Celebrated on 10/29/2026
National Cat Day was founded by pet lifestyle expert and author Colleen Paige in 2005 to raise awareness about the millions of cats in need of adoption. It is celebrated annually on October 29 in the United States, encouraging people to appreciate and adopt cats. Over 3.4 million cats enter U.S. shelters each year, and this day helps promote adoption and responsible pet ownership.
National Cat Day was founded in 2005 by Colleen Paige, a pet and family lifestyle expert, animal advocate, and author. The day was created to highlight the plight of homeless cats and to encourage cat adoption. Paige chose October 29 as the date to celebrate the holiday, aiming to bring attention to the millions of cats that enter shelters each year and to promote the importance of spaying and neutering. The holiday quickly gained traction through social media and animal welfare organizations.
Over the years, National Cat Day has evolved from a grassroots campaign into a widely recognized holiday celebrated across the United States and beyond. Animal shelters and rescue groups often hold special adoption events, offering reduced fees or waived adoption costs to find homes for cats. Social media plays a significant role, with users sharing photos and stories of their feline companions using the hashtag #NationalCatDay. The day is also used to educate the public about cat care, health, and the benefits of adopting rather than buying cats.
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