National Kitten Day

Celebrated on 07/10/2026

Quick Fact

National Kitten Day, celebrated on July 10th, was founded by Colleen Paige, a pet and family lifestyle expert, to encourage the adoption of kittens and highlight the importance of spaying and neutering. In the United States, approximately 3.4 million cats enter shelters each year, and kitten season—from spring to fall—often overwhelms rescue organizations.

Origins and Establishment of National Kitten Day National Kitten Day was established in 2012 by Colleen Paige, a renowned animal behaviorist and advocate for pet adoption. Paige created the day to raise awareness about the plight of orphaned kittens and to promote adoption from shelters and rescue groups. The date, July 10, was chosen to coincide with the peak of "kitten season," when shelters are inundated with litters of unwanted kittens.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration Since its inception, National Kitten Day has grown in popularity through social media campaigns, where pet owners share photos and stories of their adopted kittens. Many animal shelters and rescue organizations host special adoption events, offer reduced fees, and provide educational resources on kitten care. The day has also become a platform to advocate for spaying and neutering to reduce the number of homeless kittens.

Facts & General Observations - Approximately 1.4 million cats are euthanized in U.S. shelters each year, many of whom are healthy kittens that could have been adopted. - A female cat can have up to three litters per year, with an average of four to six kittens per litter, contributing to overpopulation. - Social media posts with the hashtag #NationalKittenDay reach millions of users annually, helping to connect adoptable kittens with potential owners.

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