"Curiosity Killed the Cat": A phrase warning about the dangers of unnecessary investigation or experimentation.
"Let the Cat Out of the Bag": To reveal a secret or disclose something that was supposed to be hidden.
"Cat Got Your Tongue?": A phrase used when someone is unusually silent or hesitant to speak.
"Cool Cat": A term used to describe someone who is calm, stylish, or unflappable.
"Cat’s Pajamas": An old-fashioned phrase meaning something or someone is excellent or outstanding.
"Scaredy-Cat": A term for someone who is easily frightened.
"Fat Cat": A term used to describe a wealthy and powerful person, often with negative connotations of greed.
"Cat Nap": A short, light sleep or rest, akin to how cats frequently nap throughout the day.
"Like a Cat on a Hot Tin Roof": Refers to someone who is agitated or restless.
"Look What the Cat Dragged In": A humorous or sarcastic way of greeting someone who has arrived, especially if they are disheveled.
The Future of International Cat Day
Looking forward, International Cat Day may continue to evolve and expand in several ways:
Increased Focus on Adoption: Future observances might place more emphasis on promoting cat adoption, particularly from shelters and rescue organizations.
Global Education Campaigns: Efforts to educate cat owners on responsible pet ownership, including the importance of spaying/neutering and regular veterinary care, may become more widespread.
Technology in Cat Care: The use of technology, such as smart collars, apps for health monitoring, and interactive toys, could become more prominent in how we care for cats.
Sustainability and Pet Products: The observance might also focus on promoting sustainable and eco-friendly cat products, reducing the environmental impact of pet ownership.
Addressing Stray and Feral Cats: Initiatives to manage and reduce stray and feral cat populations humanely could become a central theme of the day.
Mental Health Benefits: The role of cats in improving human mental health may receive more attention, with campaigns highlighting how cats contribute to emotional well-being.
Cultural Celebrations: As the day gains popularity, it could incorporate more diverse cultural traditions and practices involving cats.
Virtual Events: Online events, such as virtual cat shows, webinars, and live streams, may become a standard part of the observance, allowing global participation.
Increased Advocacy: The day could serve as a platform for advocating for stronger animal protection laws and regulations worldwide.
Celebrity and Influencer Involvement: Continued involvement of celebrities and influencers could help raise awareness and funds for cat-related causes.
Movies About or Related to International Cat Day
The Aristocats (1970)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt0065421/ (Note: An animated classic about a group of pampered cats trying to find their way home.)
Puss in Boots (2011)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt0448694/ (Note: A spin-off of the Shrek series, focusing on the adventures of the charismatic cat, Puss in Boots.)
Cats (2019)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt5697572/ (Note: A film adaptation of the famous musical, featuring anthropomorphic cats.)
Kedi (2016)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt4420704/ (Note: A documentary about the stray cats of Istanbul and the people who care for them.)
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt0051459/ (Note: A classic film based on the Tennessee Williams play, with the title metaphorically referencing a cat.)
Nine Lives (2016)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt4383594/ (Note: A comedy where a man is trapped in the body of a cat and must figure out how to return to his human form.)
A Street Cat Named Bob (2016)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt3606888/ (Note: A heartwarming true story about a man whose life is changed by a stray cat named Bob.)
Garfield: The Movie (2004)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt0356634/ (Note: A live-action/animated film featuring the famous lazy, lasagna-loving cat.)
Keanu (2016)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt4139124/ (Note: A comedy about two friends who must retrieve a stolen kitten, Keanu.)
The Cat Returns (2002)
IMDb: www.imdb.com/title/tt0347618/ (Note: A Japanese animated fantasy film about a girl who saves a cat and is then whisked away to a world of talking cats.)
References
www.ifaw.org/international-cat-day
www.daysoftheyear.com/days/international-cat-day
www.petfinder.com/blog/2021/08/international-cat-day
www.humanesociety.org/resources/international-cat-day
www.washingtonpost.com/animals/2022/08/08/international-cat-day